Germany’s Contest Machine: Manfred DJ5MW

Manfred Wolf DJ5MW is one of Europe’s most consistent and respected contesters—earning five WRTC qualifications and podium finishes in 2014, 2018 and 2023. Based in Germany’s scenic “three countries corner,” he operates from a former ski jump tower outfitted with a modest but highly effective antenna setup. In this wide-ranging conversation, we trace his path from teenage CB enthusiast to world-class operator, with reflections on early contesting days, lessons learned from each WRTC, and his approach to staying competitive without superstation hardware. Like Jeff N5TJ, Manfred credits strong early mentors and a group of radio-active friends for his growth—and today, he’s paying it forward by supporting German youth operators and sharing advice for aspiring contesters. We also talk about his thoughts on contest rule changes, the role of the Online Scoreboard, and what to expect if you’re planning to attend Ham Radio Friedrichshafen. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio for more global perspectives on the operators shaping our hobby. Special thanks to DX Engineering for supporting this interview—and for their continued commitment to the Parks on the Air community, DXers, Contesters, and all ham radio operators around the world.