HOT 102.7FM is celebrating another major international achievement after The Annapurna Ascent was officially named the top-ranked sports audio story in Africa at the prestigious 2026 AIPS Sport Media Awards.

The powerful series followed South African climbers Warren Eva and John Black on their dangerous mission to summit Annapurna — the world’s 10th highest mountain and one of the deadliest climbs on Earth. From final preparations and emotional goodbyes to brutal conditions high above sea level, HOT 102.7FM listeners were taken along for every step of the expedition.

The series, produced by HOT 1027 News Head Tara Penny, was previously announced as a Top 10 global finalist at the awards ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland. Organisers have now confirmed that The Annapurna Ascent achieved the number one continental ranking for Africa in the audio category.

The official certificate recognises Tara Penny and The Annapurna Ascent as Africa’s top-ranked audio entry in the continental rankings announced in Switzerland in April 2026.

The recognition marks another milestone for HOT 102.7FM on the global stage, further cementing the station’s reputation for creating compelling, award-winning content that resonates far beyond South Africa’s borders.

For Warren Eva and John Black, the award is also deeply personal. Their climb pushed them to physical and emotional extremes as they battled brutal weather, exhaustion, and the ever-present danger Annapurna is known for.

But beyond the mountain itself, The Annapurna Ascent became a story about resilience, preparation, friendship, and the spirit of adventure — themes that resonated strongly with listeners throughout South Africa and beyond.

This latest honour adds to HOT 102.7FM’s growing list of international accolades and highlights the strength of South African storytelling on the world stage.

See the closing video created for the Annapurna Ascent coverage below: