The World’s Strongest Man final took place in August in LA, but for some reason it’s traditional to show it on UK television between Christmas and New Year. That means BeardWatch has been glued to the competition whilst desperately avoiding spoilers.

Strength Athletics has a fine tradition of bearded behemoths, and here are the Top Ten Beards from this year’s competitors.

10. Mark Felix, England

The oldest competitor in the field showing the kids how it’s done. @MarkFelixTV

10. Mark Felix lifting a 275lb anvil

9. Jerry Pritchett, USA

Jerry Pritchett is the first American entry on the list, and shows off the ultimate chinstrap. @PritchettPower

8. Hafthor Bjornsson, Iceland

Not that I’d like to mess with any of these guys, but this Icelandic Mountain of a man holds a special terrifying place in that category. Bjornsson plays Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane in Game of Thrones in his spare time. @ThorBjornsson_

7. Brian Shaw, USA

Shaw clearly uses a cookie cutter as the guide for his chin beard, and to good effect for a unique look. @ShawStrength

6. Warrick Brant, Australia

Another unique beard shape amongst the competitors is Australia’s Brant. No cheek coverage, but plenty of chin and neck coverage serves him well. @WarrickBrant

5. Scott Cummine,Canada

Canada’s only entry in the list takes the prestigious title of Best Ginger Beard, which is always recognised as an extra mark of confidence in an increasingly anti-ginger beard world. @ScottCommine

4. Mike Burke, USA

Mike Burke is very unlucky to finish outside the top 3 considering the sterling progress he’s made since last year’s goatee. This was a well-trimmed and shapely beard.

3. Eddie Hall, England

Big Eddie is Britain’s Strongest Beard. Hall’s beard personifies his fearless attitude and approach to Strongman. The mohawk, tats and that beard make for an intimidating opponent and will only get better in years to come. @EddieHallWSM

2. Gerhard van Staden, South Africa

In between training, the Southern Hemisphere’s Strongest Beard looks after lions in a sanctuary in South Africa. This is clearly the inspiration for his glorious mane, and helps make him the Alpha Lion in any pride.

1. Robert Oberst, USA

But it’s pre-competition favourite Robert Oberst who takes the overall title of World’s Strongest Beard. After trying American Football and bouncer work, eventually became a professional strongman with just four months of intensive training. He also wears pink whenever he can to support awareness of breast cancer, showing the big man has a big heart.