The 2011 World Beard Championships

Germany's Elmar Weisser took home the top prize at the 2011 World Beard and Moustache Championship, as the 47-year old styled his facial hair into a moose and a Norwegian flag. This year's contest took place in Norway, thus explaining why the German was kissing so much ass, and... I'm sorry, I'm just a little bitter right now. Weisser's championship gave Germany seven gold medals at the event, while the United States only received six. Today, I am ashamed of the beard-growers of America.

Weisser is a veteran of the competition, held every two years, having won several times before.

He said his sister helped him with the creation, starting work at 7am.

"When my beard isn't styled, it goes down to my waist. It is sort of folded up," he said. (Via The West)

Ooh la la, your bearded majesty. I'll have you all know that while I am north of 30 and still can't grow facial hair, America is home to the world's greatest beards. Just ask Carmella DeCesare. *high fives Terrell Owens five years ago*

Patriotism for styled flavor savors aside, this whole competition is pretty incredible, as these guys - and thankfully no Western European girls - take their beards and moustaches very seriously. How seriously? They spell it moustache. This year's well-groomed competitors and a trip down memory lane after the jump.

(Images via Buzzfeed, Associated Foreign Press, CNN, the impressive Flickr collection of Srinivas Kuruganti, and others.)