Inside the Contest Brain of KL2A: Titans—and the Rest of the CQ WW Pack

Jon Kimball KL2A is the consummate contester. From learning Morse code at age seven to chasing DX from Alaska with a Yagi at 60 feet, Jon’s ham radio journey spans more than four decades. A chance encounter with Chris KL9A during those early pileups—first as rivals, then as teammates—set the tone for a lifetime of contest camaraderie. Now based in Sun Valley, Idaho, Jon brings deep contesting experience and a sharp analytical mind to this year’s CQ Worldwide CW showdown, operating from Kenny Ramirez’s polished KP4AA station in Puerto Rico. Kimball’s breakdown of the KL9A–N6MJ–E77DX face-off is must-hear commentary. Having operated from CT3, EA8, and HK himself, he offers rare perspective on propagation dynamics, multiplier strategies, and the psychological demands of pacing through fatigue and solar flares. His bet? A strong start from the Zone 33 heavyweights, but a real shot for Braco if the Asian openings from HK pay off—and if the ionosphere throws a wildcard. One detail that sticks: Jon once picked Chris KL9A up from high school and drove him to a contest station. They've been talking radios ever since. And one point Jon made clear: there are dozens of top-tier operators on the air this year. Check out NG3K.com for the full lineup—and work them. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Thanks to Icom and DX Engineering for supporting the CQ WW CW Showdown series—and for backing DXers, Parks on the Air ops, and contesters chasing the edge of propagation.