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You've probably heard about ham radio operators making contact across the globe, but what exactly is the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC)?
Every four years, the best amateur radio operators come together for the "Olympic Games" of ham radio contesting. Imagine pitting the top radio contesters in the world against each other using temporary stations in a new location. It's a true test of operating skill!
The next WRTC is coming up in 2026 near Milton Keynes, UK. Get the inside scoop on what to expect from WRTC 2026, whether you're a seasoned ham or just got your license, you'll be fascinated by the world of competitive ham radio operating. Strap in - we're going deep on all things WRTC!
An Introduction to the World Radiosport Team Championship
The WRTC is the premier international competition for ham radio contesting. Held every four years, operators from around the globe form two-person teams to compete in a 24-hour radio contest.
A Contest Within a Contest
During the WRTC, each team operates from the same location using identical stations. They participate in the IARU HF Championship contest, contacting as many other ham radio operators as possible in 24 hours. Scores are calculated based on the number and location of contacts. The team with the highest score at the end wins!
Preparation is Key
To compete at WRTC, you and your teammate should be experienced contesters. You'll need to be skilled at quickly setting up and operating a station, identifying call signs and locations, and logging contacts accurately under pressure. Advance preparation and practice are essential.
An Opportunity to Learn
Even if you're not competing, WRTC is a chance to learn from the best. You can observe how elite teams operate, ask questions about their techniques, and see the latest gear in action. Many previous WRTCs have been streamed live on the internet.
Building Friendships
Beyond the competition, WRTC is about building connections within the ham radio community. Teams and attendees come from all over, so there are lots of opportunities to make new friends, share ideas, and foster international goodwill. The friendships formed at WRTC tend to last long after the contest is over.
Whether you go to compete or just observe, WRTC is a ham radio experience like no other. Mark your calendar for WRTC 2026 in the UK and get ready to join hams from around the world for a radio adventure you'll never forget!
WRTC 2026 Coming to the UK: Event Details
Are you ready to experience the thrill of world-class radiosport competition? WRTC 2026 is coming to the UK, giving ham radio operators from around the globe the chance to participate in this prestigious event.
What is WRTC?
The World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) is the pinnacle of competitive ham radio. Held every four years, WRTC brings together the top contesters in the world for an epic competition to see who can make the most contacts in a set time period.
How WRTC 2026 will work
For 10 days in July 2026, 80 two-person teams from over 30 countries will set up temporary stations across the UK. Using only basic equipment and their skills, the teams will attempt to contact as many other hams as possible. The team with the most contacts in each competition mode (phone, CW, digital) wins.
Why you should attend
Even if you're not competing, WRTC 2026 is a must-see event. You'll get to watch world-class operators in action, see innovative station setups, learn new skills, and connect with hams from around the globe. WRTC 2026 will feature public participation events like educational talks, Q&A sessions, and station tours.
Whether you're there to compete, learn, or just experience the excitement, WRTC 2026 is an event you won't want to miss. Stay tuned to the official WRTC 2026 website for details on schedules, event locations, and how you can get involved. The world's best are coming to the UK, and you have a front row seat!
Get Involved in WRTC 2026 as a Volunteer
WRTC would not be possible without the help of dedicated ham radio enthusiasts who volunteer their time. If you want to be part of the action at WRTC 2026, consider signing up as a volunteer. There are many ways you can help support this exciting event.
Marshal a Team
As a team marshal, you’ll be tasked with escorting one of the competing teams to their assigned operating positions and helping them get set up. You’ll also assist the team during the competition by delivering messages, food, and drinks. This is a great way to get an inside look at how the top contesters operate.
Help with Logistics
WRTC requires a lot of logistical support to run smoothly. You can volunteer to help with setting up antennas, transporting equipment, registering competitors, and various other organizational roles. If you prefer to work behind the scenes, this area may be ideal for you.
Staff an Operating Position
Each WRTC operating position needs ham radio operators to act as referees and enforcers of the rules. As a position volunteer, you’ll observe the teams during the competition to ensure fair play. You’ll also operate the station equipment in between rounds of competition. This role gives you the opportunity to use some amazing cutting-edge gear!
Spread the Word
WRTC relies on publicity to raise awareness of the event and bring in donations and sponsorships. You can volunteer to help with promotion by distributing flyers, managing social media accounts, writing blog posts or press releases, and more. Use your communication skills to help share the excitement of WRTC with hams around the world.
No matter your interests or abilities, WRTC 2026 will have a place for you. Sign up to volunteer and be a part of one of the biggest events on the ham radio calendar. The friendships and memories you make will last long after the closing ceremonies end. Join the team and help make WRTC 2026 an event for the record books!
Competing in WRTC 2026: Requirements and Selection Process
Qualifying for Your Country’s Team
To compete in WRTC 2026, you first need to qualify to represent your country. Each country participating in WRTC selects their own team through national competitions and selection criteria. The basic requirements are that you hold a valid amateur radio license and have proven competitive operating skills. Some countries hold national championships to determine their team, while others have selection committees that evaluate candidates based on contest scores and operating experience. If you’re interested in representing your country, check with your national amateur radio organization for details on their selection process.
The Selection Pool
The selection pool for WRTC 2026 will likely be determined in 2025 through a series of qualifying contests where competitors worldwide participate. WRTC organizers evaluate scores and use a formula to determine the top competitors from each country. If selected for your national team, you will then undergo further evaluation and training to represent your country in WRTC 2026.
Preparing to Compete
If selected for your national WRTC team, you’ll go through an intensive period of preparation to get ready for the competition. This includes honing your operating skills through practice at home, team training at the competition site, and learning advanced techniques for maximizing your score during the event. You’ll also become extremely familiar with your equipment, antennas, and the logistics of setting up and operating from the field location.
WRTC 2026 will attract the top amateur radio operators from around the world. Competing at this level requires dedication, skill, and a competitive drive to be the best. But for those who qualify and are selected, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent your country and compete on the world stage. If you have the passion for radiosport and competitive operating, start preparing now to qualify for your national team. With hard work and perseverance, you could find yourself on the start line at WRTC 2026!
WRTC 2026 FAQs: Answering Your Top Questions About the Event
What exactly is the WRTC?
The World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) is the “Olympics of ham radio”, where the top contesters in the world compete in a competitive ham radio contesting event. Teams of two operators each work from remote locations to contact as many other hams as possible within a set time period. The WRTC is held every 4 years, with the next WRTC taking place in the UK in July 2026.
How does the competition work?
WRTC teams operate from secret locations across the UK using only basic equipment and antennas. They have 24 hours to make as many contacts as possible with hams around the world. Each team operates for the full duration, making quick contacts and logging each one. The locations of teams are kept secret until the competition is over to make sure no one has an unfair advantage. The team with the highest combined score at the end wins the championship.
What are the rules?
There are strict rules in place to make the competition as fair as possible. All teams use identical radios and antennas, and are not allowed to modify their equipment. Teams must set up and tear down their stations within a short time period. Only CW (Morse code) and SSB (single sideband) voice modes are allowed, with set band plans that must be followed. Teams can make contacts on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands. Each contact is scored based on the location of the station worked.
How can I participate?
Qualifying for the WRTC as an operator is challenging and competitive. The process starts several years in advance of the event. Operators must submit scores from major ham radio contests to demonstrate their skills. The top contesters from around the world are invited to submit formal applications to be considered for a team. A selection committee evaluates applicants based on their skills, experience, and qualifications to determine the final 50 teams. If selected, you’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime to represent your country at the World Radiosport Team Championship!
Conclusion
So, there you have it - the inside scoop on WRTC 2026. Whether you plan on attending in person or following along online, WRTC 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting showcase of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. As the countdown continues toward summer 2026, stay tuned for more updates from the WRTC 2026 team. The world's best operators will soon descend on the UK for a one-of-a-kind contest. Don't miss out on your chance to witness ham radio history in the making!
For more information, visit WRTC 2026 website