Facial hair aficionados from all over the world came to Austin, Texas to compete in the 2017 World Beard and Moustache Championships on September 6. And year after year, the eccentric entrants of the World Beard and Moustache Championships wowed the audiences with their creatively coiffed facial hair. Now, the quirky hairstyles are back—and bolder than ever—as this year’s competition is in full swing.

Hosted by the Austin Facial Hair Club, whiskered warriors with some truly wild combinations of beards and mustaches duked it out for titles in multiple categories. The overall ‘Best in Show’ award went to Jason Kiley of Hillsboro, Ohio.

In the event each one-of-a-kind ‘do simultaneously showcased their individual’s unique style and the impressive extent of his hairstyling abilities. Many of the mesmerizing coiffures were abstract in design, composed of concentric circles, swirling shapes, and swooping lines. These dramatic looks emphasized length and focus on sculpting skills, and were often seemingly inspired by a steam punk aesthetic.

Contrarily, some contestants took a theatrical approach to the competition, as they dramatically styled their facial hair to complement a range of clever costumes. Characters portrayed include a mustachioed music conductor, a bewhiskered gondolier, an exaggerated Elvis, and even a brooding, beard-covered werewolf.