I like the texture of this shot. Both your skin and stubble are in sharp focus. I like the lighting. The shadows are not too underexposed, and the highlights are still holding detail. The composition is good and I like the border. Looks like it has a nice full tone range. I like that neither eye is in shadow too.
Returning for comments. Nice portrait. I really like the lighting and composition best. One thing that bothers me a bit is a spot on your forehead. The highlights there seem darker. Not sure if that was a hot spot that you fixed or just so oddity in the lighting. Btw, you look a lot like the actor Woody Harrison. :P Good luck in the challenge.
I like the fact that you are looking out of the frame, even if it does lead the eye out of the picture. I would have croped it tighter on th eleft though, that part of the frame doesn't really add anything imo.
Nice image, Really makes me wonder what it is you are thinking about and makes me think myself.
Nice tight crop. The lighting is good as well. I almost wish your eyes were looking more toward the viewer - just my taste. Nice cleft too. ;~D Good luck.