An 8-year-old boy from Ocala is in the running for the title of “Best Mullet” in the United States.
Jack Kuentjes, 8, has reached the second round of the 2024 USA Mullet Championship, which includes a total of 100 kids who are split into three age brackets: Lil’ Nuggets (ages 0-4), Mid Mullets (ages 5-7), and Big Kids (ages 8-12).
Jack began growing his mullet, which he dubs the “Marion County Masterpiece,” three years ago when his dad adopted the same hairstyle. According to Jack, he “wanted to be just like (his dad).”
Over those few years, Jack’s mullet has survived two grade levels and a brain surgery, becoming a “big part” of who he is.
“I am proud to sport the Marion County Masterpiece because mullets are more than a haircut – they are a lifestyle,” stated Jack in the bio on his competition webpage.
Voting for the second round of the USA Mullet Championship is now open, and votes can be cast through Tuesday, July 30.
The field of competitors will then be whittled down to the Top 25, and voting for the final round will be open from Wednesday, August 14 through Wednesday, August 21.
A week later, on Wednesday August 28, the Mullet Champ will be revealed.
According to the USA Mullet Championship, the contest has a weighted voting system that takes fan voting, fundraising, and judging into account, with each carrying a weight that is combined into a total score for the individual contestants.
During the competition, donations can be made on behalf of the contestants, with the funds fully benefiting Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing critically injured U.S. military veterans with injury-specific, accessible, and mortgage-free homes.
The amount of money raised for charity on behalf of each contestant will contribute to their overall score in the competition.
To cast a vote for Jack Keuntjes, click here to visit his competition page.
For more information on the contest, visit the USA Mullet Championships online.
Last year, a different local boy also qualified for the second round of the 2023 USA Mullet Championship.