8th Annual Alberta Beard & Moustache Competition
Join us May 24th at The Palomino Smokehouse
Alberta Beard & Moustache Competition
8th Annual Alberta Beard and Moustache Competition
What a night! The 8th Annual Alberta Beard & Moustache Championships went down on May 24th, 2025, and it was one hell of a show. Beards, brews, and a packed house of legends, all in support of the Veterans Association Food Bank.
Check out our recap of the 2025 ABMC
About the Event:
Held at The Palomino in downtown Calgary, the 8th Annual Alberta Beard and Moustache Championships brought together epic beards, fierce competition, and unmatched camaraderie. Whether you were competing or cheering from the sidelines, this year’s event was one to remember.
Categories & Prizes:
Below is an overview of the 2025 competition categories—we'll announce any changes or additions for 2026 early next year.
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Beard under 4": This category celebrates the artistry and grooming skills of individuals with shorter facial hair. Contestants with beards measuring under 4 inches in length will showcase precision grooming and styling techniques, emphasizing neatness and definition within a compact frame.
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Beard 4"-8": Participants in this category exhibit meticulously maintained facial hair ranging from 4 to 8 inches in length. With a balance between length and manageability, contestants will present well-groomed beards that highlight their dedication to cultivating a distinguished appearance.
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Beard 8"-12": For individuals who have dedicated time and effort to growing substantial facial hair, the 8"-12" category showcases impressive beards spanning lengths from 8 to 12 inches. Contestants will demonstrate mastery in grooming and styling longer beards, emphasizing volume, shape, and overall presentation.
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Beard Over 12": This category is reserved for the boldest and most committed beard enthusiasts sporting facial hair exceeding 12 inches in length. Contestants will display majestic and awe-inspiring beards, demonstrating exceptional care and creativity in maintaining their magnificent lengths.
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Partial Beard: Creativity takes center stage in the Partial Beard category, where contestants showcase unconventional and artistic approaches to facial hair. From goatees to sideburns, contestants will present unique and imaginative designs that push the boundaries of traditional beard styles.
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Freestyle Beard: Unleash your creativity in the Freestyle Beard category, where contestants have the freedom to sculpt and style their facial hair into extraordinary works of art. From intricate braids to whimsical shapes, participants will captivate the audience with their innovative and imaginative beard designs.
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Freestyle Moustache: In this category, participants showcase their flair for facial hair with bold and expressive moustache designs. From handlebars to imperial styles, contestants will exhibit creativity and precision in shaping and styling their moustaches, earning admiration for their distinctive and charismatic looks.
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Build a Beard: This category invites participants to showcase their creativity and ingenuity by constructing unique facial hair creations using a variety of materials. From yarn to feathers, contestants will craft imaginative and whimsical beard designs that showcase their artistic vision and craftsmanship, transforming facial hair into wearable art.
Judging Panel:
We had an absolutely stellar lineup of expert judges from the beard and grooming industry to ensure fair and knowledgeable evaluations of all competitors. You can read more about our judges and emcee below!
Raffle & Charity:
Thanks to our generous sponsors and attendees, we raised $1,250 for the Veterans Association Food Bank in 2025.
If you're a business looking to get involved in 2026, get in touch—we’ll be back and better than ever.
Event Photography:
We’re always looking for passionate photographers to help us capture the energy of this event. If that sounds like you, drop us a line for next year’s comp!
Get Involved:
Want to sponsor, volunteer, or donate a prize for next year's competition? Contact us at info@mammothbeard.ca.
Follow us on social media for updates and teasers leading up to the event. See you there!
2025 Emcee & Judging Panel
EMCEE: Nathan Gareau
Nathan Gareau is best known these days as 'The Knife Guy', the face behind the marketing at Knifewear, and former shop manager of Kent of Inglewood. With years of experience helping Calgary beards look their best, he's got a keen eye for the hirsute. Outside of work, he loves craft beer, chopping wood, and spending time with his family as much as any other Albertan.
Judge: Maher Chehade
Maher Chehade, owner of Canada’s largest barbershop, South Trail Barbershop, is bringing his expertise and passion for grooming to the 2025 ABMC judging panel. Maher has created a space where every haircut is more than just a trim—it’s an opportunity to express yourself and walk out with newfound confidence. At South Trail Barbershop, he’s dedicated to providing not only the best cuts but also a welcoming environment where clients can unwind, connect, and feel like the best versions of themselves. With his wealth of experience and commitment to quality, Maher is excited to contribute to this year’s competition.
Judge: Richard Caruana
Richard has been sporting beards since the tender age of 19, which means he’s been cultivating facial masterpieces for a whopping 28 years. As a seasoned beard aficionado, he’s worn beards of every shape and size, from the classic lumberjack to the sportsman’s chinstrap.
At the Mammoth Beard Alberta Beard Competition, Richard is not just a judge—he’s a beard whisperer. With over two decades of barbershop expertise, his eye for detail is sharper than a freshly honed straight razor. Renowned for his precision and dedication, Richard knows how to spot a beard that’s not just good, but mammoth-worthy.
When he’s not scrutinizing the symmetry of chin curtains or admiring the sheen on a handlebar mustache, Richard enjoys pondering the existential questions of beard life, such as “Does my beard make me look wise?” and “Can I hide snacks in here for later?”
With his extensive experience and legendary beard credentials, Richard is here to ensure that every contestant leaves the competition feeling like the true beard champions they are.
Judge: Darrell Crawford
Darrell Crawford is a proud co-founder and caretaker of Beard Team Canada, with a long history of competing and judging in both local and international beard and moustache competitions. He’s represented Canada at the World Beard & Moustache Championships in Anchorage, Alaska (2009), Trondheim, Norway (2011), Austin, Texas (2017), and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (2025). He's a film actor & background performer as well as a passionate volunteer with his local food bank for 18 years, Darrell is also actively involved with Mammoth Beard Co.'s sales and distribution in Ontario. Having never missed an Alberta Beard & Moustache Championship, Darrell once again brings his extensive experience to the 2025 ABMC judging panel.
Judge: Terra Boreen
Owner of Master of None Barber Shop and lover of beards.
Terra, owner of Master of None Barber Shop in Marda Loop, is thrilled to bring her expertise to the 2025 ABMC judging panel. With a background in makeup artistry and a passion for all things hair, Terra discovered her true calling in barbering after returning to Alberta and diving into her career. Specializing in short hair and beards, she thrives on creativity and problem-solving, ensuring every client leaves with a personalized style. Terra is all about blending classic techniques with a fresh, creative twist.
2025 Sponsors
Alberta beard & Moustache Competition FAQ
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Nope! The event is free to attend for spectators. Just show up, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Only competitors are required to pay a $20 registration fee.
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This year, we’re proud to support The Veterans Association Food Bank. Proceeds from competitor registrations and our on-site raffle will go toward helping veterans and their families access essential food and support services.
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Registration is done in person on the day of the event between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM.
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Absolutely! The ABMC is open to anyone with facial hair (or the creativity to build one). Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or it’s your first time, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
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This one’s all about creativity! Contestants craft beards using non-hair materials—think yarn, feathers, beer tabs, etc. It’s a crowd favorite and open to anyone, even if you don’t have facial hair.
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The competition kicks off at 6:00 PM and usually wraps up between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, depending on the number of entries and categories.
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This is a 18+ event. Since it takes place at The Palomino Smokehouse—a fully licensed venue—minors will not be permitted.
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Definitely! This event is just as much fun for spectators as it is for competitors. Come enjoy the atmosphere, cheer people on, and soak up the good vibes.
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Not at this time. The Alberta Beard and Moustache Championships is a grassroots, community-driven event focused on fun, creativity, and celebrating local beard culture. That said, as the event continues to grow, we may explore partnerships or affiliations in the future!
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Yes! Here are a few great options within walking distance of The Palomino Smokehouse:
Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel: 3-minute walk
Hyatt Regency Calgary: 8-minute walk
Fairmont Palliser: 10-minute walk
Delta Hotels by Marriott: 12-minute walk
Homewood Suites by Hilton: 15-minute walkThese are just suggestions—we don’t have formal partnerships with any hotels at this time, but you're welcome to book whichever fits your needs best.
