Levi K6JO Dominates ARRL DX SSB from ZF1A

Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio

Levi Jeffries, K6JO, is a rising force in ham radio contesting, and this time, he didn’t just compete—he dominated. Operating from ZF1A in Grand Cayman, Levi took on the ARRL DX SSB Contest in the Single Operator High Power category and outscored the world, racking up over 8.5 million points and more than 8,400 QSOs. In this highly anticipated conversation with the Contest Crew, Levi breaks down every detail of his winning strategy. From station setup to maximizing two-radio operation (2BSIQ) for nearly 31 hours, he takes us inside the grueling 48-hour contest (Levi operated 47.5 of those hours), where every decision—band selection, self-spotting, even snack choices—played a role in his victory. He goes head-to-head with powerhouse operators like W2SC, battles through rough Sunday conditions, and redefines what’s possible for a youth operator in a major DX contest. How did Levi push through exhaustion, optimize his run strategy, and manage pileups like a pro? And does he have his sights set on breaking the legendary HC8A record? Find out in this deep dive into one of the most impressive single-op performances in recent memory. Join the conversation and subscribe to W1DED Worldwide Ham Radio.