Photo Gallery Battle of the Beards
A final check: Jürgen Burkhardt gives his artful creation a final once-over. He and his seated competitor, Wilhelm Erz are taking part in the International German Beard Championships.
It's hard to believe but all the facial hair on display was real. Some of the entrants do, however, get to use hairspray to create their unique look.
The competition, which drew entrants from six European countries, was held in Bavaria.
Hanna Tozen came all the way from London to watch the competition. Her fake handlebar, of course, was not allowed in the contest.
The championship was divided into 17 categories, from Dali moustaches to natural beards.
Every shape imaginable was on display.
The competition, which was held in Eging am See, drew 127 entrants from Germany, England, Poland, France, Austria and Switzerland.
Just as in a beauty pageant, the competitors had to parade in front of judges who awarded them between 5 and 10 points.
Gerhardt Knapp appeared in the freestyle category. Many of the contestants dressed up in wacky outfits to go with their crazy facial hear.
Even Karl Marx would have been proud of these two bushy specimens.
