Jack Passion is the reigning Full Beard Natural world champion

 

‘Whisker Wars’ is a reality series that follows the Beard Team USA travelling the country in preparation for the World Champion Competition in Norway.

Produced and narrated by award-winning producer Thom Beers (Deadliest Catch), the show looks at the competitive world of beard growing, that incidentally is growing in popularity itself.

Featuring some of the country’s top beardsmen such as Jack Passion, who is currently the reigning champion of the prestigious Full Beard Natural category, ‘Whisker Wars’ gives us an insight to a world we would normally know very little about.

In the past German competitors have taken home the titles, however Beard Team USA are aiming to dominate the competition this year.

Phil Olsen, the founder and self-appointed Captain of Beard Team USA

With a super-team consisting of more than eighty beard enthusiasts, Phil Olsen is the man in charge. Founder and captain of Beard Team USA, he will be their mentor and coach throughout the competition hoping to make them worthy of the World title.

“The Olympic team has people who ski-jump for America or throw shotputs for America. Beard Team USA grows beards for America,” he says, stating the obvious.

The competition is usually broken down into the following categories: ’Moustache’, ‘Partial Beard’, ‘Full Beard Groomed’, ‘Freestyle’ and ‘Full Beard Natural’. The judges mark the furry fanatics on style, personality and overall appearance.

Phil has a number of star players the group are counting on to bring home the bacon. With a determination for continued success, Jack Passion has set his sights on becoming the first “Professional Beardsman”. Regardless of  his competitors, including last year’s national champion Aarne Bielefeldt, he is adamant he must gain the title.

With such a large group, full of  strong characters, captain Phil’s original task of winning the competition is put on hold as he attempts to hold his team together through the mounting tension.

The classic 'boomerang beard'

Executive Producer Thom Beers said “The eccentricities and dedication of the bearding community is absolutely riveting and once you add the competition element, it becomes a true sporting event, Whisker Wars has it all – rivalry, tragedy, love, jealousy and passion. It’s an epic story.”

The season lets us into the competitive and personal lives of the team, showing how some of the even found love through their favourite sport.

We see the joys and hardships of being a beardsman, including the opportunity to travel the world and the strain of battling with team mates and eventually other nations.

The passion these men have for what they do is clear to them, even if we as an audience don’t quite understand it. 3 stars for this unique and sometimes bizarre show.

For more information on ‘Whisker Wars’ and to catch up on episodes visit http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=311976