Jose CT1BOH is back on Q5 Ham Radio—and just in time for a historic showdown. The ten-time CQ World Wide winner, one of the most respected voices in high-stakes contesting, returns for a masterclass in operator performance, propagation edge, and psychological warfare. This isn’t just another contest preview—it’s a forensic breakdown of who might claim the crown in the most prestigious CW event of the year. With Dan N6MJ and Chris KL9A setting up in Zone 33 (the Canaries and Madeira), and Braco E77DX operating from Colombia, Jose walks us through what really matters: the 2BSIQ technique that now defines elite-level wins, the path geometry that privileges east-west propagation, and the subtle but decisive advantages of geography, sunrise timing, and antenna takeoff angles. He’s measured, candid—and brutally honest. Jose calls it the “Clash of Titans” and picks a favorite, though barely. One operator holds the edge in history, QSO rates, and location; another is the more consistent performer, sharper under pressure, and sitting at a better-engineered station. Both are entering unfamiliar territory, not just geographically, but mentally. A third would need a surprise shift in propagation—but as Jose reminds us, anything can happen. He’s been in their shoes: he’s failed, broken records, and learned to stay calm when the log falls apart. That experience, translated here, becomes a roadmap for anyone who wants to understand what separates world-class from world-best. Thanks to Icom and DX Engineering for their ongoing support of Q5 and the CQ WW Showdown. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.
Years ago, before the advent of 2 BSIQ I had the pleasure of operating with Chris and Dan at the former NK7U contest station. Both were exceptional operators then and have only improved with time and experience. Their ability to generate extremely high QSO rates is exceptional....it was then and it is at an almost unbelievable level now. While I now longer make a serious effort in contests from my modest station I do enter contests where both of them are active from DX locations. I will often pause and just listen to them work the pileups and shake my head in amazement at what they accomplish. In a recent contest which I was working low power with just a wire antenna I made several attempts to break the pileup Chris had. I thought I was unsuccessful and gave up the effort--but 3 Q's later Chris gave me my report. Obviously he had "stacked" a number of calling stations in his head, my being just one of them, and worked them in order from memory. Amazing.
Awesome video, wasn't expecting such ultra high analysis of the QTHs and how it affects their hop paths, very interesting! I just wish you didn't use AI generated imagery for the thumbnail.
HI Noah, Thanks for the feedback. It's always helpful to hear the good and the bad. I used the imagery in the thumbnail for a different, fun take on Jose's "Clash of Titans" comment from the interview. Was it the use of illustration that concerned you or that it was Ai generated? One of the issues I'm consistently confronted with is the lack of great photography in ham radio. It's a problem that I intend to overcome - just haven't figured it out yet!
Hi, thanks for taking the feedback nicely! My main concern is that it is AI generated, honestly the image that you added at the end of the main forum post is the one I would prefer. The clash of the titans thing is really cool! I can see that the lack of good photos in Radio can be an issue, and I understand why you would use AI imagery, I just don't think it s the right thing to do, for too many reasons to list here.
Thank you for this awesome interview! I cannot praise highly enough your insignful remarks and subtle interviewing skills, letting the star of this talk- the amazing CT1BOH- talk in depth, in some many details, without you cutting him short in mid-sentence or making this about you... But back to the topic- I watched and listened carefully this masterclass of the supreme contester and top class op...about his peers. Jose CT1BOH is not only experienced, skillful, talkative, master of English language... but also speaks with such warmth and passion of the game, of the three contenders to the title, always with high respect and the superior insight. I am glad I have all these calls (Jose was talking thoughout the interview) in my logs. Now I understand much better why my unattractive callsign/country/region is still very important to big guns and I will make an extra effort to call them every time. Again, big thanks W1DED for this wonderful interview, but hat off to your star Jose, CT1BOH. Keep up the great work! 9A5O Sado
I was so impressed with CT1BOH's take on N6MJ*KL9A (CQ9A) thad I had to watch your YouTube video interview and it filled all the blanks left! Thanks Kevin!
Understanding how these stations work gives you the answer to why you have to wait a while before you get an answer. In competitions, both sides are important. Those who say that "599, number" is stupid, simply can't even make 100 QSO in a contest)
