The NHL tradition of growing playoff beards has gone to a whole new level with the growth of competitive bearding.

The second annual National Beard And Moustache Championships attracted more than 200 furry-faced competitors over the weekend in Lancaster, Pa., and picked up a corporate sponsor for the first time with Panasonic.

The competition was held at a minor-league baseball park, but the modest setting is due for an upgrade. The

Hairy Concept: The National Beard And Moustache Championships Slideshow

 

The Champ

Jonathan Rice of Plantation, Fla., won first place in the freestyle category. Rice says he has not shaved since March 2010.

 

Still The Champ

Toot Joslin of Tahoe City, Calif., retained his title in the Partial Beard category.

 

The 'Natural' Champ

John Burgess of Martinsburg, W.Va., won first prize in the Full Beard Natural category.

 

The Leaders Of Bearding

From left to right: Beard Team USA founder Phil Olsen, Walter Taffarello of presenting sponsor Panasonic and bearding legend Willi Chevalier.

 

The Curl Route

Bill Mitchell of Hinesville, Ga., took second place in the Partial Beard category.

 

Stylin'

Nate Johnson of Los Angeles placed third in the Partial Beard category.

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2012 event is already booked for Las Vegas.

There were five categories to account for different styles of beards and moustaches. First place in each category was $600, with $300 for the runnerup and $100 for the bronze medalist. Click here for a full breakdown of the winners.

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