WORLDMEET 2023 - BELGIUM
A brief overview of the event: Bearded Villains Wordmeet 2023
Origins and Growth of the Bearded Villains
The Bearded Villains were founded in 2014 in Los Angeles as an Instagram-based photography club showcasing stylish men with impressive beards. What started as a social media trend quickly grew into a global brotherhood with a clear mission: bringing together bearded men committed to making a positive difference in the world. The only requirement for membership? A full beard of at least four centimeters and a willingness to help others selflessly. In Belgium, the chapter was officially launched on July 11, 2015, by Mario Desmet, Jochen Callebert, and Mario Vercouillie.
Mission and Commitment to Charity
Despite their tough appearance, the Bearded Villains are deeply engaged in charitable causes. Their actions range from organizing toy drives for the children’s cancer ward at UZ Gent to helping out at Kamiano in Antwerp, a restaurant for the homeless. One of the group’s most beloved members, Alain Verspecht, has been battling ALS for years. In 2018, the Belgian Villains raised €9,000 for ALS research, and they hope to match or exceed that amount this year. Commitment is a cornerstone of the group: members are expected to actively contribute, regardless of their background or status.
Bearded Villains Belgium
A Close-Knit Community
The Belgian chapter consists of about 25 active members from across the country, from De Panne to Genk. They meet regularly to catch up, enjoy food and drinks, and take new photos. Their activities also include charity walks like the Dodentocht and various benefit events. What unites them is more than just their beards—it’s a sense of brotherhood and belonging. For many, the Bearded Villains feel like a second family. As they often say, “We have friends all over the world, even if we haven’t met them yet.”
World Meet 2023: A Global Gathering in Ghent
A major milestone for the Bearded Villains takes place on Saturday, August 26, in Sint-Amandsberg, Ghent, where the annual World Meet is being hosted in Europe for the first time. The event welcomes over 350 Villains from across the globe—from Canada to Brazil, from Scandinavia to the U.S.—to the grounds of Brouwerij Haeseveld. The gathering will feature live music, a tattoo artist, a barber, and plenty of time for bonding. Beyond the celebration, the goal is to raise funds for ALS research at KU Leuven. The event highlights the strength of their global connection and the warm hearts behind the beards.
Music by Jelify,Blah,JimmBeam.
How much did we raise?
We are proud and grateful at the same time, because we can announce to have raised €17.000 / $18.000 at the BVWM23 to donate for the fight against ALS!!!👏❤️🙏 We know that words cannot express our gratitude…we know that words cannot explain the emotions we felt with the love and support we were allowed to experience…therefor we hope you all feel our love and gratitude in this simple but heartfelt “THANK YOU”… …a “THANK YOU” Towards each and everyone of you who attended, supported or contributed in any way to the BVWM23 and our fight against ALS… … a “THANK YOU” To our president Fredrick Von Knox. Thank you for your trust, support and the fruitful collaboration. It meant a great deal to us. …a “THANK YOU” to @bv.originalz_germany and @beardedvillainsflemish for their generous donations… … ”THANK YOU” …
GOOD VIBES ONLY !!
At least 38 different BV chapters were represented.
A huge ‘THANK YOU’ to them all!
@beardedvillains_austria @beardedvillainsbelgium @beardedvillainsflemish @beardedvillains_ontario_sw @beardedvillainsbogota @beardedvillains_cz @beardedvillains_denmark @beardedvillainsfinland @bvmidlandsfrance @beardedvillains_northpack_fr @beardedvillains_fr_originals @bv_westcoast_france @bv_southside_fr @bv.originalz_germany @beardedvillainssoutherngemany @twocoastvillains @beardedvillains_northernsqad @beardedvillains_nl @beardedvillains_norway @beardedvillains_portugal @beardedvillainsspain @beardedvillains_sweden @beardedvillainsswitzerland @black_shire_villains @beardedvillains.centralenglad @beardedvillains_ea @bv_essex_chapter @bvlakedistrict_uk @bv_lincolnshire @beardedvillains_london @bvnorthernmonkeys @beardedvillainswales @beardedvillains_austin @beardedvillains_pl @beardedvillains_scotland @beardedvillainschesapeakebay @beardedvillains_brasil @beardedvillains_queens @thevillainettes @beardedvillains_wnc If we forgot your chapter in this list, our apologies and please let us know right away so we can fix this! Thanks🙏❤️
