Honoured to Win #1 New Brunswick in CQ WPX SSB 2025: My Contest Experience
This past spring, I was honoured to participate in one of the world's premier amateur radio competitions: the CQ WPX SSB 2025 contest. As an avid contester and a proud Atlantic Coast DX & Contest Group member, I was excited to put my skills—and New Brunswick—on the map. The experience was both exhilarating and humbling, and I'm thrilled to share my journey with the Outnaboot.ca community.
What is the CQ WPX SSB Contest?
For those unfamiliar, the CQ WPX SSB contest is a major global event in the amateur radio world. Hosted annually by CQ Magazine, the contest draws thousands of operators from every continent. "WPX" stands for "Worked Prefix," meaning the aim is to contact as many unique call sign prefixes as possible over 48 hours. The "SSB" part refers to Single Sideband, a popular voice mode on the HF bands.
The contest is an actual test of endurance, strategy, and radio savvy. Operators can compete in various categories—single operator, multi-operator, high power, low power, and more—across all HF bands. The airwaves come alive with activity, and it's a unique opportunity to connect with fellow hams from every corner of the globe.
See all the results here.
My Journey: Preparation, Strategy, and a Few Surprises
As soon as the contest dates were announced, I started preparing my station. I spent weeks fine-tuning antennas, optimizing my shack layout, and brushing up on propagation forecasts. I entered the Single Operator: High Power, SSB All Bands category, determined to put in a full effort and see how far I could push myself.
When the starting bell rang, the bands were buzzing with activity. Right away, I knew this was going to be a special contest. The propagation gods smiled on us, especially on 10 and 15 meters, where I managed to snag some truly memorable DX contacts. There were moments when the pileups were so intense it felt like running a marathon at a sprint pace!
The Results: A Personal Best and #1 in New Brunswick
After 48 hours of nearly non-stop operating (with only a few breaks for food and micro-naps), I submitted my log with a final score of 3,869,740 points. When the dust settled, I was elated to learn I had achieved #1 in Canada, New Brunswick, for the Single Op: High Power, SSB All Bands category. It was a proud moment, not just for me, but for our local contesting community.
Celebrating Team Spirit: Peter, VE9CZ's Achievement
Contesting can be a solitary pursuit, but it's always better with friends. My fellow Atlantic Coast DX & Contest Group member, Peter (VE9CZ), also had a stellar showing. Competing in the Single Operator: Low Power, SSB, All Bands category, Peter scored an impressive 1,181,448 points, earning him the #1 spot in New Brunswick for his category. We cheered each other on throughout the weekend, sharing notes on band conditions and the occasional “Did you hear that rare one on 20 meters?” message.
Highlights and Lessons Learned
The Thrill of the Chase
There's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of breaking through a European pileup or snagging a rare prefix from the other side of the world. Every contact was a mini-victory, and I constantly adapted my strategy—switching bands, tweaking power, and adjusting my calling patterns.
The Importance of Preparation
Success in contesting starts long before the event. From antenna maintenance to software setup, every detail matters. I learned the value of preparation the hard way a few years back, so I left nothing to chance this time.
The Endurance Factor
Operating for 48 hours is no joke. I relied on a steady supply of coffee, high-energy snacks, and the occasional power nap to keep focused. Contesting is as much a mental and physical challenge as a technical one.
Community and Camaraderie
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect was the sense of community. Whether exchanging quick "73s" with a distant station or sharing laughs with Peter about the inevitable on-air mishaps, the contest reminded me why I love this hobby.
Why I Keep Coming Back
The CQ WPX SSB is more than just a contest. It's a celebration of amateur radio's global reach and a personal test of skill, patience, and stamina. Each year brings new challenges, new friends, and new stories. Representing New Brunswick on the world stage is a privilege I don't take lightly. I'm grateful for the support of the Atlantic Coast DX & Contest Group and the broader Canadian ham community.
Looking Ahead
With this year's contest in the books, I'm already thinking about how I can improve for next year. Maybe a new antenna? A better logging setup? One thing's for sure: I'll be back, chasing prefixes and making noise for New Brunswick.
If you've ever considered entering a contest, I encourage you to try it. You might surprise yourself and make memories that last a lifetime.
See you on the airwaves!
