Why World Wide Award Might Be Ham Radio’s Best New Event

Randy Thompson K5ZD is a world-class contester, but in this episode, he turns his attention to one of the fastest-growing events in ham radio: the World Wide Award (WWA). With the July Sprint just days away, Randy explains how WWA evolved from a WRTC beta test into a global scavenger hunt for activators and chasers—not a contest, but just as thrilling.

WWA emphasizes daily contacts, real-time scoring, and broad participation across all bands and modes—including FT8, PSK, and RTTY. Think pileups. Think momentum. Whether you're chasing from home or operating as an activator, WWA offers a fresh, addictive way to connect with hams around the world.

Join the conversation—and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio for more interviews that highlight the people and ideas shaping our hobby.

 

Can't wait to try.

 

Sounds good to me as long as they don't get on the WARC bands.

 

I participated in January's version. So much fun as a chaser helped along by the wonderful data processing provided by WWA. I achieved, with the help of the activators (of course), number 6 in Canada even I though started late. Did I tell you that I am not a contester but, nevertheless got the point HI HI.

 

This is not an event, but turning into a months long contest and turning the bands crazy. Please don't let it get on to the WARC bands.

 

I think that the WWA contest is the best from all of them and you why, because there is a radio contact is the more importance!

 

It's already there. No place to hide for non contesters now. Great.....

 

What???

 

Yes, they are using WARC bands-another contest tying up bandwidth!

 

You guys are hilarious! You complain that nobody's on SSB and are all on FT8, now that there are lots of people on SSB you complain about that too.

 

Yo participé de prácticamente de todos los concursos WWA solo SSB, por estar en Sudamérica me puntuan como los europeosa como saben nosotros tememos que hacer mayores distancia es posible diferenciar , CX4RT Juan,

 

Mein Name ist Wulf mein Rufzeichen ist DO1WWA . ich bekomme regelmäßig Ärger mit den" Verfolgern"
Wieso benutzen Sie mein Rufzeichen ???

 

It is a 7 day event not "months long"
Had a blast in January. Having a blast now!!

 

Hallo Wulf. Es is nicht so, dass sie dein Rufzeichen benutzen, sondern dass es verschiedene Sonderrufzeichen weltweit mit dem selben Suffix WWA= World Wide Award gibt. Ich verstehe deinen Ärger, aber sehe keine Lösung für dich, außer dass du vielleicht selbst an der Aktivität teilnimmst.
73, Colin (ex-DJ0ZF)