Good morning contesters!
I’m writing to inform you that there will be some rule changes to the 2025 CQ WW contest this fall. The vast majority of these modifications are minor with one notable exception – elimination of the EXPLORER category.
As background, the EXPLORER category was established in 2021 to allow amateurs to participate in the CQ WW Contest while experimenting creatively
(“exploring”) with Internet-linked stations and other new technologies. The goal of this category was to encourage innovation in operating strategies, station design, and technology adaptation. Both single-operator and multi-operator Explorer categories were created.
However, the intent of the category was not clearly understood. Many single-operator Explorer entrants were actually portable stations or single-location remote stations which were valid single-operator non-Explorer entries. On the other hand, many multi-operator teams embraced the new category using multiple locations linked by Internet connections, thus allowing more operators to participate.
The CQ WPX Contest added a similar category (Multi-Distributed) during the Covid pandemic to enable multi-operator stations to participate without in-person contact. This addition has been successful, with enthusiastic competition from stations worldwide.
Therefore, effective with the 2025 CQ WW DX Contest, the Explorer category will be discontinued. A new Multi-Transmitter-Distributed category will be added, with rules consistent with the CQ WPX version. See CQ WW Rules Section V.4.
73, John, K1AR
I’m writing to inform you that there will be some rule changes to the 2025 CQ WW contest this fall. The vast majority of these modifications are minor with one notable exception – elimination of the EXPLORER category.
As background, the EXPLORER category was established in 2021 to allow amateurs to participate in the CQ WW Contest while experimenting creatively
(“exploring”) with Internet-linked stations and other new technologies. The goal of this category was to encourage innovation in operating strategies, station design, and technology adaptation. Both single-operator and multi-operator Explorer categories were created.
However, the intent of the category was not clearly understood. Many single-operator Explorer entrants were actually portable stations or single-location remote stations which were valid single-operator non-Explorer entries. On the other hand, many multi-operator teams embraced the new category using multiple locations linked by Internet connections, thus allowing more operators to participate.
The CQ WPX Contest added a similar category (Multi-Distributed) during the Covid pandemic to enable multi-operator stations to participate without in-person contact. This addition has been successful, with enthusiastic competition from stations worldwide.
Therefore, effective with the 2025 CQ WW DX Contest, the Explorer category will be discontinued. A new Multi-Transmitter-Distributed category will be added, with rules consistent with the CQ WPX version. See CQ WW Rules Section V.4.
73, John, K1AR
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