This post announces the rule changes for the 2026 CQ WW contests in October and November. In summary:

1) The log deadline is 48 hours, moved from 5 days.

2) We have formally made the use of autonomous robot operation illegal.

These changes are now consistent with the WPX and digital WW contests.

73, John, K1AR

CQ WW Contest Director

Here is the actual text of the changes:

XI. LOG DEADLINE:

  1. All entries must be sent WITHIN 48 HOURS after the end of the contest: no later than 2359 UTC October 27, 2026 for SSB and 2359 UTC December 1, 2026 for CW. Resubmitting an entry after the deadline will result in it being considered as a late log.

IX. GENERAL RULES FOR ALL ENTRANTS:

<snip>

  1. A human operator must initiate the following actions at all times: 1) changing receive or transmit frequencies, 2) calling a station, 3) logging a QSO. Autonomous systems or robots that emulate these actions are prohibited.