George Fremin K5TR is a contesting veteran with a deep love for the ARRL Sweepstakes—a tradition now in its 91st year, making it one of the longest-running contests in all of amateur radio. Originating in 1930 as a simulation of formal traffic handling, Sweepstakes still bears that DNA today: each contact mimics the preamble of a real radiogram, with its long exchange and structured message flow. George has tackled this uniquely American contest from across the country, logging top-10 finishes with everything from high-power setups to a 40-foot dipole in Ohio. In conversation with Randy Thompson K5ZD, George makes the case that Sweepstakes remains the most egalitarian contest on the calendar—favoring smart operators, not just big stations. He explains why the one-QSO-per-station rule levels the field, why a fan vertical in a park can still net 900 contacts, and how Sunday “begging” for casual operators becomes a strategic art. And he reflects on some personal milestones: finally outrunning a mentor during a peak hour, and the heartbreak of missing a top-10 finish by just three contacts. For George, Sweepstakes is both a game of endurance and a nod to ham radio’s roots—still thrilling after all these years. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.
Very confusing. I thought this was the ARRL Sweepstakes. https://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-the-...teur-radio-launches-dream-station-sweepstakes ...at least I could possibly win this one.
Доброго дня дорогой Джордж! Это горе -остаться без ничего в такие годы! К тебе дорогой и ко всем коллегам обращаюсь и прошу помогите мне и моей семье чем можно! UT7IP -Anatoliy! 73!
I love sweepstakes, actually probably the only contest I participate in besides Field Day, and VHF contests. I do not go for numbers, but clean sweeps, which I have done twice, and barely missed several times. And all with low power and less than stellar antennas.
The 2025 ARRL Sweepstakes CW was a lot of fun! I placed #3 in Kansas SO (U) LP, barely missing the clean sweep! Thanks for posting this! Eli AE0HQ
Translation: Good day dear George! It's a pity to be left with nothing in such years! I am turning to you, my dear, and to all my colleagues, and I am asking you to help me and my family as much as possible! UT7IP -Anatoliy! 73!
