WWA Hits 100,000 Hunters in Record Time

WWA Hits 100,000 Huntersand 2M QSOs in Record Time: A Front-Row Seat to History

I still remember when we first heard about the World Wide Award program. It seemed like just another winter activity to keep us busy during the cold months here in New Brunswick. But what I witnessed this January has been nothing short of extraordinary – WWA hit 100,000 Hunters in just 11 days, and I had the privilege of watching it unfold from our corner of the world.

A Small Team, A Big Event

Here at VE9WWA, we like to think we play our small part in something much larger than ourselves. Every January, when the snow is piled high and the temperatures drop, amateur radio operators from around the globe fire up their rigs for what has become one of the most anticipated events in ham radio. The World Wide Award brings together hunters chasing contacts and activators making themselves available, all working toward a common goal – connecting with fellow operators across the planet.

Our role might be modest, but being part of the team that helps facilitate this international gathering of radio enthusiasts fills me with pride. We're not running the show, but we're here, doing our part by logging contacts and watching the numbers climb.

The Growth That Keeps On Growing

What struck me most this year wasn't just the speed at which we hit 100,000 Hunters – though eleven days is absolutely remarkable – it's the sustained growth we're seeing year after year. More hunters are scanning the bands in search of new contacts. More activators are getting on the air, sometimes from rare or challenging locations. And the QSO count? It just keeps climbing. UPDATE: 2M QSOs at 1400 UTC on 12 January 2026

I've been involved in ham radio for years, and I've witnessed many events come and go. Some flash bright and fade quickly. But WWA has momentum. It's building something sustainable, something that brings out the best in our hobby. Whether you're a seasoned DXer with a wall full of QSL cards or a newly licensed operator making your first international contact, there's a place for you in WWA.

What Makes It Special

From my shack here in VE9-land, I've had the chance to work stations I never thought I'd reach. The bands have been alive with activity, and the enthusiasm is infectious. There's something magical about knowing that at any given moment, hundreds – maybe thousands – of operators are simultaneously chasing the same goal, united by radio waves and a shared passion.

The beauty of WWA is its accessibility. You don't need a massive antenna farm or a kilowatt amplifier to participate. I've made memorable connections with modest equipment, proving that in this event, participation matters more than power. The hunters appreciate every activator, and the activators appreciate every hunter. It's ham radio at its finest – people connecting with people.

Looking Ahead

As I write this, the event is still going strong, and I suspect we'll see that 100,000 number grow significantly before it's all over. The trajectory is clear: WWA is becoming a cornerstone event in the amateur radio calendar, and I'm honoured that VE9WWA can contribute in our own small way.

To my fellow operators out there – whether you're hunting or activating, whether you've made ten contacts or a thousand – thank you for being part of this. You're helping build something special, something that reminds us why we fell in love with amateur radio in the first place.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear the bands calling. There are more contacts to be made, and I want to do my part to push that number even higher.

73 de VE9CF