CQ World-Wide WPX SSB contest 2026: Komplexný sprievodca a úplné pravidlá

The amateur radio calendar is full of events, but only a few have such global reach and dynamics as CQ World-Wide WPX contest. Pre rok 2026 sa očakáva, že SSB časť tohto preteku opäť prepíše historické tabuľky v počte nahlásených denníkov. Tento pretek nie je len o nadväzovaní spojení; je to strategická hra s prefixmi, kde každý unikátny začiatok volacej značky môže znamenať rozdiel medzi priemerným výsledkom a pódiovým umiestnením.

The WPX Phenomenon and the Strategic Importance of Prefixes

Unlike CQ WW DX contests, where multipliers are countries DXCC and CQ zones, WPX focuses on prefixes. This approach dramatically changes operators' behavior on the bands. While in other contests it may be difficult to find a new multiplier after some time, in WPX the potential is almost inexhaustible. Every year, thousands of special callsigns appear on the occasion of anniversaries, expeditions, or national holidays, making each contact a potential unique multiplier.

In 2026, the contest will take place at a time when the 25th solar cycle should still be in an active phase, although probably past its peak. This promises excellent conditions on the upper bands (10m, 15m, and 20m), which is crucial for SSB operation. The propagation on 28 MHz could be a decisive factor for stations in Central Europe trying to achieve high score gains through transcontinental contacts.

Station Preparation and Tactical Considerations

Technical readiness is essential for a professional outcome in 2026. In SSB operation, signal purity and speech compression efficiency are critical factors.

It is strategically recommended to focus on the 40m and 80m bands at night, where points for connections between continents are doubled. In Central European conditions, the 40m band during WPX is a 'battlefield' that requires high-quality receivers with high resistance to cross-modulation.

For the Single Operator categories, the proper scheduling of 36 hours of operating time is crucial. The 12 hours of mandatory rest is not just a rule, but also a strategic tool. Experienced operators plan these breaks during periods of weakest propagation towards areas with high density of radio amateurs (typically early afternoon towards the USA on the lower bands or deep night if no band is open).

Pravidlá 2026 CQ World-Wide WPX contest

Below we provide a complete and accurate translation of the official rules for the upcoming 2026 edition, based on the official documentation..

I. Goal

The goal is for radio amateurs around the world to make as many connections as possible with the largest number of radio amateurs and prefixes during the contest period..

II. Date of the event

• SSB: March 28 – 29, 2026

• CW: May 30 – 31, 2026

• Start: 00:00 UTC on Saturday. End: 23:59 UTC on Sunday.

The operating period is 48 hours. Stations in the Single Operator category (individual) may operate for 36 out of 48 hours – the rest period must last at least 60 minutes, during which no connections are logged.. Multi-operator (more operators) stations may operate the full 48 hours..

III. Bands

Only the bands 1.8, 3.5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 MHz may be used.. It is strongly recommended to adhere to the established band plans..

IV. Contest code (Exchange)

The contest code consists of the RS(T) report and the serial number of the connection, starting with the number 001 for the first connection.. Note: Participants in the Multi-Two, Multi-Unlimited, and Multi-Distributed categories use separate sequences of serial numbers on each band..

V. Scoring

A. Total score: The resulting score is the product of the total number of points for connections (QSO points) and the number of different prefixes obtained..

B. Points for connections (QSO Points): A connection may be made with each station on each band once for points.:

1. Connections between stations on different continents are worth three (3) points on the 28, 21, and 14 MHz bands and six (6) points on the 7, 3.5, and 1.8 MHz bands..

2. Connections between stations on the same continent but in different countries are worth one (1) point in the bands 28, 21, and 14 MHz and two (2) points in the bands 7, 3.5, and 1.8 MHz. Exception: Only for North American stations - connections between stations within the borders of North America are worth two (2) points in the bands 28, 21, and 14 MHz and four (4) points in the bands 7, 3.5, and 1.8 MHz.

3. Connections between stations in the same country are worth 1 point regardless of the band.

C. Multipliers for prefixes: The multiplier is the number of valid linked prefixes. Each prefix is counted only once regardless of the band or the number of connections with the same prefix.

1. A prefix is a combination of letters and numbers that forms the first part of the amateur radio call sign. Examples: N8, W8, WD8, HG1, HG19, KC2, OE2, OE25, LY1000 etc.. Any difference in numbering, letters, or their order is counted as a separate prefix.

2. In the case of operation from another area (portable), the prefix becomes the identifier of that area. This prefix must be authorized in the given country or area. An identifier without a number will have a zero (0) assigned after the second letter, creating a prefix. Example: PA/N8BJQ becomes PA0. All call signs without numbers will have a zero (0) after the first two letters. Example: XEFTJW counts as XE0. License class identifiers such as /M, /MM, /A, /E, /J, /P do not count as prefixes.

3. Participation of special stations with unique prefixes is supported. These prefixes must be issued or authorized by the licensing authority of the country of operation.

VI. Competition Categories

The use of tools for searching connections (QSO alerting assistance) is allowed in all categories except for the Single Operator Classic Overlay category.

A. Single Operator categories: One person performs all functions related to operation and logkeeping. There is no limit on band changes. At any given time, only one transmitted signal is allowed.

1. Single Operator High Power: The total output power must not exceed 1500 watts.

2. Single Operator Low Power: The total output power must not exceed 100 watts.

3. Single Operator QRP: The total output power must not exceed 5 watts.

B. Supplementary categories (Single Operator Overlay): A participant in the Single Operator category who meets the requirements may also enter one of the categories listed below by adding a CATEGORY-OVERLAY line to the header Cabrillo log. These categories are evaluated separately for High and Low Power.

1. tribander/Single Element (TB-WIRES): The participant may use only one tribander (of any type, with one feedline) for the 10, 15, and 20 meter bands and single element antennas on the 40, 80, and 160 meter bands. Separate receiving antennas are not allowed.

2. Rookie: The operator must hold an amateur radio license for no more than three (3) years as of the date of the contest. The date of first license issuance must be included in the SOAPBOX field.

3. Classic Operator (Classic): The participant may use only one radio and may operate a maximum of 24 out of 48 hours. If the log shows more than 24 hours, only the first 24 hours will count towards the score. The use of any means to search for contacts (DX cluster etc.) is prohibited. Receiving during transmission is also prohibited.

4. Youth: The operator was 25 years old or younger at the start of the contest. Please provide the date of birth in the SOAPBOX field.

C. Multi-Operator categories: Multiple individuals may contribute to the final score. The choice of category depends on the number of transmitted signals or locations.

1. Single-Transmitter (MULTI-ONE): Only one transmitted signal is allowed at any given time. A maximum of ten (10) band changes per hour (00 to 59 minutes). One sequence of serial numbers is used.

   • High Power: Max 1500 watts.

   • Low Power: Max 100 watts.

2. Two-Transmitter (MULTI-TWO): A maximum of two transmitted signals at any given time on two different bands. A connection can be made with each station once on each band. The log must indicate which transmitter made which connection. Each transmitter may make a maximum of eight (8) band changes per hour. Separate sequences of serial numbers are used for each band. Maximum power of 1500 watts per signal.

3. Multi-Transmitter (MULTI-UNLIMITED): A maximum of six transmitted signals, one per band, simultaneously. Separate sequences of numbers for each band. Maximum power of 1500 watts per signal.

4. Multi-Transmitter Distributed (MULTI-DISTRIBUTED): A maximum of six transmitted signals, one per band, from stations in different locations. All devices must be in the same DXCC entity and CQ zone. Maximum power of 1500 watts per signal.

D. checklog: Log submitted for review without the right to score evaluation.

VII. Prizes

A log for a single band is eligible to win a prize only for that band.

• Plaques: Awarded for outstanding performances in various categories. Only one plaque will be awarded for one contest entry.

• Diplomas: Electronic diplomas will be available for download for anyone who submits the log on time.

VIII. Club competition

Club score is the sum of scores from logs submitted by its members.

• USA clubs: Participation is limited to members living within 250 miles of the club center.

• DX clubs: Participation is limited to members in the DXCC country where the club is located, OR within 400 km from the club center.

• National organizations (e.g., JARL, REF, DARC, SZR) are not eligible for club competition.

• For the club to be included in the results, at least four logs from its members must be received.

IX. Definitions of terms

• Station location: The area on which all transmitters, receivers and antennas are located. All must be within a radius of 500 meters.

• Assistance for finding connections (QSO alerting assistance): Any technology that provides identification of a callsign or multiplier, including DX clusters, CW decoders, Skimmers, etc.:.

X. General rules for all participants

1. Each participant must respect the limits of his category.

2. A different call sign must be used for each post.

3. Do not exceed the power limits of the selected category on any band.

4. "Self-spotting" or requesting spotting is not allowed.

5. Remote operation is allowed if all transmitters, receivers and antennas are in one location.

6. External receivers outside the station location are not allowed.

7. Only one signal per band at a time.

8. Alternating calling (CQ) on two or more frequencies on one band is not allowed.

9. All operations (debugging, connection establishment, logging) must be initiated by a human operator. Autonomous systems or robots are prohibited.

10. For stations from ITU region 1: transmission above 7200 kHz during the SSB race is not allowed. Broadcasting below 1810 kHz is also prohibited.

XI. Instructions for logs

Electronic submission of the diary is mandatory for all participants.

1. The log must contain: date and time in UTC, frequency (or band), correspondent tag, code sent and received.

2. The standard is the CABRILLO format.

3. The only method of submission is web upload to www.cqwpx.com/logcheck.

XII. Log submission deadline

All entries must be submitted WITHIN 48 HOURS after the contest ends:

• SSB logs: no later than March 31, 2026, 23:59 UTC.

• CW logs: no later than June 2, 2026, 23:59 UTC.

XIII. Evaluation and disciplinary measures

The CQ WPX Contest Committee is responsible for reviewing and judging contest entries.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct: includes confirming connections via the internet, phone, social media during the contest, broadcasting outside of licenses, rewriting times in the log, etc..

• Log Check: Call sign errors or signs not found in the second diary lead to a penalty of twice the point value of the given connection.

XIV. Declaration

By submitting the log, the participant confirms that he has read and understood the rules, operated in accordance with the laws and rules, and accepts the committee's decisions as final.

In conclusion: Why participate in 2026?

CQWW WPX SSB contest je otvorený pretek. Vďaka systému prefixov má aj malá stanica s jednoduchou anténou šancu stať sa žiadaným násobičom pre „big guns“ z celého sveta. Pre slovenských operátorov je to ideálna príležitosť otestovať svoje schopnosti pred nadchádzajúcou sezónou, vyskúšať techniku a zažiť atmosféru preplnených pásiem, ktoré ožívajú každú poslednú marcovú sobotu.

Don't forget the critical 48-hour deadline for journal submission. In the era of modern technology, the emphasis is on speed and transparency, which elevates this race to the level of top e-sports with a radio amateur soul. See you on the bands, friends!

See you in March 2026 in the chase for prefixes. If you have any questions about the interpretation of the rules, please do not hesitate to contact the competition director at director@cqwpx.com.