10 Judges to decide the 2018 World's MEANest BEARD Champion

The 10 person MEAN BEARD judging panel, made up of 9 men and 1 woman will determine the 2018 MEANest BEARD Champion.  A total of 141 entries into the contest have been received from bearded gents from 19 countries around the world all proclaiming to have the World's MEANest beard.  They are all vying for the title of the 2018 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 awesome prizes donated from the contest sponsors -  Kickasso Kustoms, Gonzalez Handmade, Ella Jude, Whiskertin Lighting, Applecreek Specialty Foods, and MEAN Clothing Company.

The MEAN BEARD judge panel will narrow down the 141 contestants to the TOP 12 and make that announcement on January 9th.  They will then determine the TOP 3 which will be announced on January 12th, and then the Champion will be announced on January 14th. 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 contestant's full stories on our blog in groups of 8, a brief on our contest photo gallery, and also on MEAN BEARD Instagram or Facebook.

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.

Managing Partner, Product Development 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.

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

Chief Operating Officer at MEAN BEARD Co., and Customer Service.  Being married to Barry she knows what a MEAN BEARD is all about.  Heather thanks all entrants for sharing what your beard Means to you. 

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.

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

The 2017 MEANest BEARD Champion and Sponsored MEAN BEARD ambassador.  Jamie's full, untrimmed beard measures in at approximately 24 inches from the bottom lip down to the longest point.  Jamie competes in beard competitions in the USA.

Sponsored MEAN BEARD ambassador.  Patrick holds the 2016 and 2018 US National Champion Mutton Chops title and the 2017 World's 2nd Place Mutton Chops title.

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 ambassador hailing from the United Kingdom.  Lee is the 2x 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.