WWROF reveals the 2026 Hall of Fame class of four during the May 16 Contest Dinner ceremony in Dayton, OH.
DAYTON, OH May 16, 2026 — The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation, Inc. (WWROF) today announced the induction of four new members into the Contest Hall of Fame — Mark Pride, K1RX, Paul Young, K1XM, Doug Zwiebel, KR2Q and Tom Lee, K8AZ.
“It is with great pride that we reveal the distinguished individuals selected for induction into the Contest Hall of Fame Class of 2026,” said John Dorr, K1AR, Chairman of the Contest Hall of Fame Selection Committee. “Each inductee represents the pinnacle of amateur radio contesting excellence globally, having shaped the foundation and future of our beloved sport.”
The following remarkable individuals have earned their place in contesting through their exceptional skill, unwavering dedication, and lasting impact on the sport.
Doug Zweibel, KR2Q, of Randolph, New Jersey, USA, has been a driving force in amateur radio contesting since 1967. As the longest-serving member of the CQWW Contest Committee, he revolutionized the sport by writing the first mass computerized log-checking software in 1980 and later served as CQWW Contest Director from 2016 to 2017. An elite operator who helped establish the Contesting Hall of Fame in 1986, Zwiebel holds multiple low-power operating records and DXCC Honor Roll #1.
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Tom Lee, K8AZ, of Chesterland, Ohio, USA, is a premier station builder, elite contester, and visionary team leader with a career spanning over three decades. He co-founded both the North Coast Contesters and the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation, helping shape modern regional contest club structures. From his renowned four-tower station, Lee fostered a collaborative culture that attracted over 70 operators, leading the K8AZ team to consecutive top-tier finishes in major worldwide DX contests since the late 1980s.
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Paul Young, K1XM, of Hudson, Massachusetts, USA, is an acclaimed radio engineer, elite contester, and dedicated volunteer with over 50 years in the hobby. He revolutionized contest station efficiency by creating the affordable YCCC SO2R Box hardware and the widely adopted Open Two Radio Switching Protocol (OTRSP). A prolific DXpeditioner and innovator, Young also engineered advanced antenna switching platforms, serves as the lead developer for the free DXLog contest software, and has spent over 35 years in leadership roles within the Yankee Clipper Contest Club.
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Mark Pride, K1RX, of Rochester, New Hampshire, USA, has been an elite amateur radio contester and prolific station builder for over 60 years. He holds numerous state records, has competed globally, and previously served as the president of the Yankee Clipper Contest Club. A dedicated mentor, Pride was the 2014 World Radiosport Team Championship antenna director, recently produced a 7-part contesting series for the Q5 Amateur Radio podcast, and represents MomoBeam antennas in the United States
Read more about Mark
ABOUT THE CONTEST HALL OF FAME
The CQ Contest Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to recognize amateurs who have made major contributions to the art of radio competition. The program has maintained a consistent purpose of recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to amateur radio contesting, both in support of others and in personal operating achievements. In addition, candidates are to be known for meaningful/measurable contributions to the hobby.
Today, the HOF is managed by the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) in memory of CQ publisher Dick Ross K2MGA.
To learn more about the Contest Hall of Fame, visit contesthof.com.
ABOUT THE WORLD WIDE RADIO OPERATORS FOUNDATION
The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation, Inc. (WWROF) is an independent, international non-profit organization founded in 2009 by radio operators committed to advancing the skill, art, and responsible practice of radio operating.
WWROF strengthens amateur radio operating worldwide by encouraging active participation, improving operator proficiency, upholding standards of integrity, and supporting activities with a clear purpose—from international competition and technical excellence to education, youth development, and readiness to serve society in times of communications need.
The Foundation supports programs across the radiosport and amateur radio communities, including the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC), youth initiatives such as YOTA camps, and operation and stewardship of the CQ family of contests.
For more information, visit www.wwrof.org.
