8th Annual Alberta Beard & Moustache Championships: Brotherhood, Beards, and Big Wins

The 8th Annual Alberta Beard & Moustache Championships went down on May 24th, and it was everything we hoped for—and then some. Hosted once again at the legendary Palomino Smokehouse, the event brought together a fierce lineup of competitors, an electric crowd, and a whole lot of beard love, helping to raise funds for the Veterans Association Foodbank.

From gravity-defying moustaches to beards that looked like they'd been carved by mountain gods, this year's participants showed up ready to impress. Whether you were competing, judging, spectating, or just there for the beer and good vibes, you helped make this event one for the books.

$1,250 Raised for Veterans in Need

We're proud to share that together, we raised $1,250 for the Veterans Association Food Bank. This cause is close to our hearts, and seeing the bearded community come together to support it reminds us why we do this every year.

The Crowd, the Craft, the Chaos

If you've never been to ABMC, here's the deal: it's loud, and it's fun. The energy in the room was off the charts this year. Between the roars of support for our attending veteran Rick Merchant, the last-minute grooming touch-ups, and the playful banter between competitors, there was never a dull moment.

Gratitude Where It's Due

A massive shoutout to everyone who made this night happen:

• Our judges, Darrell of Beard Team Canada, Terra of Master of None Barbershop, Maher of South Trail Crossing Barbershop, & Richard of Denim & Smith Bankers Hall, who took their roles seriously (but not too seriously)
• Our emcee, Nathan of Kent of Inglewood, who kept the energy high and the crowd laughing
• Our partners, sponsors and prize donors who came through with epic raffle items (The Palomino Smokehouse, Kent of Inglewood, Last Best Brewing & Distilling, Routine, Eighty Eight Brewing, Beard Team Canada).
• A huge thank-you to Jacob, who showed up and captured the evening!
• And, of course, every single contestant who stepped on stage and gave it their all.

This event wouldn't be what it is without the people behind the beards—and those who come out year after year to cheer them on.

Meet the Champions

These legends walked away with the top spots in their categories—each beard (or' stache) a true masterpiece.

Beard Under 4"

Beard 4" - 8"

Beard 8"- 12"

Beard Over 12"

Freestyle Beard

Freestyle Moustache

Build a Beard

Best In Show

Until Next Time...

Year eight was a beast. We saw new faces, reunited with familiar ones, and got a reminder of just how incredible this community is. So here's to the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully whiskered. We'll see you for number nine.