Mitchell Strycker, a 35-year-old father of two, has built a 3-foot-long beard that is now the stuff of legend. What started as a personal choice seven years ago has transformed into a national championship-winning beard, earning Strycker the title of Best Beard in America for two consecutive years.
Strycker, a construction superintendent from Ocala, Florida, won the National Beard and Mustache Championship most recently in Everett, Washington. But he’s not done yet. This July, he’s gearing up to compete in the World Beard and Mustache Championships in Pittsburgh, hoping to take home the title of best beard in the world.
A Beard That Turns Heads
Strycker’s thick, flowing beard does more than win trophies—it captures attention wherever he goes.
“I get stopped on the street all the time,” he said. “I’ll get people wanting to take pictures. I’m in so many photo books or people’s phones, I couldn’t tell you how many.”
And while most admirers are respectful, some aren’t as polite.
“The ones that stick out are the people who don’t ask to touch my beard and just try to grab it. Those are the memorable moments,” Strycker added.
Wherever Strycker goes, his beard is sure to be noticed.
“You get the head turns walking down the street, walking into a building, walking into a room. You can see and feel all the heads turn. It’s kind of cool walking anywhere. It’s an attention-getter,” he said.
From Rookie to Champion
Strycker began growing his beard in 2017, but it wasn’t until four years later that he entered a competition he saw on Facebook. As a rookie, he walked away with the “Best in Show” title. That win set off a chain reaction that led him to compete across the country, including representing Mad Viking Beard Co., a brand dedicated to elite beard care.
Winning America’s Best Beard isn’t about luck; it’s about commitment, patience, and an extensive grooming routine.
“It’s not easy having the best beard in the country,” Strycker admitted. “Upkeep includes regular shampoos, daily oil applications, and beard butter to add ‘shimmer and volume.’”
The Beard Care Routine
A healthy beard starts with healthy skin, Strycker explained.
“One of the most beneficial things to growing a healthy beard is making sure that the skin is healthy. Applying beard oil is daily and a must for me,” he said.
In addition to beard oil, Strycker uses beard butter every few days to condition and add volume.
“I like to add a beard butter every few days—that gives it more of a conditioned, healthy hair, giving it that shimmer and maybe adding a little volume to it,” he said.
The Role of Genetics and Luck
Despite his meticulous routine, Strycker believes genetics and luck are significant factors in growing such a remarkable beard.
“A lot of it is just time, patience, and a small routine I do every day with brushing and keeping it clean. But genetics and luck are some of the biggest things that go into growing something this big,” he said.
Giving Back and Community Spirit
Competitive bearding isn’t just about winning trophies—it’s about giving back to the community.
“Almost every competition is for a charity,” he explained. “There are no cash awards; it’s for some local charity or something within the community.”
And contrary to what many might think, competitive bearding is inclusive.
“Everyone’s included. They have kids’ categories, women’s categories, and different kinds of styles for your beard. It lets anybody who wants to compete or have fun get involved.”
Big Events Ahead
Strycker has a busy schedule, including a competition in Alaska called “Beard, Bacon, and Booze” in May. But the biggest event of the year is the World Beard and Mustache Championships in Pittsburgh this July.
“That’s the World Beard and Mustache Championships in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, over the 4th of July weekend,” he said. “The competition stretches from the 3rd to the 5th.”
With his signature natural beard, a dedicated grooming routine, and an undeniable passion for the craft, Strycker is ready to take on the world—one beard at a time.
Advice from the Champion
Strycker’s beard-growing advice?
“Time, patience, and a little bit of luck.”