The World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) — often described as the Olympics of amateur radio contesting — will take place in the United Kingdom in July 2026. This prestigious international event brings together the world’s top contest operators to compete on a level playing field using identical stations, antennas, and power limits.
Held every four years, WRTC showcases elite operating skill, strategy, and endurance during a 24-hour operating challenge that highlights the very best of amateur radio.
Where Will WRTC 2026 Take Place?
WRTC 2026 will be hosted in East Anglia, with approximately 50 operating sites distributed across:
- Suffolk
- Norfolk
- Cambridgeshire
Each competing team will operate from an identical station setup, ensuring fairness and placing the emphasis firmly on operator skill and decision-making.
What Is the World Radiosport Team Championship?
WRTC is a unique on-site competition held during the IARU HF World Championship contest weekend. Two-person teams representing countries and regions from around the world compete under identical conditions while independent referees monitor performance and rule compliance.
Key features of WRTC include:
- Identical antennas and station equipment
- Equal operating conditions for every team
- Independent referees ensuring fair play
- Real-time scoring and global participation
- A 24-hour operating endurance challenge
The result is the ultimate test of operating excellence, tactical decision-making, and teamwork.
Who Competes in WRTC?
Up to 50 teams from around the world are expected to participate in WRTC 2026. Teams qualify through performance in major international contests between 2023 and 2025, making participation a true mark of elite contesting achievement.
Participants include:
- Global qualifying teams
- Defending champions
- Youth teams
- Sponsored teams
- Organiser wildcard entries
Why WRTC 2026 Is Special for the UK
This will be the first time the United Kingdom has hosted WRTC, bringing the world’s best contest operators to British soil. The event is expected to attract hundreds of participants, volunteers, referees, and visitors from across the globe.
Attendees can expect:
- International operators and radio enthusiasts
- Volunteer and referee opportunities
- Live scoreboards and spectator engagement
- A major celebration of amateur radio
- Educational and community activities
Why WRTC Matters to Amateur Radio Enthusiasts
WRTC is more than a competition — it is a global showcase of innovation, operating excellence, and the spirit of the amateur radio community.
For UK radio amateurs, WRTC 2026 offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to:
- Witness world-class contest operating
- Volunteer and get involved behind the scenes
- Learn from elite operators
- Celebrate amateur radio on a global stage
- Inspire the next generation of operators
Preparing for WRTC 2026
Whether you plan to compete in contests, volunteer at the event, or simply enjoy the excitement from your own shack, now is the perfect time to enhance your station and operating skills.
Moonraker – the Ham Radio Superstore supplies everything needed for contesting and HF operation, including:
- HF and multi-band transceivers
- High-performance contest antennas
- Power supplies and RF accessories
- Headsets, microphones, and audio gear
- Portable and field operation equipment
- Coax, connectors, and installation essentials
Explore our full range and get contest-ready ahead of WRTC 2026.
Stay Updated
For the latest news, volunteer opportunities, and event updates, visit the official WRTC 2026 website:
Stay tuned for equipment guides, contest preparation advice, and updates as WRTC 2026 approaches.