America Takes Top Honors in the 2009 World Beard and Moustache Championships

For the first time ever, America managed to take home the greatest number of prizes at the World Beard and Mustache Championships, besting international powerhouse Germany.  Held this year in Anchorage, Alaska, the biennial competition awarded the top honors to hometown hero David Travers, whose elaborately styled weave-beard was an homage to the snowshoes of his local climate.  

Critics have been abuzz with praise for the bold and unprecedented beard, with A. O. Scott is calling it “a rara avis in the world of bearding: exquisite, yet desperate, in its way, a darkened mirror of the tundra existence it pays homage to,” while Peter Travers (no relation!) raves, “Riveting.  This beard will haunt you long after you’ve seen it.”  Meet the rest of the beards, competing in categories like “Imperial Moustache” and “Freestyle Beard,” ATJ.  Pics and video.  

Source: World Beard and Moustache Championships, TMZ.