Welcome to Competitive Innovations, our weekly feature for a number of game lines across the tabletop wargame space. Each week our army list and tactics experts canvass the top tournaments for their game of specialty, looking at the week’s top match-ups and how they played out on the tabletop to let you know what’s hot, what’s not, and what might be coming next as the competitive meta evolves year-round.

Lowest of Men’s in charge today, continuing to cover the especially crunchy week we’ve had.

Today:

The Storm of Silence Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament
Alberta Classic 40k 2025
17 & 18 May 2025 – OWN’s Breaking Point GT at Game HQ
Winchester 40K GT – May 2025
Minsk Eternal GT II

Wednesday:

Mayhem 4: Live Free or Dice Hard
Maryland Open 2025
South Yorkshire GT 2025
Grampian Gaming Guild GT
Brighton 40k GT XI

Saturday:

The Alamo 40K GT ’25
San Diego Classic Grand Tournament ’25 – Warhammer 40K
Giga-Bites May Warhammer 40k GT
2025 Game Grid Open

The Storm of Silence Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament

104-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Spokane, WA, United States on May 17 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion) versus Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance)

Timothy Grant – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion)
Army List - Click to Expand

Death Guard
Strike Force (2000 points)
Champions of Contagion

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (65 points)
• 1x Hyper blight grenades
1x Injector pistol
1x Plague knives
• Enhancement: Final Ingredient

Foul Blightspawn (60 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plague sprayer

Lord of Contagion (110 points)
• 1x Manreaper

Lord of Virulence (90 points)
• 1x Power fist
1x Twin plague spewer

Malignant Plaguecaster (60 points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Corrupted staff
1x Plague Wind

Tallyman (40 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol

Typhus (90 points)
• 1x Lakrimae

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (190 points)
• 1x Plague Champion
• 1x Plasma gun
1x Power fist
• 9x Plague Marine
• 2x Blight launcher
1x Bubotic weapons
4x Heavy plague weapon
2x Meltagun
9x Plague knives

Plague Marines (190 points)
• 1x Plague Champion
• 1x Plasma gun
1x Power fist
• 9x Plague Marine
• 2x Bubotic weapons
4x Heavy plague weapon
2x Meltagun
9x Plague knives
1x Plague spewer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Combi-bolter
1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 points)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations

Deathshroud Terminators (140 points)
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
1x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points)
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 points)
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta

Poxwalkers (60 points)
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.33.1 (80), Data Version: v609

vs.

Jason Byrd – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance)
Army List - Click to Expand

LVO (1990 points)

Chaos Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Traitoris Lance

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (165 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Slaughterclaw
• Enhancement: Aura of Terror
* This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword.

War Dog Stalker (170 points)
• 1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Slaughterclaw
• Enhancement: The Traitor’s Mark
* This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword.

BATTLELINE

War Dog Brigand (165 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Karnivore (140 points)
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw

ALLIED UNITS

Blue Horrors (125 points)
• 10x Blue Horror
• 10x Blue claws
10x Coruscating Blue Flames

Nurglings (35 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.29.0 (73), Data Version: v579

Thoughts

A little symptom (hehe) of the meta to come, as the Death Guard throw down against a previous meta staple, the lots of War Dogs CK list. This Chaos Knights list compromises on a few hulls to get a bit more mission utility in – the double Blue Horrors gives it a starting mid board scoring presence alongside the Nurglings, which can help it ramp up on the secondaries and force commitment from the opponent before starting to apply the OC 8 walkers in response. A nice touch that offers some flexibility, and then its Karnivores, Brigands and Stalkers as usual to get it done!

Champions of Contagion is one of the cool new Death Guard detachments, with amazing potential for placing the full array of Afflictions where it wants it via stratagem support. Double Plague Marine Rhino gives it plenty of punch and the ability to stick Fights First where it needs (again via the wonderful suite of Champions stratagems), without investing in the Foul Blightspawn across both units. Triple Heavy Bloat Drone with Blight Launcher is something we are going to see a lot – into the CK the S10 weapon continues to be incredibly consistent as Contagion range brings the dogs down to T9. If the question here is can new Death Guard handle a toughness skew, the answer appears to be a resounding yes, as the tricks and tools of Champions sweeps the Chaos Knights aside almost effortlessly. Huge Death Guard win!

Result

Death Guard (Champions of Contagion) Victory – 89 – 39

Timothy Grant – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Death Guard
Strike Force (2000 points)
Champions of Contagion

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (65 points)
• 1x Hyper blight grenades
1x Injector pistol
1x Plague knives
• Enhancement: Final Ingredient

Foul Blightspawn (60 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plague sprayer

Lord of Contagion (110 points)
• 1x Manreaper

Lord of Virulence (90 points)
• 1x Power fist
1x Twin plague spewer

Malignant Plaguecaster (60 points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Corrupted staff
1x Plague Wind

Tallyman (40 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol

Typhus (90 points)
• 1x Lakrimae

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (190 points)
• 1x Plague Champion
• 1x Plasma gun
1x Power fist
• 9x Plague Marine
• 2x Blight launcher
1x Bubotic weapons
4x Heavy plague weapon
2x Meltagun
9x Plague knives

Plague Marines (190 points)
• 1x Plague Champion
• 1x Plasma gun
1x Power fist
• 9x Plague Marine
• 2x Bubotic weapons
4x Heavy plague weapon
2x Meltagun
9x Plague knives
1x Plague spewer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Combi-bolter
1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 points)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous mutations

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points)
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 points)
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta

Poxwalkers (60 points)
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.33.1 (80), Data Version: v609

Archetype

Champions of Contagion Rhino Rush

Thoughts

Extremely potent infantry heavy Death Guard claims an event win, combining Plague Marines and Deathshroud with a solid base of supporting shooting vehicles. It is extremely hard to navigate pushing into Death Guard now, with the risk of a 6 inch counter charge from Deathshroud making the early game particularly deadly for the unwary. Poxwalkers claim the midboard and there are Chaos Spawn for a bit of additional action economy, but otherwise this list cracks on with the work of bodying people off the middle of the board. Very well done on the event win!

Donald Plummer – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

cc 4 – Death Guard – Champions of Contagion (1990 Points)

Character:
Biologus Putrifier (65 pts)
• Injector pistol
• Plague knives
• Hyper blight grenades
• Final Ingredient

Daemon Prince of Nurgle (195 pts)
• Infernal cannon
• Hellforged weapons

Lord of Contagion (110 pts)
• Plagueblade

Lord of Virulence (90 pts)
• Heavy plague fist
• Twin plague spewer

Malignant Plaguecaster (60 pts)
• Plague Wind
• Corrupted staff
• Plague bolt pistol

Tallyman (40 pts)
• Infected plasma pistol
• Close combat weapon
• Warlord

Battleline:
Plague Marines (190 pts)
• Plague Champion
• Power Fist
• Plasma gun
• 2x Plague Marine w/ plague spewer
• 2x Plague knives
• 2x Plague spewer
• 2x Plague Marine w/ special weapon
• 2x Meltagun
• 2x Plague knives
• 2x Plague Marine w/ blight launcher
• 2x Plague knives
• 2x Blight launcher
• 3x Plague Marine w/ heavy plague weapon
• 3x Plague knives
• 3x Heavy plague weapon

Plague Marines (95 pts)
• Plague Champion
• Power Fist
• Plasma gun
• Plague Marine w/ plague spewer
• Plague knives
• Plague spewer
• Plague Marine w/ blight launcher
• Plague knives
• Blight launcher
• 2x Plague Marine w/ heavy plague weapon
• 2x Plague knives
• 2x Heavy plague weapon

Infantry:
Deathshroud Terminators (140 pts)
• Deathshroud Terminator Champion
• Manreaper
• 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Manreaper

Deathshroud Terminators (140 pts)
• Deathshroud Terminator Champion
• Manreaper
• 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Manreaper

Poxwalkers (60 pts)
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapons

Dedicated Transport:
Death Guard Rhino (85 pts)
• Armoured tracks
• Plague combi-bolter
• Havoc launcher
• Combi-weapon

Beast:
Chaos Spawn (80 pts)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous Mutations

Chaos Spawn (80 pts)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
• 2x Hideous Mutations

Vehicle:
Foetid Bloat-drone (90 pts)
• Plague probe
• Fleshmower

Foetid Bloat-drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 pts)
• Plague probe
• Heavy blight launcher

Archetype

Champions of Contagion Rhino Rush

Thoughts

Oh hey! Second place goes to a very similar list, with a few alterations here and there. Champions of Contagion coming out the dates hot as a powerful option for the Death Guard! Very well done on the top placing.

Jaden Castelluccio – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 3rd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The Ghosts of Prospero (1995 Points)

Thousand Sons
Cult of Magic
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Ahriman (140 Points)
• 1x Black Staff of Ahriman
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Psychic Stalk

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (135 Points)
• 1x Arcane Fire
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancements: Umbralefic Crystal

Infernal Master (130 Points)
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Screamer Invocation
• Enhancements: Arcane Vortex

Magnus the Red (465 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
• 1x Gaze of Magnus
• 1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm

Thousand Sons Daemon Prince (205 Points)
• 1x Hellforged weapons
• 1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancements: Lord of Forbidden Lore

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (200 Points)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Warpflame pistol
◦ 1x Warpsmite
• 9x Rubric Marine
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon
◦ 8x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (110 Points)
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Warpsmite
• 4x Rubric Marine
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 3x Inferno boltgun
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Mutalith Vortex Beast (165 Points)
• 1x Betentacled maw
• 1x Mutalith claws
• 1x Warp vortex

ALLIED UNITS

War Dog Karnivore (140 Points)
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Reaper chaintalon
• 1x Slaughterclaw

Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (2), Data Version: v599

Archetype

Old Tsons Goodstuff

Thoughts

Karnivores and Vortex Beasts provide some chonk out ahead of the old Tsons index, as it claims a rare podium placing as Tsons players await their new book. This index is, ironically, pretty good at hoovering up Death Guard units with mortal wounds – will the new one be as capable? Time will tell! Fantastic work on the top placing.

Steven Ross – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Awake Me Up When Pariah Ends (2000 points)

Necrons
Strike Force (2000 points)
Awakened Dynasty

CHARACTERS

Skorpekh Lord (95 points)
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
1x Flensing claw
1x Hyperphase harvester
• Enhancement: Enaegic Dermal Bond

Skorpekh Lord (115 points)
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
1x Flensing claw
1x Hyperphase harvester
• Enhancement: Phasal Subjugator (Aura)

Skorpekh Lord (80 points)
• 1x Enmitic annihilator
1x Flensing claw
1x Hyperphase harvester

Technomancer (105 points)
• 1x Staff of light
• Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket

The Silent King (420 points)
• 1x Szarekh
• Warlord
• 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory
1x Staff of Stars
1x Weapons of the Final Triarch
• 2x Triarchal Menhir
• 2x Annihilator beam
2x Armoured bulk

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 points)
• 2x Atomiser beam
1x Reanimator’s claws

Canoptek Wraiths (230 points)
• 6x Canoptek Wraith
• 6x Particle caster
6x Vicious claws

Cryptothralls (60 points)
• 2x Cryptothrall
• 2x Scouring eye
2x Scythed limbs

Deathmarks (65 points)
• 5x Deathmark
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Synaptic disintegrator

Doomsday Ark (200 points)
• 1x Armoured bulk
1x Doomsday cannon
2x Gauss flayer array

Flayed Ones (60 points)
• 5x Flayed One
• 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Destroyers (35 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Gauss cannon

Ophydian Destroyers (80 points)
• 3x Ophydian Destroyer
• 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 points)
• 3x Skorpekh Destroyer
• 1x Plasmacyte
3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Exported with App Version: v1.32.1 (78), Data Version: v599

Archetype

Awakened Destroyer MSU

Thoughts

Go-wide Destroyer Necrons is always cool to see, and this build is singing at the moment thanks to the character resurrection tricks in Awakened Dynasty, which pose a massive headache for armies trying to trade into it. The Silent King / Wraith Brick one-two returns here to offer some solidity without being quite as wedded to the stat check life as some of the Warrior brick lists are. Very versatile, and, still, quietly one of the best armies in the game. Amazing work.

The Best of the Rest

There were 14 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:

5th (4.5-0.5) – Bryce Hobson – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Big boi Daemons with triple Soul Grinder in support.
6th – Jeff Cope – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Full Armiger spam with a tasteful smattering of Imperial Agents.
7th – Ryan Smith – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): MSU Wulfen and Thunderwolves ride out ahead of some Predators in this mixed arms Stormlance build.
8th – Andrew Johnson – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Double Land Fort and plenty of Thunderkyn in this punchy Oathband list.
9th – Jason Byrd – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): The Daemon / War Dog combo from the showdown.
10th – Landon Elliott – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Massed Armigers with Agents again, lovely stuff.
11th – Craig Carlson – Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Vintage Ultramarines Gladius with Vindicators and Ballistus.
12th – Hunter Siems – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Vanella style all-in Creations melee with Possessed and two Huntsmen.
13th – Mason Dusome – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Warband WE with the new Forgefiends, two rhinos of Berzerkers and some Eightbound MSU.
14th – Noah Beddome – Orks (Green Tide): All-in Green Tide with some Tankbustas and Flash Gitz in support of the Boyz.
15th – Steven Willett – Emperor’s Children (Coteries of the Conceited): Triple Daemon Prince, triple Noise Marine Coteries.
16th – Daman Hall – Emperor’s Children (Coteries of the Conceited): Coteries goodstuff, but wait, there are some STYLE POINTS for taking a unit of Flawless Blades – epic.
17th – Luke Yankowski – Emperor’s Children (Coteries of the Conceited): Triple Daemon Prince Coteries.
18th – Ryan Brown – Chaos Space Marines (Chaos Cult): Agro Chaos Cult with triple Accursed Cultist and triple Noise Marines behind it.

Alberta Classic 40k 2025

63-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Calgary, Alberta, CA on May 17 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Frasier Parry – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Generic World Eaters List

Aeldari
Devoted of Ynnead
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Autarch (75 Points)
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Star glaive

The Yncarne (250 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Swirling soul energy
• 1x Vilith-zhar

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Wave Serpent (125 Points)
• 1x Shuriken cannon
• 1x Twin bright lance
• 1x Wraithbone hull

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (90 Points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Missile launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (110 Points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Exarch’s Dragon fusion gun
• 4x Fire Dragon
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (90 Points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
◦ 1x Executioner
◦ 1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
◦ 4x Banshee blade
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Rangers (55 Points)
• 5x Ranger
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Long rifle
◦ 5x Shuriken pistol

Warlock Skyrunners (45 Points)
• 1x Destructor
• 1x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Singing Spear
• 1x Twin shuriken catapult

Warp Spiders (95 Points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Death weavers
◦ 1x Spinneret rifle
• 4x Warp Spider
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Death spinner

Windriders (160 Points)
• 6x Windrider
◦ 6x Close combat weapon
◦ 6x Shuriken cannon

Wraithlord (140 Points)
• 2x Bright lance
• 2x Flamer
• 1x Ghostglaive
• 1x Wraithbone fists

Exported with App Version: v1.33.0 (1), Data Version: v609

Archetype

Ynnari Wraithlords

Thoughts

The elf menace claims another event win, as the established formula of sneaky nonsense and Aspect Warriors propels Ynnari onwards. Wraithlords are a nice fire base in this detachment, where killing them is going to proc Lethal Intent so they force the opponent into a damned if they do, damned if they don’t situation. There is some investment in Fights First but the Yncarne gets a run out in place of the Yvraine brick. Awesome work on the event win!

Anthony Dalla Lana – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile) – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Chaos is not a pit. Chaos is a ladder.

Fabulous Bill and the Petty Purple Marines

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos – Chaos Space Marines
+ DETACHMENT: Creations of Bile
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char2: Fabius Bile
+ ENHANCEMENT: Prime Test Subject (on Char1: Chaos Lord)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 16
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (5×2) – Assassination: 3 Characters – Cull The Horde: 3×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Cypher (90 pts)
1 with Cypher’s bolt pistol, Cypher’s plasma pistol

Char2: 2x Fabius Bile (85 pts)
• 1x Fabius Bile
1 with Rod of Torment, The Chirurgeon, Xyclos needler
• Fabius Bile
• 1x Surgeon Acolyte
1 with Surgeon Acolyte’s tools
• Surgeon Acolyte
• Warlord

Char3: 1x Chaos Lord (125 pts)
1 with Daemon hammer, Plasma pistol
Enhancement: Prime Test Subject (+35 pts)

BATTLELINE

10x Cultist Mob (50 pts)
• 1x Cultist Champion
1 with Brutal assault weapon, Bolt pistol
• 9x Cultist
9 with Autopistol, Brutal assault weapon

5x Legionaries (90 pts)
• 1x Aspiring Champion
1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma pistol, Heavy melee weapon
• Chaos icon
• 4x Legionary
2 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy melee weapon
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Lascannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Chosen (250 pts)
• 10x Chosen
2 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Boltgun
4 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Combi-weapon
2 with Paired accursed weapons, Plasma pistol
1 with Boltgun, Plasma pistol, Power fist
1 with Boltgun, Plasma pistol, Power fist
• Chaos icon

5x Chosen (125 pts)
• 5x Chosen
1 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Boltgun
• Chaos icon
2 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Combi-weapon
1 with Paired accursed weapons, Plasma pistol
1 with Boltgun, Plasma pistol, Power fist

5x Nemesis Claw (110 pts)
• 1x Visionary
1 with Power fist, Plasma pistol
• 4x Legionary
1 with Accursed weapon, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Nostraman chainglaive
1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Paired accursed weapons
1 with Astartes chainsword, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon
• Voice eater

10x Possessed (240 pts)
• 10x Possessed
9 with Hideous mutations
1 with Hideous mutations
• Chaos icon

1x Chaos Predator Destructor (140 pts)
1 with Armoured tracks, Havoc launcher, Predator autocannon, Combi-weapon, 2x Lascannon

1x Chaos Rhino (75 pts)
1 with Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-weapon

Archetype

Creations of Bile Goodstuff

Thoughts

The template for Bile has been set at bricks of Chosen and Possessed, Legio MSU and then some supporting shooting of choice. In an infantry heavy meta I can see the appeal in making Predators the ranged contingent, and this list packs plenty of hulls in behind the wall of T6 infantry bodies. All in all, a very potent combination and it feels like Bile is continuing to hold its own even as newer, shinier combat armies come to the fore. Awesome to see! Well done on the top placing.

Jake Chalmers – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

(1995 Points)

Chaos Daemons
Daemonic Incursion
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Great Unclean One (295 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Bileblade
• 1x Bilesword
• 1x Putrid vomit
• Enhancements: The Endless Gift

Great Unclean One (250 Points)
• 1x Bileblade
• 1x Bilesword
• 1x Putrid vomit

Rendmaster on Blood Throne (165 Points)
• 1x Attendants’ hellblades
• 1x Blade of blood

Rotigus (250 Points)
• 1x Gnarlrod
• 1x Streams of brackish filth

BATTLELINE

Plaguebearers (110 Points)
• 1x Plagueridden
◦ 1x Plaguesword
• 9x Plaguebearer
◦ 1x Daemonic Icon
◦ 1x Instrument of Chaos
◦ 9x Plaguesword

OTHER DATASHEETS

Beasts of Nurgle (65 Points)
• 1x Putrid appendages

Bloodcrushers (220 Points)
• 1x Bloodhunter
◦ 1x Hellblade
◦ 1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn
• 5x Bloodcrusher
◦ 1x Daemonic Icon
◦ 5x Hellblade
◦ 1x Instrument of Chaos
◦ 5x Juggernaut’s bladed horn

Flesh Hounds (75 Points)
• 1x Gore Hound
◦ 1x Burning roar
◦ 1x Collar of Khorne
◦ 1x Gore-drenched fangs
• 4x Flesh Hound
◦ 4x Collar of Khorne
◦ 4x Gore-drenched fangs

ALLIED UNITS

War Dog Karnivore (140 Points)
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
• 1x Reaper chaintalon
• 1x Slaughterclaw

Archetype

GUO rush Daemons

Thoughts

A thoroughly enjoyable triple GUO build that slaps Rotigus, Kugath, and some other guy into the enemy lines to cause mayhem. Some very nice counter charge / push pieces in the Blood Crushers and Karnivores mean the opponent is going to have to screen the edges very rigorously even as they battle for control of the middle with the big Nurgle Daemons. Really well thought out list design here and I can see this being brutal to play against! Well done on the top placing.

Simon Baines – Aeldari (Seer Council) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Warlocks of Mass Destructor (2000 Points)

Aeldari
Seer Council
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Autarch (75 Points)
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Star glaive

Eldrad Ulthran (110 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Mind War
• 1x Shuriken pistol
• 1x The Staff of Ulthamar and witchblade

Farseer (70 Points)
• 1x Eldritch Storm
• 1x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Singing spear

Fuegan (120 Points)
• 1x Fire Axe
• 1x Searsong

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points)
• 1x Voidreaver Felarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Mistshield
◦ 1x Neuro disruptor
◦ 1x Power sword
• 4x Corsair Voidreaver
◦ 1x Blaster
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Power sword
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Guardian Defenders (100 Points)
• 10x Guardian Defender
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Shuriken catapult
• 1x Heavy Weapon Platform
◦ 1x Bright lance
◦ 1x Close combat weapon

Storm Guardians (100 Points)
• 10x Storm Guardian
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Flamer
◦ 2x Fusion gun
◦ 2x Power sword
◦ 6x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Serpent’s Scale Platform
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Serpent shield

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (195 Points)
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Missile launcher
• 9x Dark Reaper
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (110 Points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Firepike
• 4x Fire Dragon
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (90 Points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
◦ 1x Executioner
◦ 1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
◦ 4x Banshee blade
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

Rangers (55 Points)
• 5x Ranger
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Long rifle
◦ 5x Shuriken pistol

Warlock Conclave (110 Points)
• 4x Warlock
◦ 4x Destructor
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol
◦ 4x Singing Spear

Warlock Skyrunners (45 Points)
• 1x Destructor
• 1x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Singing Spear
• 1x Twin shuriken catapult

Warp Spiders (95 Points)
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Death weavers
◦ 1x Powerblades
• 4x Warp Spider
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Death spinner

Wraithlord (140 Points)
• 2x Bright lance
• 2x Flamer
• 1x Ghostglaive
• 1x Wraithbone fists

Exported with App Version: v1.33.0 (1), Data Version: v609

Archetype

Double Conclave Seer Council

Thoughts

With substantial free strat support, a lone op 18 stratagem and teleporting, Seer Council is increasingly seeing love amongst Eldar players. It can play keep away very effectively and whittle the opponent down at a distance before unleashing the Conclaves up close to finish the job. The flamer output on the Warlock units is BANANAS, and shores up a horde / volume issue that several of the non Ynnari detachments were having before. Awesome work, well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

There was 1 more players on a 5-1 record. They were:

5th – Thomas Walker – Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): Big boi Solar Spearhead with lots of stompy robots and Caladius.

17 & 18 May 2025 – OWN’s Breaking Point GT at Game HQ

43-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Oklahoma City, OK, United States on May 17 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Cody Middleton – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) – 1st Place

Chaos Knight Wardog Brigands – Credit: Bair

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Talon’s Baby Knight Slap Fight (2000 points)

Chaos Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Traitoris Lance

CHARACTERS

War Dog Stalker (165 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Slaughterclaw
• Enhancement: Aura of Terror
* This Datasheet also has the Battleline keyword.

BATTLELINE

War Dog Brigand (165 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Avenger chaincannon
1x Daemonbreath spear
1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Karnivore (140 points)
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw

ALLIED UNITS

Beasts of Nurgle (65 points)
• 1x Putrid appendages

Nurglings (35 points)
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Exported with App Version: v1.33.0 (79), Data Version: v609

Archetype

War Dogs and Daemons

Thoughts

Release me, upcoming Chaos Knight codex, from the awkwardness of having nothing new to say about this enduring, and brutal build. Fantastic work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd – Douglas Labov – World Eaters (Khorne Daemonkin): Douglas takes the ‘BOOM! BLOODLETTERS!’ detachment to second place. You’re a hero Douglas.
3rd – Wyatt Harris – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Mortarion led Vectorum Death Guard with Plague Marines, lots of Blighthaulers and some Blightlords.
4th – Cam Hawkins – Aeldari (Aspect Host): Chunky Aspect Host with the Avatar of Khaine leading Fuegan and a ten brick of Fire Dragons.
5th – Clinton Wagoner – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Mixed Arms WE with Forgefiends, Berzerker Rhinos and Eightbound.
6th – Talon Rooney – Genestealer Cult (Final Day): Ridgerunner heavy Final Day with plenty of Gargoyles and some Raveners for utility.
7th – Karac Rooney – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Mixed Custodes Shield Host with Venatari, Wardens and Caladius.

Winchester 40K GT – May 2025

37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on May 17 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Conor McNama – Dark Angels (Unknown Detachment, Presumed Gladius or Stormlance) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

CHARACTER

1x Azrael (115 pts)
• 1x Lion’s Wrath
• 1x The Sword of Secrets

1x Lion El’Jonson (315 pts)
• 1x Arma Luminis
• 1x Fealty
• Warlord

1x Bladeguard Ancient (45 pts)
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Heavy Bolt Pistol

1x Judiciar (70 pts)
• 1x Absolver Bolt Pistol
• 1x Executioner Relic Blade

1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired Combat Blades

BATTLELINE

5x Assault Intercessor Squad (75 pts)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 1x Plasma Pistol
• 1x Thunder Hammer
• Assault Intercessor Sergeant
• 4x Assault Intercessors
• 4x Astartes Chainsword
• 4x Heavy Bolt Pistol
• 4x Assault Intercessor

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma Pistol
• 1x Power Fist
• Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack
• 4x Astartes Chainsword
• 3x Heavy Bolt Pistol
• 1x Plasma Pistol
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs

3x Bladeguard Veteran Squad (80 pts)
• 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon
• 1x Neo-volkite Pistol
• Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant
• 2x Bladeguard Veterans
• 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol
• 2x Master-crafted Power Weapon
• 2x Bladeguard Veteran

5x Deathwing Knights (250 pts)
• 4x Deathwing Knight
• 4x Mace of absolution
• 4x Deathwing Knight
• 1x Knight Master
• 1x Great Weapon of the Unforgiven
• Knight Master

5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts)
• 4x Infiltrator
• 4x Bolt Pistol
• 4x Close Combat Weapon
• 4x Marksman Bolt Carbine
• 4x Infiltrator Squad, Infiltrator Comms Array, Helix Gauntlet
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Marksman Bolt Carbine
• Infiltrator Sergeant

6x Inner Circle Companions (180 pts)
• 6x Inner Circle Companion
• 6x Calibanite Greatsword
• 6x Heavy Bolt Pistol
• 6x Inner Circle Companion

5x Scout Squad (70 pts)
• 1x Scout Sergeant
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Astartes Chainsword
• Scout Sergeant
• 2x Scout
• 2x Bolt Pistol
• 2x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Missile Launcher
• 1x Scout Sniper Rifle
• 2x Scout Squad
• 2x Scouts
• 2x Bolt Pistol
• 2x Close Combat Weapon
• 2x Combat Knife
• 2x Scout Squad

10x Sternguard Veteran Squad (200 pts)
• 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Sternguard Bolt Pistol
• 1x Power Weapon
• 1x Sternguard Bolt Rifle
• Sternguard Veteran Sergeant
• 9x Sternguard Veteran
• 9x Close Combat Weapon
• 9x Sternguard Bolt Pistol
• 7x Sternguard Bolt Rifle
• 2x Sternguard Heavy Bolter
• 9x Sternguard Veteran Squad

Archetype

Dark Angels Infantry Rush

Thoughts

Dark Angels still pack some incredible combinations with Deathwing Knight rush, Inner Circle Companions with Firsts First, and Azrael juicing up a brick of Sternguard. Exactly what shell this was run in is unclear from BCP – I would guess Storm Lance just to help it all gets where it wants to go! Incredible work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd – Adam Parmenter – Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Punchy inheritors with MSU Sang Guard, some Vindicators and a drop unit of Inceptors.
3rd – Brett Keable – Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Brutal gunline Ad Mech with plenty of Breachers and Disintegrators.
4th – Ben Baddour – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead): Cookie cutter Ynnari titled ‘I miss Phoenix Lords’. It’s within your own power to change that, Ben!
5th – Stephen Carmichael-Wilson – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Triple GUO and Rotigus, yikes!
6th – Alun Perkins – Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Finely poised Lions Custodes with a little bit of everything.
7th – James “One_Wing” Grover – Aeldari (Seer Council): My boss takes some names with a glorious mix of Aspect Warriors, Guardians, and Warlocks teleporting about causing mayhem as Wraithlords provide the fire base.
8th – Josh Truran – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Warrior and Wraith brick Awakened.

Minsk Eternal GT II

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Minsk, Minsk Region, Belarus on May 17 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dima “Floppy” Senchenko – Space Marines (Astartes) (Vanguard Spearhead) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ ARMY NAME: MSU power
+ PLAYER: Dmitriy “Floppy” Senchenko
+ FACTION: Space Marines – Ultramarines
+ DETACHMENT: Vanguard Spearhead
+ TOTAL COST: 2000pts
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CH1: 1x Marneus Calgar (210 pts): Warlord
CH2: 1x Captain (105 pts): 1x Power fist, 1x Plasma pistol, Enh: The Blade Driven Deep
CH3: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts)

IN1: 10x Assault Intercessor Squad (150 pts): 1x Plasma pistol, 1x Power fist
IN2: 5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts): 1x Astartes grenade launcher, 1x Power fist
IN3: 5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts): 2x Plasma pistol, 1x Power fist
IN4: 5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts): 2x Plasma pistol, 1x Power fist
IN5: 5x Reiver squad (80 pts): 5x grapnel launcher
IN6: 6x Centurion Devastator Squad (330 pts): 6x Centurion missile launcher, 6x Twin lascannon
IN7: 4x Company Heroes (105 pts)
IN8: 3x Inceptor squad (120 pts): 3x Assault bolters
IN9: 5x Scout squad (70 pts): 1x Scout sniper rifle, 1x Missile launcher
IN9: 5x Scout squad (70 pts): 1x Scout sniper rifle, 1x Missile launcher

MO1: 1x Invader ATV (60 pts): 1x Multi-melta

VE1: 1x Vindicator (185 pts): 1x Hunter-killer missile, 1x Storm bolter
VE2: 1x Vindicator (185 pts): 1x Hunter-killer missile, 1x Storm bolter

Archetype

Ultramarines Vanguard

Thoughts

Something of a fusion list here, as Dima splices together elements of recent Ultramarines success and takes both the double Vindicators AND the uppy-downy Devastator brick! Very interesting, shored up with all the infantry based trickery of the Vanguard detachment but with a less subtle counter punch if they come at you fast. Really cool, i’ve not seen one quite like this! Great work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd – MaLal _ – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Triple Castigators and Morvehn Vahl in Hallowed Martyrs.
3rd – Ewgen Ranchenko – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King / DDA Starshatter!

Wrap Up

There we have it folks – our first ominous sightings of new Death Guard, a few heroic placings for new World Eaters, and plenty of the existing heavy weights continuing to battle it out. Let’s see how these books settle as hot Chaos summer gets fully underway! I’m very excited for it.

Lowest of Men, out.

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[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: An Ominous Stench pt.2

The Storm of Silence Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion) versus Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance)

Thoughts

Result

Timothy Grant – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Donald Plummer – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jaden Castelluccio – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic) – 3rd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Steven Ross – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Alberta Classic 40k 2025

Frasier Parry – Aeldari (Devoted of Ynnead) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Anthony Dalla Lana – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile) – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jake Chalmers – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Simon Baines – Aeldari (Seer Council) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

17 & 18 May 2025 – OWN’s Breaking Point GT at Game HQ

Cody Middleton – Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Winchester 40K GT – May 2025

Conor McNama – Dark Angels (Unknown Detachment, Presumed Gladius or Stormlance) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Minsk Eternal GT II

Dima “Floppy” Senchenko – Space Marines (Astartes) (Vanguard Spearhead) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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