An Ocala father of two just claimed his second consecutive national title for having the best beard over 24 inches at this year’s National Beard Championships.
Mitchell Strycker claimed victory at this year’s National Beard and Mustache Championships on Saturday, November 2, in Everett, Washington.
Strycker, who is the father of two little girls, had been documenting his return journey leading up to the event.
On Sunday, Strycker took to his “MitchWithTheBeard” social channels to announce his victory.
“I successfully defended my National Title for best beard over 24″ in Everett, Washington this weekend. It was an honor to share the stage, as always” reads the post from Strycker.
The National Beard and Moustache Championships are organized annually by Beard Team USA.
This year’s event featured awards for beards categorized by length, mustaches, and a creative category that included multiple female competitors.
Strycker was one of many competitors in his category for natural, full beards over 2 feet in length.
Strycker, who works in construction, is currently an ambassador for Mad Viking Beard Co., which makes beard care products.
In 2023, Strycker claimed the same title at the event, which was held in Daytona Beach that year, saying that although he had competed in many tournaments over the years, his first beard championship was special.
“‘I’ve competed in many different things from National Wrestling tournaments, to choir concerts, to Back Yard Beer Olympics. Each has a special place in my competitive heart. But there’s just a different feeling being judged on a look. I stand up taller, a little prouder, for I am the current champ. It may seem silly to others, but that’s why I do this for myself,” said Strycker in a social media post in November 2023. “I appreciate the support and kind words I’ve received from so many people, I learned I’m never really alone on my Beard Journey.”
To support Mitchell Strycker and his journey as a beard champion, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
Strycker joins another local resident who made headlines earlier this year for similar hair-related reasons.
Over the summer, Jack Kuentjes finished in the top five in his age bracket for best mullet in the United States, raising over $10,500 for Jared Allen’s Home for Wounded Warriors in the process.
