The MEANest BEARD Worldwide Contest is proud to announce the TOP 12 best beards of 2021! The TOP 12 were selected by the 10 person MEAN BEARD Judge Panel out of 78 MEAN BEARD Contestants from 9 countries far and wide including Australia, Canada, India, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Sweden, USA, and the UK all vying for the title of the 2021 MEANest BEARD Worldwide Champion.
Narrowing down the 78 contestants to the TOP 12 was a very difficult task for the judges as there are so many excellent contenders worthy of the MEANest BEARD title, thereby declaring them the best beards of 2021. The judges took into consideration three main aspects: the composition of the beard, the story behind the beard, and the overall fit of the person to be a representation of the MEAN BEARD brand.
In no particular order, the TOP 12 MEANest BEARDS of 2021 are:
George Kelly - London, Ohio, USA
@Beardassessment
Bearded since: 2008
I spend a lot of my time with my family. I love cooking on the grill and watching some football.
MEAN BEARD Motto: Family first.
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
I've had facial hair since high school but in 2019 I entered my first beard Competition and got 2nd down in Cincinnati. It was so much fun that I have been competing ever since. I Love being a part of the bearded brotherhood and all the charity work that we do.
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Antwan Mauzy - Fairburn, Georgia, USA
@thebaldheaddread
Bearded since: 2016
I'm an Athletic Director at SLAM! Atlanta elementary and middle school. I love spending time with my family and my Poodle and Rottweiler. I ride motorcycles and enjoy classic cars.
MEAN BEARD Motto: We all have situations but we won't allow our situation determine our lives. I will determine my life by my decisions hardworking & sacrifice!
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
I think I have the MEANEST Beard because I blazed my own path. When I started my beard I couldn't find anyone who could give me advice on what I was looking for. I had to figure it out myself. It has been a journey. I never want to be like everyone else.
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Raymond Nichols - Elton, Louisiana, USA
@ranichols12
Bearded since: 2010
I'm 54, I took a disability retirement at 35. I became a stay at home dad to our 5 children. The oldest was 10. I'm a scratch baker because I'm Louisiana we like to feed everyone lol. I love cooking and helping with my grandkids. I realized I love working out and all the benefits that comes with it.
MEAN BEARD Motto: Show up every day and put in the work, even on days you don't feel like it! You don't have to be perfect, just good enough but good enough consistent!
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
My beard is an instant conversation starter. Children love it because they think I'm Santa much to the embarrassment of their parents. I just play along because I think it's great. I played Santa for a group of unwed mothers. One little girl they said didn't like strangers especially men. Before I left she was stuck to me like glue. The beard drew her in and she was fascinated by it. A year later she asked some friends about me.
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Scott Benton - Denham Springs, Louisiana, USA
@inkedscottyb
Bearded since: 2019
Scotty B here! I am metalhead through and through. Love tattoos going to concerts, supporting bands, being a content creator, and taking care of my beard. I work full time for a Civil Engineering firm using 3D scanning technology.
MEAN BEARD Motto: Stay Real. It's about being real and true about yourself. Don't be afraid to express who you are.
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
I joined the Navy from 2015-2019 and of course I had to shave everyday. Once I got my hands on my DD214 form, I made it a goal to start growing my beard out. It started in November 2019 and it has now turned into a full part of my life. People recognize me by my beard now. The grays in it show that I have gone through life and that alone expresses great attitude!
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Matt McLear - Ogdensburg, NY, USA
@BeardLaws
Bearded since: Birth I'm Pretty Sure
I am the owner of Beard Laws. By day I work for an amazing heating and plumbing supply company and by night I am a father and brand owner. I do a podcast that I enjoy a TON. Other stuff too but let's be honest you stopped reading this already.
MEAN BEARD Motto: Anyone can have a beard, I have a beard that can change the world.
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
Beard Laws loves to raise money for a great cause. I was able to raise enough money to replace the TV's at the local Cancer Center in my hometown. I have had family members personally sit at this facility for several hours and it's tough to pass the time on these older TV's. Who wants to watch The Price Is Right on a small TV that shuts off every so many minutes and you can't tell if Drew Carey is fat or not?
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Jimmy Nordvall - Stockholm, Hammarbysjöstad, SWEDEN
@jimmynordvall
Bearded since: 2015
40 years old, 4 kids, work for the same company since 1998, beer, movies, beard community, friends and family
MEAN BEARD Motto: Life is hard, but there is always someone who has a harder life than you, so keep fighting and working hard.
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
I started growing my beard in 2015. I was in the hospital, almost dead. That day I started my new life and my beard.
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Praveen Parameswar - Kodumon, Kerala, INDIA
@Praveen_parameswar_official
Bearded since: 2012
Proud Beard Model, Actor, Assistant /Associate Director, Filmmaker, Singer.
MEAN BEARD Motto: My beard life is like the immense love of a mother to her child. I take care of my beard in such a way that how a mother nurture and heed her child.
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
Initially, I faced so many derides and challenges. But later, fortunately, the same who deride me appreciated me for my accomplishments, and moreover, they also started growing beard .... this is my triumph.
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Chris Miller - Tarkio, MO, USA
@stache_mechanic
Bearded since: 2019
Lifetime mechanic, jack of all trades, master of few, any outdoor hobbies, hunting, fishing, family.
MEAN BEARD Motto: Hard work and consistency.
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
I have the meanest beard because in 2019 I decided to dedicate growing an awesome beard in honor of my sobriety. In the process I've discovered a whole world of awesome people and incredible beards!
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Bryan Banfield - Eagle River, Alaska, USA
@bryan.banfield
Bearded since: 2014
I am a father, grandfather, journeyman plumber, level 2 boiler operator, and a hvac technician. I enjoy learning new things and tinkering. I love cooking and the outdoors such as hiking, fishing, hunting and camping.
MEAN BEARD Motto: Don't be afraid to try something because everyone that has succeeded has failed more than anyone that has never tried!
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
I have always helped charities and fundraisers. I never knew the possibilities that a beard could do. My beard has given me the avenue to help raise money and hopefully make an impact on people's lives in a positive way. I couldn't imagine myself without a beard.
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Mattias Björk - Trelleborg, Skåne, SWEDEN
@trellebeard
Bearded since: 2015
I work as a service manager at an electricity company. I have a wife and two daughters. In my spare time I drive around with my VW Roadster. I love beer, wine and good food.
MEAN BEARD Motto: Always be kind and humble.
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
I started to grow my beard when I heard that my cousin had a big beard. Now my cousin is the one with the small beard. That's why I think I have a MEAN BEARD.
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Robert Michaelis - Lakeland, Florida, USA
@RobertWyatt13
Bearded since: 2016
Family over everything, first and foremost. I am a truss engineer. Fitness is a must daily. Golf with my father is a hobby. I also enjoy inspiring people through my socials, with laughter, motivation, and tough love. It saved my life, it very well could help another!
MEAN BEARD Motto: I'm the CEO of toxic positivity! I feed off inspiring others to be better and do better every single day. Let's go! Be great today!
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
I transformed my life in 2013 as I went through in-patient rehab for a 15 year drug addiction. I lost everything, my job, my family, my will to live ... complete rock bottom. I was so blinded by drug use, it makes me ill to think about it to this day, at this moment. When I say I was a different person I mean that wholeheartedly. I have been clean for 8 years now. It seems since I started my fitness transformation and growing my beard people are drawn to me, my story, my fire, my passion for life. I inspire people to change and to be grateful. This mindset changed my life. It has helped me inspire so many others as well. I feel blessed to be alive and to be able to share myself and my light with everyone.
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Troy Carmichael - Missoula, MT, USA
@rustythunderbeard
Bearded since: 2010
I'm just living my best life with so many hobbies. When I'm not helping people as a life coach/marriage counselor I'm making beautiful glass art in my glass shop or making/acting in movies. I let go of the corporate world to find this beardiful hippie that was inside of me.
MEAN BEARD Motto: Communication is key. Love is my religion.
Tell us why you have the MEANest BEARD?
I'm not mean so my beard has to be. The beard has survived almost 12 harsh winters in Montana and in that time it has stopped fights and saved lives. It has shown so many people that it doesn't matter what people say or think of you. In a world where you can be anything, just be yourself. Much love!
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WIN a $100 MEAN BEARD Gift Card!
Let us know who you think should be in the TOP 3 out of the TOP 12 contestants by leaving a comment below. You will be entered in a draw for a chance to win a $100 MEAN BEARD GIFT CARD. One entry per person. Draw will take place at end of contest after the 2021 MEANest BEARD Worldwide Champion has been announced.
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We would like to thank all 78 contestants. You all are an inspiration to us and to the world. At MEAN BEARD, it's not only the beard, it's the attitude. You make it clear that a MEAN BEARD is a symbol of strength, freedom, truth, patience and perseverance. We appreciate you sharing in this event and showing the world how MEAN your beard is! Stay MEAN!
The TOP 3 coming up soon!
Stay with us for the TOP 3 announcement. The MEAN BEARD Judge Panel will make their decision and announcement early to mid-next week. THEN, the 2021 MEANest BEARD Worldwide Champion will be determined and announced shortly after. Exciting!!
You can view all 78 contestants on MEAN BEARD Instagram or Facebook, see their full stories in the MEAN NEWS blog or a brief look in the contest photo gallery!
96 comments
my vote for praveen parameswar
My vote for Praveen Parameswar
George Kelly!!