Old men near the sea: See video of over 100 Ernest Hemingway look-alikes gather in Key West

Ernest Hemingway may command few literary equals, but it turns out that bearing a passing resemblance to the famed novelist can be much more easily achieved.

More than 100 men from across the country who think they best encapsulate the late author of “A Farewell to Arms” and other classic works of literature have converged on Key West, Florida, Hemingway’s home during the 1930s, this weekend to compete in an annual look-alike contest.

All a man needs is a prominent beard, appreciation for the adventurous lifestyle that Hemingway led, and the wisdom that can only come with age. Oh, and being a bit on the portly side couldn’t hurt one’s chance’s, either.

The look-alike challenge is one of the main draws of the island’s annual Hemingway Days festival, which celebrates the Nobel Prize-winning author, whose novels and short stories had a strong influence on 20th century American literature.

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Why Key West?

The site of the festival is significant. Hemingway wrote from the second-story studio that adjoins his former Key West home on Whitehead Street, which is now a museum.

During his Key West years, Hemingway did some of his most notable writing, including penning the novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls” based on his time covering the Spanish Civil War as a journalist. Hemingway was also influenced by Depression-era Key West for the setting of the novel “To Have and Have Not” about a fishing boat captain.

What happens during Hemingway Days?

Hemingway Days began Tuesday and will include literary readings, a commemoration of the 124th anniversary of his July 21 birthday, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia and a three-day marlin tournament recalling his passion for deep-sea angling. Other events include a street fair and a “Running of the Bulls” spoof of the Spanish event with manmade bulls on wheels — a tribute to his debut novel “The Sun Also Rises.”

The three-night look-alike contest began Thursday with a preliminary round and will continue Friday, with the winner set to be selected Saturday night.

As always, the competition takes place at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the Duval Street saloon that became a favorite spot of Hemingway’s.

A judging panel of previous winners — including 2022’s Jon Auvil, who won on his eighth attempt — oversee the contest.

The contestants take turns parading across a stage and typically compete wearing safari gear or wool turtleneck sweaters. The apparel is closely identified with the Hemingway’s “Papa” persona, adopted in his later years before his death in 1961 at the age of 61.