High Speed CW Telegraphy Championship Events

Find official information and results for High Speed Telegraphy (HST) championships and competitions.

Austin
Reviewed by • Digital Modes & Software Editor March 2026

High Speed Telegraphy (HST) championships test an operator's ability to accurately copy Morse code at very high speeds, often exceeding 100 words per minute. These events are a specialized form of amateur radio competition, focusing purely on CW proficiency rather than DX contacts or contest exchanges. Hams train extensively to improve their reception skills, pushing the limits of human-machine interface for Morse code communication.

These championships are organized internationally, bringing together operators from various countries to compete. The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) plays a key role in standardizing rules and hosting major events, such as the IARU HST Championships. Participants often travel to specific locations, like the 16th HST World Championship held in Bulgaria, to compete face-to-face, demonstrating their mastery of high-speed CW on the bands.

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