World's best beards compete in Antwerp

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The World Beard and Moustache Championships took place over the weekend in Belgium.

Hosted this year by the Antwerp Moustache Club, the biennial competition recognises the most impressive and well-groomed facial hair from around the globe.

Entrants are divided into 17 categories including, Dali Moustache, Fu Manchu and Freestyle Goatee; each of which is subject to strict requirements.

Founded in 1990 by a beard club in a small village in Germany’s Black Forest, the sport - known as international bearding - has grown to include beard clubs from all over the world.

Previous championships have been hosted in Texas, Berlin, Alaska and various other locations worldwide.

Here The Independent has compiled portraits of the best contenders from this year’s contest.