Danish CW Events and Contest Experiences

Although Morse code (CW) is a global language, there is something uniquely special about taking part in Danish events and contests. These occasions connect us not only to the wider international amateur radio community but also to our own national traditions.

In this article, I want to share my experiences from several Danish events where I had the opportunity to operate under different special event callsigns. For me, these have not only been contests, but also memorable chapters in my journey as a CW operator.

📅 A Timeline of Events

Here is an overview of some of the events I have participated in:

🚴 Tour de France – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Contact

One of the most memorable moments came during Tour de France 2022, when Denmark had the honor of hosting the Grand Départ. I operated with the special call OZ22TDF, and I’ll never forget making a QSO while the riders were crossing the Great Belt Bridge on their way to the finish line.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a blend of sporting history and radio communication, with CW linking me directly to that extraordinary moment.

⚽ FIFA World Cup 2018 – Russia

CW has also taken me far beyond Denmark. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, I joined the event using the special call OU18WFC. This was a large-scale international celebration, and I logged over 600 QSOs during the event.

The organizational setup was fascinating: each participating country had its own contest manager who validated and corrected logs before forwarding them to the Russian hosts. At the end of the event, I proudly received both a Danish certificate and a Russian certificate — souvenirs that remind me of the way sport and radio can unite people across borders.

🏆 Winning 5PØWARD 2023

One of my proudest achievements as a CW operator came when I won the 5PØWARD event in 2023, logging 349 QSOs on CW. Everything came together perfectly: good conditions, high activity on the bands, and a lot of enthusiasm among participants.

This victory also highlighted an important truth: it is often easier to make QSOs with a special event callsign than with one’s personal callsign. Event calls simply attract more attention, which in turn leads to higher activity and more rewarding experiences.

🎙 Why CW Events Matter

Every event I have taken part in had one thing in common: they were all operated entirely in CW.

In today’s digital age, where modes like FT8 dominate the airwaves, CW continues to stand strong within the contesting community. It remains a living tradition.

• Working through pileups,

• Pulling out weak signals from the noise,

• Sending your own callsign confidently with a straight key or paddle —

all of this connects us to history. It’s the same code used on the Titanic, in world wars, and today by amateurs who value skill, rhythm, and precision. CW contests are not just competitions; they are a way of keeping alive one of radio’s most enduring traditions.

🔎 Final Reflections

Participating in these events has given me far more than certificates or entries in my logbook. They’ve provided experiences, stories, and a deeper connection to both CW and the Danish amateur radio community.

From 5PØWARD to Tour de France and the FIFA World Cup, I’ve seen how special callsigns open the door to more QSOs and bigger adventures. More importantly, I’ve seen how CW continues to thrive as a vibrant, living part of amateur radio.

So, the next time you see a Danish event callsign appear on the bands — don’t hesitate. Behind that signal lies a story, a community, and perhaps even a certificate to remind you of a unique experience.

73's de Tommy OZ1THC