EF8R: Inside Dan N6MJ’s Record-Breaking CQ WW CW Win

Dan Craig N6MJ is the undisputed champion of this year’s CQ Worldwide CW contest. Operating as EF8R from the Canary Islands, Dan didn’t just win the Single Operator All Band High Power (SOAB HP) category—he shattered it, unofficially setting a new world record with over 27 million points and more than 12,700 QSOs. It's a feat rooted in relentless preparation, raw operating stamina, and a razor-sharp strategy honed from decades of experience. Just days after landing back in the U.S., Dan joined Q5 to reflect on the victory—and his retirement from CQ World Wide single operator competition.

Dan’s final contest wasn’t without drama: a backwards beverage antenna, unexpected noise issues, and a last-minute fix executed in the dark. Yet through the fatigue and even hallucinations on day two, Dan pushed through—strategically anchoring himself low in the band and hammering 10 and 15 meters to edge out his toughest rival, Chris KL9A at CQ9A. The plan worked. His numbers not only cleared the bar—they may have set a record no one else will reach for years.

More than his score, Dan has earned deep admiration across the amateur radio world. Messages poured in from operators inspired by his performance, from top-tier contesters to casual Sunday chasers. Dan has inspired many in the ham radio community through both his success and his humility.

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N6MJ, congrats! I am one of those casual operators in contests, but I do appreciate and admire the huge workload and efforts in preparations and achievement of success like this! Kudos! I am happy to report my little contribution, the 2 QSOs on 10m and 15m!

 

Congratulations Dan. What a great accomplishment.
What rig(s) did you operate?
John N2YC

 

Dan used ICOM 7610's for the two run radios and an Elecraft K3 as the 3rd radio for mults

 

well done Dan a great accomplishment

 

What an amazing accomplishment! Congratulations. And I'm proud to note that of Dan's 12,700 contacts, I gave him 3 (40, 20, and 15m). Congratulations again, Dan. 73 Skip K4EAK

 

Amazing score, did you have time to "you know what?" Porta-potty?

 

Congrat's Dan!
thank goodness you had somewhere to take a shower and wake up again.

Best 73,
Chuck, W2CSI

 

Despite my poor antenna setup, I'm glad you heard me among all the other stations. My rig is a Kenwood TS120V 10W. 73 Nick PD9W.

 

Congratulations to EF8R(N6MJ/Dan) for winning the championship.
It's an honor to have a QRP QSO in the 40m band.
Video link：


73 Ruan BA6QH

 

All OK, but not send CFM from CQ WW DX CW in LOTW. Forgot? I'm not sure.
In general, this trend is frankly burdensome.

 

Thank you for your effort and support of the EA CONTEST CLUB

 

恭喜！

 

Amazing!