The world of competitive facial hair

Passion, 25, who won the title in 2007, said he started growing his beard on a whim at the end of his freshman year at UC Santa Cruz. “By the end of the summer I had a pretty decent beard for three months and everybody loved it,” he says.  (Dave Getzschman / For The Times)

Joshua Spencer, from left, Adam Scott Paul and Patrick Melcher get into the entertainment at Culver City’s Saints and Sinners bar. The trio will be competing in the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Anchorage as part of the Bristly Chaps of Los Angeles, a new local chapter of Beard Team USA.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Adam Scott Paul of the Bristly Chaps sports a version of the handlebar mustache.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Bristly Chaps’ Nick Davis is set to compete in the World Beard and Moustache Championships.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Dan Eldridge, also of Bristly Chaps, displays his follicular flair.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

A dapper Patrick Melcher of the Bristly Chaps.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Bristly Chaps’ Jess Cron is all set with long locks and a luxurious beard.  (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Alex Antebi, shown in Beverly Hills, won in the best handlebar category at the 2007 championships and plans to be in Anchorage to defend his title.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

The Australian Bushrangers, Nathaniel Beard, John Beardman, Facey Mc Stubblington and Johann Beardraven pose for the press in Adelaide, Australia, before they head to this year’s World Beard and Moustache Championships.  (James Knowler / Getty Images)

David Traver, left, and Bob Gengler shown in Anchorage, where they plan to compete at the championships.  (Al Grillo / Associated Press)