Dillon Ferguson Wins Fiber Broadband Association OpTIC Path™ Rodeo at Fiber Connect 2026

Dillon Ferguson Wins Fiber Broadband Association OpTIC Path™ Rodeo at Fiber Connect 2026 

Hands-on competition highlights fiber technician excellence and workforce development 

ORLANDO, FLA.—(May 19, 2026)—Today at Fiber Connect 2026, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) announced that Dillon Ferguson, Owner of Ferguson Communications from Lake Anna, Virginia, won the second annual OpTIC Path™ Fiber Optic Technician Rodeo, a hands-on competition showcasing the skills and expertise of fiber technicians. By featuring real-world challenges, the OpTIC Path Rodeo underscores the value of comprehensive workforce development and training programs in building the skilled workforce required for fiber connectivity growth across the U.S. 

“The OpTIC Path Rodeo continues to demonstrate the incredible talent and technical expertise driving the fiber broadband industry forward,” said Todd Jackson, Director of Workforce Development at the Fiber Broadband Association. “This competition celebrates the technicians who build and maintain critical broadband infrastructure while reinforcing the importance of workforce training and development across the industry.” 

The OpTIC Path Rodeo brought together 12 fiber technicians, engineers, and OpTIC Path graduates from across the industry in a dynamic, hands-on competition celebrating the precision, excellence, and dedication required to build the broadband networks of the future. Participants demonstrated their fiber splicing, troubleshooting skillsets, and fiber knowledge competing for the ultimate prize: $1,000 in cash, a brass belt buckle, and bragging rights as the top fiber technician at Fiber Connect 2026. 

With 12 years in the broadband and fiber industry, Ferguson has built a career rooted in hands-on expertise and a lifelong connection to telecommunications. Growing up in the telecom industry, he developed an early passion for fiber infrastructure and today runs his own splicing company. Dillon is known for his technical precision, and his favorite tool is the EXFO 730D OTDR, a staple in his day-to-day work ensuring network performance and reliability. “Fiber has always been a part of my life,” said Ferguson. “Being able to build my own company and help expand reliable connectivity is something I’m really proud of.” 

This year’s competition featured tasks focused on, troubleshooting, safety, and hands-on technical skills, and a Q & A focused on testing their fiber knowledge, culminating in a final round testing both splicing speed and quality as well as real-world troubleshooting capabilities.  

Inspired by FBA’s OpTIC Path Training Curriculum, the Rodeo competition highlights the critical skills taught in this industry-leading workforce development program. As demand for skilled fiber technicians continues to grow, OpTIC Path provides comprehensive training in fiber network design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.  

Learn more about the OpTIC Path Program or subscribe to FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter to stay updated.