Inside the Mind of CT1BOH: Becoming a World Champion Ham Radio Contester

José Nunes, CT1BOH, is a force of nature in ham radio contesting. Licensed at the age of 15, José’s journey began with a fascination for DXing, but it was a dinner with the legendary Jim Neiger, N6TJ, in 1985 that transformed his hobby into an obsession. He made a vow to himself that night to win the CQ Worldwide Contest—and he did, shattering records along the way. José has competed in an incredible 69 CQWW contests from locations around the globe, including Cape Verde, Madeira, Aruba, Venezuela, Canary Islands and Hawaii, racking up world titles and pioneering operating techniques like SO2R and 2BSIQ. His analytical mind and relentless drive for perfection have not only earned him elite status but also made him a mentor and innovator in the ham radio community. Whether it's mastering pile-up management, developing log-checking algorithms, or revolutionizing real-time propagation monitoring, José’s impact on the hobby is profound. In this captivating interview, José shares the mindset and strategies behind his success, his passion for propagation and DXing, and his views on the future of contesting. Don’t miss his inspiring advice for aspiring contesters and a behind-the-scenes look at the obsession and preparation it takes to reach the top. Join the conversation, and if you’re as fascinated by José’s story as we are, subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio for more interviews with the legends of the hobby. Your next big ham radio inspiration might be just a click away!