The WWA Drama: Why Ham Radio Operators Are FURIOUS About This Award
I've been operating in amateur radio for years now, and I've witnessed my fair share of debates within this hobby. But nothing—and I mean nothing—has divided the ham radio community quite like the World Wide Award (WWA).
Let me be upfront: I absolutely love the WWA. It's taught me more about operating, propagation, and ham radio in general than almost any other event I've participated in. Every single day of the WWA brings new lessons that make me a better operator.
However, I also can't ignore the massive controversy surrounding it. Some of the most experienced operators I know are absolutely furious about this event, and their concerns deserve to be heard and understood—even if I don't always agree with them.
Let me walk you through why the WWA has become so controversial, while also sharing my personal perspective on why I think it's one of the best developments in amateur radio today.
What Exactly Is the WWA?
For those new to this discussion, the World Wide Award is a month-long amateur radio event where operators try to work as many different countries as possible across all HF bands and modes. There's also a shorter "Sprint" version for those who can't commit to a whole month.
You can participate as an activator (representing your country) or as a hunter (trying to work as many activators as possible). There are categories for single operators, multi-operator stations, various power levels, and specific modes, such as SSB, CW, or digital. Winners receive prizes ranging from certificates to high-end equipment, such as headsets and antennas.
The event is run by Hamaward.cloud, with sponsors including ICOM, WiMo, and MoMoBeam. They offer real-time scoring and sell personalized awards and merchandise.
Since its launch in January 2024, it has attracted over 150,000 participants and generated 3.7 million QSOs. Those are incredible numbers that show just how much interest there is in this kind of event.
"This Isn't Real Contesting"
This is probably the most common criticism I hear from traditional contesters. They argue that the WWA doesn't test fundamental operating skills because there's no time pressure, no complex exchange, and no strategic multipliers to hunt.
I get where they're coming from. I've operated in ARRL Sweepstakes, Field Day, and numerous other contests where every decision matters and time is of the essence.
But here's my take: the WWA teaches different skills that are just as valuable.
During my first WWA, I learned more about propagation patterns than I had in the previous year. I discovered which bands are open to which parts of the world at different times. I figured out how to work split operations effectively. I improved my CW speed because I wanted to compete in that category. I learned patience working through massive pileups.
These are fundamental skills that have enabled me to become a better all-around operator. Sure, it's not testing sprint-style contesting abilities, but it's absolutely making me more competent on the air.
The Band Congestion Discussion
Okay, this one I understand. During peak WWA activity, the bands get packed. There's no denying it.
I remember one Saturday during the January 2025 event, tuning across 20 meters and hearing activity wall-to-wall. WWA activators, hunters calling CQ, pileups everywhere.
And honestly? I loved it.
I know that's controversial. I know casual operators who want to ragchew get frustrated. But after operating through too many dead band conditions, hearing that much activity was exciting to me.
Here's what I learned from all that congestion: how to find clear frequencies, how to listen more carefully, how to operate efficiently so I'm not hogging a frequency longer than necessary. I learned proper pileup etiquette by watching (listening to) how the best activators handled massive callup situations.
Yes, it can be frustrating if you're not participating. I acknowledge that. But that activity also represents thousands of hams learning, improving, and engaging with HF operating. For a hobby that's always worried about attracting new blood, that massive participation seems like a good thing to me.
Special Event Callsigns Everywhere
Some operators complain that the proliferation of WWA special event callsigns dilutes the meaning of their callsigns. I've heard folks say they got excited about a rare country only to discover it was "just" a WWA activation.
I see this differently. Every one of those special callsigns represents someone who took the time to apply for it, set up a station, and get on the air specifically to give other hams contacts. That's dedication to the hobby.
Additionally, for newer operators, such as some of the individuals I've mentored, working these special event stations is thrilling. It's their first taste of DXing and chasing awards. The WWA makes that accessible in a way that regular DXing sometimes isn't.
I worked a TJ1 station during the WWA—Cameroon. It was my first contact with Cameroon ever. Does it matter that it was a WWA activation? Not to me. I still learned about propagation to West Africa. I still managed to make a connection with an operator there. That's what amateur radio is supposed to be about.
The Commercial Aspect
I'll admit, this is where I have some mixed feelings, too.
Yes, Hamaward.cloud is a commercial platform. Yes, they sell plaques, t-shirts, and merchandise. Yes, there's corporate sponsorship involved.
However, I've come to realize that running an event of this size requires significant financial investment. The servers handling real-time scoring for 150,000+ participants aren't free. The website development isn't free. The prizes aren't free.
I've been involved in organizing local club events, and even small-scale stuff requires resources. The WWA is operating at a global scale that I can't even comprehend.
Are they making money? Probably. Does that bother me? Less than it used to.
I've never felt pressured to buy anything. I participated for free, tracked my score in real-time, and learned a ton. If someone wants to buy a personalized plaque to commemorate their achievement, that's their choice. It doesn't affect my experience.
The sponsorship from major manufacturers like ICOM actually enhances the prizes, which benefits the winners. I don't see that as a bad thing.
The Cost Barrier Question
The top scores indeed come from well-equipped stations. Multi-op teams with impressive antenna farms and amplifiers dominate the leaderboards.
But you know what? That's true of literally every contest and award program in ham radio.
I run a modest station here in New Brunswick. Nothing fancy. During my WWA participation, I knew I wouldn't win my category. But I still improved my personal score each week. I still worked countries I'd never contacted before. I still learned something new every single day.
The WWA has categories for CW, SSB, and digital operators. There's room for every level of station.
One of the things I love about the month-long format is that it's actually more accessible than weekend-only contests. If you work weekends, you're not locked out. If you can only operate an hour here and there, you can still participate meaningfully.
Bridging Old School and New School
I'll be honest—I love that the WWA embraces modern technology. Real-time scoring, web-based tracking, social media integration—this is how we attract younger operators to HF.
I've mentored several newer hams who tried the WWA as their first HF operating event. The immediate feedback, the ability to see their progress, the gamification elements—these things hooked them in a way that "mail your log in three weeks and wait two months for results" never would have.
Yes, it's different from how things used to be done. But different doesn't automatically mean bad.
The traditional contests still exist. Paper logging is still allowed in most events. But having options that appeal to operators who grew up with smartphones and instant feedback? That's how we keep this hobby alive.
It's About Learning, Not Just Numbers
Here's where I disagree most strongly with critics. They say the WWA is "just about numbers" and lacks meaningful communication.
But every contact I made taught me something:
- I learned which times of day 15 meters opens to Southeast Asia
- I figured out how to null out QRM with my antenna
- I improved my phonetic alphabet speed on SSB
- I learned to copy weak CW signals through noise
- I discovered new digital modes I'd never tried before
- I studied propagation forecasts and learned to predict band openings
Are the individual QSOs short? Sure. But the cumulative learning experience is incredible.
I'm now a better operator because of the WWA. I'm more confident on the air. I understand propagation better. My CW improved by 5 WPM. I can work pileups effectively now.
Those are fundamental skills that benefit me in every aspect of amateur radio, not just during the WWA.
Why I Think Critics Are Missing the Point
I respect the concerns people have raised. I really do. However, I think some of the criticism stems from a desire to preserve ham radio as it was.
The hobby is changing. It has to change. If we want amateur radio to exist in 20 years, we need to attract new operators. The WWA does that better than almost anything I've seen.
Is it perfect? No.
But the core concept—getting thousands of hams on the air, creating excitement around HF operating, making DXing accessible, and building a global community—that's precisely what amateur radio needs.
My Experience, Day by Day
Let me share what a typical WWA week taught me:
- Monday: Learned that 17 meters opens to South America in the late afternoon from my QTH.
- Tuesday: Figured out how to set up split operation on my rig after watching a YouTube tutorial.
- Wednesday: Made my first-ever contact with Greenland. Learned where Greenland even is!
- Thursday: Improved my CW copying by working a weak signal through QSB.
- Friday: Discovered FT8 can work when voice and CW can't, adding 5 new countries to my log.
- Saturday: Spent three hours operating and never got bored because every contact taught me something.
- Sunday: Reviewed my log and realized I'd worked 15 new DXCC entities in one week.
That's not "just collecting numbers." That's genuine learning and skill development happening every single day.
What I Hope Happens Next
I hope the WWA continues to grow. I hope more operators give it a chance with an open mind. I hope Hamaward.cloud continues to improve the platform and listens to feedback.
I also hope critics can see the value in what the WWA brings to amateur radio, even if it's not their personal cup of tea. There's room in this hobby for both traditional contests and modern events, such as the WWA.
The ARRL Contest Calendar has space for everyone. If the WWA isn't for you, there are dozens of other events. But for those of us who love it, the WWA represents the future of ham radio operating events—accessible, engaging, educational, and most importantly, fun.
Final Thoughts
Yes, the WWA is controversial. Yes, it generates strong opinions on both sides. However, from my perspective as someone who participates in and learns from it, the controversy is worthwhile.
Every single day of the WWA makes me a better operator. It challenges me to improve. It exposes me to new aspects of the hobby. It connects me with amateur radio enthusiasts around the world.
That's what amateur radio is supposed to be about.
While I understand why some operators are frustrated, I'm grateful that the WWA exists. It's made me a better ham, and I think it's making the hobby better, too.
What's your experience? Whether you love it or hate it, I'd genuinely like to hear your perspective. Please email me at stuart@outnaboot.ca or leave a comment below.
73 from New Brunswick, and I'll see you in the next WWA!
Stuart, VE9CF
