Inside WRTC 2026: What It Took to Pull Off Ham Radio's Biggest Event
About this episode
Mark Haynes M0DXR discusses the planning and execution of WRTC 2026, highlighting challenges and successes in organizing the event.
The World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC 2026) was far more than a 24-hour contest. It was three years of planning that culminated in one of amateur radio's most ambitious international events. Mark Haynes M0DXR, WRTC 2026 Chairman, joins Q5 just days after the closing ceremonies to reflect on what worked, what nearly didn't, and what it really took to bring the world's best contest operators together under equal conditions. From building 50 identical operating sites to coordinating volunteers, referees, transportation, generators, networking, media coverage, and hundreds of participants, Mark shares the stories viewers never saw during the event. He also discusses the surprisingly small volunteer force that made it all possible, the technical challenges encountered during the contest, and the emotional closing ceremony after years of preparation. The conversation also looks beyond the competition itself. Mark explains how WRTC continues to evolve through live scoreboards, expanded media coverage, youth participation, and the lessons already being documented for the organizers of WRTC 2030. Along the way, he shares memorable moments from contest weekend, unexpected logistical…
More episodes of Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio
- What to Expect at the 2026 Cincinnati Hamfest
- One Week to WRTC: Strategy, Gear and Last-Minute Prep
- Inside WRTC: Contest Crew North America vs Europe
- How Top Contesters Prepare for WRTC (Q5 Clip)
- The World's Best Contesters Have One Request: Spot Everyone
- Why WRTC Is Ham Radio's Ultimate Equalizer
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