On Oct. 3, a pair of Richmonders whisked their whiskers to Leogang, Austria, for the 2015 World Beard and Moustache Championship. The bearded fellows of the RVA Beard League represented RVA well, winning a bronze medal in the competition.
Chad Roberts, president of the RVA Beard League, and Josh Black, the league's vice president, represented Richmond, Virginia and the United States at the international competition, where beards from every nation were judged across 18 different categories.
“We're often people's first exposure to Richmonders, and when we travel, we see ourselves as city ambassadors,” Roberts says. “Our participation in the World Championships is a way to help redefine RVA to others and show them that Richmond is a great city, filled with amazing people.”
Chad Roberts, President of the RVA Beard League, won eighth place in the Full Beard Freestyle category in Austria. (Photo by Iain Crock Art)
Roberts placed eighth in his category, Full Beard Freestyle, while Black won a bronze award.
"The entire trip was an unforgettable experience," says Black. "Bringing the bronze back to RVA makes it even better. Having the city behind us made it that much more meaningful to go and represent, as well as come back with our respective accomplishments."
Josh Black, Vice President of the RVA Beard League, proudly displays his award-winning facial hair. (Photo by Iain Crock Art)
The RVA Beard League, founded in 2011, serves not only as a social organization, but as one that gives back to the Richmond community. With events like its yearly Mid-Atlantic Beard & 'Stache Championships, the league raises funds for nonprofits around town. This year, the competition raised over $10,000 for Paralyzed Veterans of America Mid-Atlantic Chapter.
For more information on the RVA Beard League or to learn how to join, visit their website.
