It’s time to get excited, people. There are only 481 days until the next World Beard and Moustache–that’s “moostaash” not “musstash”–Championships, which will take place in Trondheim, Norway, on May 14, 2011. The gentleman with the most epic facial vegetation from 2009′s event–yeah, it’s once every two years because, you know, it takes a long time to grow hair so long–is Anchorage, Alaska native, David Traver. While Traver won in the overall category, there are 18 other categories in which men, or women, can be judged in the sport of beard, including Alaskan Whaler, Dali, Imperial, Freestyle, Fu Manchu and Musketeer. Apparently, America is the best.

“The United States is the world’s new facial hair super power, having captured twelve world championship titles out of eighteen categories plus overall at the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Anchorage, Alaska on May 23, 2009. Possessing home field advantage, the USA was able to dethrone Germany which had dominated this competition since its inception.”

There’s no doubt that this is good sport, but it is art? I dunno, sure. Anybody who alters his or her body to the point where prizes are awarded should be called an artist. What do you think?

If you or someone you know owns a fancy or otherwise impressive beard, hit this link for information on Beard Team USA, the National Championships of which are taking place in Bend, Oregon, on June 5, 2010.

“Cash prizes totaling $5000 will go to the the owners of the best beards and moustaches in the country.”

[Courtesy of Lost at E Minor]