2024 FT Challenge Results Page

After four consecutive years of declining activity in the FT Roundup, it was decided to change the contest to use standard FT messages which allows contesters to work non-contesters seamlessly.

Unfortunately, there were only 554 logs submitted which is low for any contest. However, there were 112,854 QSOs reported with 4,143 unique callsigns.

Another reason for the rule change was to attract more DX stations outside the United States and to use distance-based scoring. Despite not getting more DX logs, there was plenty of DX to work. Jim, K6OK, had this to say “All DX is fair game – I even worked a couple of DXpeditions to get those grid mults!”. This certainly does add an extra layer of fun and strategy to the new format.

From the comments, it looks like the contest was successful and better than the FT Roundup. Ron, NR4L (WV4P) commented “Certainly an upgrade from the RU test (FT Roundup).” Steven, N8HRZ, had this to say “Love the new format. Keeps the second half of the contest lively.” Bob, KI6DY, said “Big improvement with the rule changes. I like it.” Anton, ON6NL, mirrored that with “Thanks for the FT Challenge! A great improvement.” Dave, KA6BIM (operating as K6SEA), remarked “Wow, what a fun contest”. Dave, WD6T, added “The most fun I’ve had in an FT contest”.

Single Operator

The single operator winner in the first FT Challenge is Ron, WV4P, operating as NR4L, with 868,538 points on 1393 QSOs and 242 multipliers.

Ron also won the initial FT8 Roundup in 2018.

Ron, WV4P, operating as NR4L, Single Operator winner of the 2024 FT Challenge

Steven, N8HRZ, finished a close second with 1344 QSOs, 238 multipliers and a score 799,680 points. Steven finished 3rd in the FT Roundup last year.

Seasoned digital contester, Bob, KI6DY, was 3rd with 1192 QSOs, 194 multipliers and 469,868 points.

Nine of the top 10 single operators were from the United States with K6SEA (op KA6BIM) in 4th, NA3M in 5th, K9OM in 6th, K5ZD in 7th, W1UE in 9th, and NF3R in 10th. 5B4AMM was the only DX station in the top 10 in 8th place. Top ten single operators receive a premium bottle of wine from Muns Vineyard mailed to a USA address.

Multi-Operator

In the Multi-operator category, WA2BOT (@K1TTT) ran away with the win with 1512 QSOs and a score of 762,912. W0YK (@K6MTU) was second with 927 QSOs and 476,684 points. In 3rd place was KJ7KOJ with 709 QSOs and 320,450 points.

The top European score was GM5G in 4th place with 1120 QSOs and 224,784 points. DL0PF was 5th with 104,220 points.

Final

With the late change of the name and rules in 2024, there wasn’t adequate time to advance the new format. In 2025, we hope the contest will flourish as we promote the contest to a greater extent.

The dates for 2025 are December 6-7. CU there!

73, Don AA5AU & Ed, W0YK