10 Judges to decide the 2017 World's MEANest BEARD Champion

The 10 person MEAN BEARD judging panel, made up of 9 men and 1 woman will determine the 2017 MEANest BEARD Champion.  A total of 126 entries into the contest have been received from bearded gents from 23 countries around the world all proclaiming to have the World's MEANest beard.  They are all vying for the title of the 2017 World's MEANest BEARD.  The champion will claim the MEANest BEARD trophy and a MEAN prize pack valued up to $1,000 which includes beard care products from MEAN BEARD Co., and cool items donated from the contest's sponsors - Elderwood Handcraft, Gonzalez Handmade, One Eyed Cat Crafts, and MEAN Clothing Company.

The MEAN BEARD judge panel will narrow down the 126 contestants to the TOP 12 and make that announcement on January 12th.  They will then determine the TOP 3 which will be announced on January 15th, and then the Champion will be announced on January 17th. When determining the MEANest BEARD Champion, the main factor is obviously the beard.  However, it's not only the beard, it's also the attitude that deems a MEAN BEARD.  What's the story behind the beard, what does the beard stand for?  The judges will look closely at the story and who the person is behind the beard.  The MEANest BEARD Champion has to be able to represent what MEAN BEARD is all about.  You can view the contestants full stories on MEAN BEARD Instagram or Facebook, or a brief here on the website contest photo gallery.

The MEAN BEARD judges are: 

Founder and Owner of MEAN BEARD Co.  Barry is also the guitar player in the international rock band, Three Days Grace.  Facial hair has been a definitive look of his for over 20 years.

Machine shop worker and sponsored ambassador at MEAN BEARD.  Chad is also an active member of the Cincinnati Beard Barons and competes in charity beard competitions.

Chief Operating Officer at MEAN BEARD Co., and she takes care of customer service.  Being married to Barry, she knows what a MEAN BEARD is all about.  Heather entered all 126 contestants onto the website & social media, she holds you all close to heart and thinks you all are deserving of the title of MEANest BEARD, a few stories even made her cry.  She thanks you for opening up and sharing what your beard means to you. 

Lawyer in North Carolina and sponsored ambassador at MEAN BEARD.  Jimmy enjoys reaching out to help build others up within the bearding community and also enjoys entering charity beard competitions.

Managing Partner and MEAN BEARD Team Leader at MEAN BEARD Co.  Joe is an active member of the Cincinnati Beard Barons, and a strong advocate for the bleeding disorder community and Type 1 diabetes.  Growing a full natural beard is what Joe is all about.

Sponsored MEAN BEARD Ambassador Lance Wooton is a champion competitive bearder who holds the 2016 Nation's title to 2nd place natural full beard in the USA, and he is ranked 4th in the World, 2017, for natural full beard (45.1-60+cm). 

Sponsored MEAN BEARD ambassador hailing from the United Kingdom.  Lee is the reigning British Champion "Full Beard Styled Stache" and currently ranks 3rd in the world in the same category.  Lee is also the Beard Master General for #ibeard club on Facebook.

Sponsored MEAN BEARD ambassador and nephew of Barry.  Matt is passionate about the beard and the MEAN attitude that goes along with it.  He's always been Barry's MEAN right-hand man, helping with anything and everything.

The legend "Taxi Phil" is a sponsored ambassador at MEAN BEARD.  Phil is a founding father of the Cincinnati Beard Barons and currently serves as President of the Club. He has won well over 50 competitions and is currently ranked 3rd in the world for styled moustache.

Sponsored MEAN BEARD amabassador, Zac is a member of the Cincinnati Beard Barons and enjoys competitive bearding to raise money for charitable causes.