Our Masters of Ceremonies
We are stoked to bring the best MC's of the midwest (and a little east!) If you've been to a competition over the past 6 years in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Indiana, you've probably run into one of these three! We will be rotating our MC's throughout the evening so you'll never get bored, and also so they can mingle off stage a bit too.
Stephen (El Chapo) Alvarado
Hailing from Pontiac, Michigan, is a renowned figure in the bearding community. Formerly the Vice President of the Murder City Facial Hair Crew in Detroit, MI, Chapo has dedicated the past 9 years of his life to the art of bearding. Currently residing in Fort Worth, Texas, he has traveled far and wide to compete in beard competitions, from as far north as Barrie, Ontario, Canada, to as far south as Fort Worth, Texas, with many stops in between.
Chapo's passion for bearding extends beyond the competition stage. He cherishes the camaraderie and the opportunities for charitable work that arise within the bearding world. With his extensive experience and knowledge, he has had the privilege of judging and MC'ing numerous competitions over the years. Chapo's commitment to the bearding community and his dedication to both the art and the philanthropic aspects of bearding make him a beloved and respected figure among his peers.
“I love entertaining the crowd, making people laugh,
smiles, Hugs and Whoop Whoop make me happy.
DETROIT!”
Taxi Phil Jones
Considered an "OG" in the bearding community, having dedicated over 15 years to growing and maintaining his beard. He has showcased his beard on various stages, participating in competitions ranging from local festivals to the prestigious 2017 Worlds in Austin, TX. Phil is not only a competitor but also holds important roles within the community. He is a founding member and current president of the Cincinnati Beard Barons, which hosts the renowned Big Whisker Revival event. Additionally, he serves as the Vice-President of the NACBMA (North American Competitive Beard and Moustache Alliance). Outside of his bearding pursuits, Phil is an ice cream aficionado and is known for his skills as a judge, emcee, and auctioneer at competitions.
He is also a loving husband to his wife, Mrs. Jones. Phil and his partner, Sandy, have extensively traveled across the country to attend more than 100 bearding competitions, all in support of charitable causes. They find joy in witnessing the positive impact of the bearding community and eagerly anticipate reconnecting with familiar faces and forging new connections along the way.
Dr Adam Paul Causgrove
Dr Adam Paul Causgrove is Chief Executive of the American Mustache Institute and founder of the only globally-recognized facial hair centric policy think tank, MustacheForward.
Causgrove has judged and hosted beard and mustache competitions across the US and brings a unique appreciation for celebrating this ruggedly handsome lifestyle. Dr. Causgrove has been featured in Time Magazine, his grade school yearbook, and innumerable semi-scandalous day dreams.
Causgrove has judged and hosted beard and mustache competitions across the US and brings a unique appreciation for celebrating this ruggedly handsome lifestyle. Dr. Causgrove has been featured in Time Magazine, his grade school yearbook, and innumerable semi-scandalous day dreams.
Our Esteemed Judges
To come home with a title from Great American is an incredibly special thing, and we wouldn't leave the deciders up to just anybody. We carefully selected the most prominent and nitpicky professionals in the bearding community to be sure that the best of the best are truly rewarded. We are excited to announce our prestigious panel of judges as we get closer to the event.
Daniel Lawlor
Daniel Lawlor is a Detroit-born beardsman who moved to Los Angeles in 2006. A founding member of The Gentleman's Social Club of LA, he attended his first competition in 2011, and has since traveled the world in search of adventure, the unknown, and bearding glory.
An inveterate freestyler, he has taken home first-place finishes in the Freestyle Moustache category in six consecutive national championships and three world championships. In a bid to expand his repertoire, he has been growing a beard since 2017, most recently taking home a first place finish in the Full Beard Freestyle category at last year's world championships in Burghausen, Germany.
When not grooming himself in preparation for the stage, Daniel's other hobbies include traveling, scuba diving, learning Spanish, piloting helicopters, processing fissile materials from decommissioned nuclear power plants, designing self-replicating autonomous drones for underwater warfare, and spreading misinformation about himself in official judge biographies for beard competitions.
He is absolutely thrilled to return to his hometown for the next GABMC.
Dan C Bearded
Dan is a full-time content creator for the YouTube channel Dan C Bearded, where he focuses on all things beard-related. In addition to creating videos, Dan has also had the opportunity to judge 14 competitions, including the prestigious 2023 US Nationals.
Courtney Graham
This Whiskerina reining from Taylorsville, Utah has been involved in the bearding community for nearly ten years. Courtney is beyond honored to be asked to judge GABMC and support this charity event. She is even more excited to see all her new and old furry-faced friends and to make new memories in a city and state she has never been to before. Good luck to everyone!
Inkera
Inkera believes that laughter is the best medicine you can reward yourself and the world with daily.
She believes in #Magic and paying it forward.
Inkera rarely meets a stranger! She loves people, facial hair, photography, and charity (giving back to others). These are four of her favorite things.
This is one of the many reasons she fell in love with Beard and Mustache Competitions 7 years ago.
She is not a professional photographer, she just likes to act like one.
Bryan Nelson
As many of you may know, Bryan has a list of achievements longer than the average beardo. As a devoted partner and father to three incredible women, he balances family life with an impressive career in the world of facial hair and music. Since founding the Austin Facial Hair Club in 2007, Bryan has risen to become the President of the World Beard and Moustache Association and earned accolades as a participant in over 100 beard competitions globally. A passionate musician, he plays multiple instruments and is currently a member of the band Tarare, while also managing Japanese bands and running a record label, Australian Cattle God Records. His creative pursuits extend to typewriter collecting and amateur photography, and he has made appearances in various media, including IFC's "Whisker Wars." With numerous awards, including the "Lifetime Beard Achievement Award," he is a recognized figure in the beard community and a vibrant personality in the music scene.
Wags
Kristin “Wags” Wagner hails from Pittsburgh, PA, and currently resides in Cleveland, OH. She has been an active participant in the bearding scene since 2013 when she attended her inaugural beard competition. From that moment, she was captivated by the world of facial hair.
Kristin’s journey led her to join the Steel City Beard and Mustache Club, where she immersed herself in the competitive spirit. Since 2014, she has fearlessly competed in various categories, showcasing both her creative flair and realistic beard prowess.
In her previous roles, Kristin served as the Treasurer/Secretary of Beards of the Old Northwest in Cleveland, OH, and as the Vice President of the Steel City Beard and Mustache Club in Pittsburgh, PA. Currently, she takes pride in her position as the President of the Bearded Hero board.
Kristin “Wags” Wagner’s passion for bearding continues to shape her journey.
Narinderjeet (aka Nick) Singh Sabharwal!
Born in 1975 in New Delhi, India, Narinderjeet was raised with strong family values that emphasized hard work and dedication. After moving to Canada in 1995, he faced challenges but relied on his family’s support and Sikh faith. His interests include horseback riding with his son, collecting antique weaponry, reading, and gardening. Professionally, he began with a Bachelor's in Commerce but transitioned to a diploma in electronics, eventually establishing his own company in 2000, which merged with his father's business to create A Class Fabrication Co Ltd, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. A proud Sikh, Narinderjeet's philosophy is rooted in honesty and community service, reflected in his traditional attire and grooming. His unique style has made him a fashion icon, earning awards for his mustache at competitions across North America. Narinderjeet's journey from New Delhi to success in Canada highlights his resilience, cultural pride, and commitment to his heritage and personal interests.
