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.
More Competitive Innovations, more non-Knight builds, which is lovely to see. Too many Death Guard, but what are you going to do.
Today:
- The North East Open 2025
- China Warhammer City Tournament 2025
- Weekend Wars VII – Major – WCW Qualifier Event
- North and South GT 2025
- IRONFORGED I
- I GT de Santa Brígida
- Red Dragon 40k GT – July ’25 WTC terrain
Wednesday:
- Palm Springs Open 40k GT IV By Dicehammer
- BOISE CUP 40k 2025
- Dark Sphere July GT
- Liberty Open Road to NOVA 40K Event Hosted by Away Games
- Welcome Mr. New Iberian Goblin! (Perretes edition)
- Iron-Claws Wargaming South Mills GT
- Village Brawl GT
Saturday will cover:
- [40k] Brave New Hive World – Ropecon Grand Tournament 2025
- Heart of War Road to NOVA 40K Event with 21st Legion & Away Games
- Waterdeep GT 4ta Edición
- Cross-Swords War At The Westward VIII
- Fleur-De-Lis GT
- W4 – Western Wisconsin Wargaming Weekend
- (bonus) Incarnatus
You may have noticed that a bonus event has snuck onto the list for Saturday. While we normally cut off at 26 players, we’re always keen to highlight events from smaller scenes around the world, and we’ve had a write in from a group in Uruguay keen to celebrate a successful GT, which we’re very happy to include!
The North East Open 2025
100-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on July 26 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Matchup & Mission – Orks (Taktikal Brigade) versus Aeldari (Aspect Host)
Paul Martin – Orks (Taktikal Brigade) Orks CHARACTERS Beastboss (80 Points) Beastboss (80 Points) Big Mek in Mega Armour (135 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (85 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (85 Points) Mek (55 Points) BATTLELINE Beast Snagga Boyz (95 Points) Beast Snagga Boyz (95 Points) Boyz (80 Points) Stormboyz (65 Points) Stormboyz (65 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (70 Points) Trukk (70 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Flash Gitz (170 Points) Gretchin (40 Points) Gretchin (40 Points) Kill Rig (155 Points) Kill Rig (155 Points) Lootas (50 Points) Lootas (50 Points) Tankbustas (140 Points) Tankbustas (140 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.35.0 (1), Data Version: v629
Army List - Click to Expand
Tactical Brigade beast snagga (2000 Points)
Taktikal Brigade
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
• 1x Beastchoppa
• 1x Shoota
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
• 1x Beastchoppa
• 1x Shoota
• 1x Grot Oiler
• 1x Kustom Force Field
• 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 1x Power klaw
• Enhancements: Mek Kaptin
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• 1x Killsaw
• 1x Kustom mega-slugga
• Enhancements: Gob Boomer
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Slugga
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
◦ 1x Power snappa
◦ 1x Slugga
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Slugga
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
◦ 1x Power snappa
◦ 1x Slugga
• 9x Boy
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
◦ 4x Choppa
◦ 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
◦ 4x Choppa
◦ 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Kaptin
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Snazzgun
• 10x Gretchin
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
◦ 1x Runtherd tools
◦ 1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
◦ 1x Runtherd tools
◦ 1x Slugga
• 1x Butcha boyz
• 1x Savage horns and hooves
• 1x Saw blades
• 1x Stikka kannon
• 1x Wurrtower
• 1x ‘Eavy lobba
• 1x Butcha boyz
• 1x Savage horns and hooves
• 1x Saw blades
• 1x Stikka kannon
• 1x Wurrtower
• 1x ‘Eavy lobba
• 1x Spanner
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 4x Loota
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Deffgun
• 1x Spanner
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 4x Loota
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Deffgun
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Rokkit pistol
◦ 1x Smash hammer
• 5x Tankbusta
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Pulsa Rokkit
◦ 5x Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Rokkit pistol
◦ 1x Smash hammer
• 5x Tankbusta
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Pulsa Rokkit
◦ 5x Rokkit launcha
vs.
Vik Vijay – Aeldari (Aspect Host) Aeldari CHARACTERS Autarch Wayleaper (95 Points) Fuegan (120 Points) Jain Zar (105 Points) Lhykhis (120 Points) Maugan Ra (100 Points) BATTLELINE Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points) Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Wave Serpent (125 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Dark Reapers (90 Points) Falcon (130 Points) Fire Dragons (220 Points) Howling Banshees (95 Points) Rangers (55 Points) Swooping Hawks (170 Points) Swooping Hawks (85 Points) Swooping Hawks (85 Points) Warp Spiders (95 Points) Warp Spiders (95 Points) Warp Spiders (95 Points)
Army List - Click to Expand
Vik Vijay | 40K Fireside | Team Ignite
Aspect Host
2000
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Star glaive
• Enhancements: Strategic Savant
• Warlord
• 1x Fire Axe
• 1x Searsong
• 1x Blade of Destruction
• 1x Silent Death
• 1x Brood Twain
• 1x Spider’s Fangs
• 1x Weaverender
• 1x Maugetar
• 1x Voidreaver Felarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Mistshield
◦ 1x Power sword
◦ 1x Shuriken rifle
• 4x Corsair Voidreaver
◦ 1x Blaster
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Power sword
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol
• 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
• 1x Shuriken cannon
• 1x Twin bright lance
• 1x Wraithbone hull
• 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
• 1x Bright lance
• 1x Pulse laser
• 1x Shuriken cannon
• 1x Wraithbone hull
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Firepike
• 9x Fire Dragon
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
◦ 1x Executioner
◦ 1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
◦ 4x Banshee blade
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol
• 5x Ranger
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Long rifle
◦ 5x Shuriken pistol
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hawk’s talon
• 9x Swooping Hawk
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Lasblaster
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Exarch’s lasblaster
• 4x Swooping Hawk
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Lasblaster
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Exarch’s lasblaster
• 4x Swooping Hawk
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Lasblaster
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Powerblade array
• 4x Warp Spider
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Death spinner
• 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
• 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
Thoughts
Ok, a very intriguing match up here as one of the meta darlings of yore goes up against a rising star. Taktikal Brigade has more or less disappeared from the meta since the last slate, so it’s very cool to see it making a final here. Kill Rigs add some heft from which the many shooting units can spill forth – maybe they have enough Rokkits to get through Knights at the moment? It feels peaky, but not impossible. There is a tonne of MSU, and the list can boast a very nasty connect turn if it can get into strong positions.
In the Aeldari camp, Vik takes the Aspect Host killing machine out for a spin. It can pick off and body mechanised armies at will – Kill Rigs feel a bit lost and doomed here as a result. I think the game here is a classic Orks versus elves scenario – the Orks probably need first turn, and they DEFINITELY need to shove the entire army quickly to create failure cases and connect into the key Aeldari damage dealers. If you are tentative, and if the elves get going and start putting out blocks and applying damage, this can run away from you very quickly indeed. As it is, the Aspect Host delivered and absolute evisceration on the day.
Result
Aeldari (Aspect Host) Victory – 98 – 35
Vik Vijay – Aeldari (Aspect Host) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Aeldari CHARACTERS Autarch Wayleaper (95 Points) Fuegan (120 Points) Jain Zar (105 Points) Lhykhis (120 Points) Maugan Ra (100 Points) BATTLELINE Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points) Corsair Voidreavers (60 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Wave Serpent (125 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Dark Reapers (90 Points) Falcon (130 Points) Fire Dragons (220 Points) Howling Banshees (95 Points) Rangers (55 Points) Swooping Hawks (170 Points) Swooping Hawks (85 Points) Swooping Hawks (85 Points) Warp Spiders (95 Points) Warp Spiders (95 Points) Warp Spiders (95 Points)
Vik Vijay | 40K Fireside | Team Ignite
Aspect Host
2000
• 1x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Star glaive
• Enhancements: Strategic Savant
• Warlord
• 1x Fire Axe
• 1x Searsong
• 1x Blade of Destruction
• 1x Silent Death
• 1x Brood Twain
• 1x Spider’s Fangs
• 1x Weaverender
• 1x Maugetar
• 1x Voidreaver Felarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Mistshield
◦ 1x Power sword
◦ 1x Shuriken rifle
• 4x Corsair Voidreaver
◦ 1x Blaster
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Power sword
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol
• 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
• 1x Shuriken cannon
• 1x Twin bright lance
• 1x Wraithbone hull
• 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
• 1x Bright lance
• 1x Pulse laser
• 1x Shuriken cannon
• 1x Wraithbone hull
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Firepike
• 9x Fire Dragon
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
◦ 1x Executioner
◦ 1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
◦ 4x Banshee blade
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol
• 5x Ranger
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Long rifle
◦ 5x Shuriken pistol
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hawk’s talon
• 9x Swooping Hawk
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Lasblaster
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Exarch’s lasblaster
• 4x Swooping Hawk
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Lasblaster
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Exarch’s lasblaster
• 4x Swooping Hawk
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Lasblaster
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Powerblade array
• 4x Warp Spider
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Death spinner
• 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
• 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
Archetype
Aspect Host Murder Party
Thoughts
A few nice interesting touches in this Aspect Host, which leans into the Fire Dragon / Non-interactivity strat / Lykhis and Hawks combinations we are seeing lining up for WTC en masse. Vik has gone for a Wayleaper with Strategic Savant, which gets you another cheeky high OC unit flying around as well as some free strat access. He plugs into Warp Spiders really nicely but can also run with the Hawks if you want him to. On the go-turns this list simply deletes whatever it looks at, and the play style is incredibly boom and bust. If the opponent can’t get teeth into the elves early, they die, and they die hard. Fantastic work on the event win!
Christopher Langton – Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Daemons CHARACTERS Be’lakor (375 points) Great Unclean One (295 points) Kairos Fateweaver (270 points) Lord of Change (285 points) Skarbrand (305 points) BATTLELINE Nurglings (40 points) Plaguebearers (110 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Flesh Hounds (75 points) Flesh Hounds (75 points) Flesh Hounds (75 points) Seekers (80 points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (90), Data Version: v651
daemons (1985 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Daemonic Incursion
• Warlord
• 1x Betraying Shades
1x The Blade of Shadows
• 1x Bileblade
1x Bilesword
1x Putrid vomit
• Enhancement: The Endless Gift
• 1x Infernal Gateway
1x Staff of Tomorrow
• 1x Bolt of Change
1x Staff of Tzeentch
• Enhancement: The Everstave
• 1x Bellow of endless fury
1x Slaughter and Carnage
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Plagueridden
• 1x Plaguesword
• 9x Plaguebearer
• 9x Plaguesword
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 1x Heartseeker
• 1x Lashing tongue
1x Slashing claws
• 4x Seeker
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
4x Lashing tongue
4x Slashing claws
Archetype
Daemonic Big Boi Time
Thoughts
Chris is a coward, and has only brought five Greater Daemons because he likes things like screening and scoring his cards. I have no time for it. The Everstave Lord of Change is a deceptively brutal shooting unit (all the better now Knights are T11), and Kairos helps fuel the many tricks available in Incursion. Big boy Daemons is a very powerful skew that can go toe-to-toe with some of the other skews in the meta too, but a top placing with it is still no easy feat right now- excellent work.
Ratnu Vaidya – Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) – 3rd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Chaos Knights CHARACTERS Chaos Cerastus Knight Atrapos (355 points) Knight Despoiler (335 points) Knight Despoiler (335 points) Knight Rampager (335 points) OTHER DATASHEETS War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) War Dog Karnivore (140 points) ALLIED UNITS Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) Nurglings (40 points) Nurglings (40 points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (90), Data Version: v651
big knight, small brain (1990 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Infernal Lance
• 1x Atrapos lascutter
1x Graviton singularity cannon
• Warlord
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
2x Despoiler gatling cannon
2x Heavy darkflamer
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
2x Despoiler gatling cannon
2x Heavy darkflamer
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet
• 1x Diabolus heavy stubber
1x Reaper chainsword
1x Warpstrike claw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Havoc multi-launcher
1x Reaper chaintalon
1x Slaughterclaw
• 1x Putrid appendages
• 1x Putrid appendages
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
Archetype
Knights and Daemons
Thoughts
I am very excited for the Black Library series about Chaos Knights and Nurgle Daemons that must SURELY be forthcoming, as the latest incarnation of this malific duo claims another top placing. Beasts of Nurgle are brilliant companions to the big-skew currently on offer, requiring activations opponents often do not have to clear as they try and deal with the onset of the bigger targets. Karnivors give you some trading before the juiced up bigs go to work. An excellent list, well done on the top placing!
Allan Davidson – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Death Guard CHARACTERS Lord of Contagion (110 points) Lord of Contagion (125 points) Lord of Virulence (110 points) Tallyman (40 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Deathshroud Terminators (140 points) Deathshroud Terminators (140 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 points) Plagueburst Crawler (195 points) Plagueburst Crawler (195 points) Plagueburst Crawler (195 points) Poxwalkers (60 points) Poxwalkers (60 points) Poxwalkers (60 points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (90), Data Version: v651
HAMMERTIME (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Mortarion’s Hammer
• 1x Manreaper
• 1x Manreaper
• Enhancement: Shriekworm Familiar
• 1x Power fist
1x Twin plague spewer
• Enhancement: Tendrilous Emissions
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
1x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
1x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Plagueburst mortar
1x Rothail volley gun
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Entropy cannon
1x Heavy slugger
1x Plagueburst mortar
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon
Archetype
Mortarion’s Hammer Goodstuff.
Thoughts
Hammer is real good. Shell stuff, drop Deathshroud, make em dead. A well established template that is one of the armies to beat in the current meta game. Fantastic work on the top placing!
The Best of the Rest
There were 15 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Craig Bedford – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Champions DG with lots of Deathshroud and a Plaguemarine brick.
- 6th – Mark Owen – Space Wolves (Beastslayer): Big bricks of Blood Claws in Beastslayer.
- 7th – Lewis Archer – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): IK Triple Atropos.
- 8th – Matthew Langton – Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Tunnel bug Nids with Tyrannofex and Raveners and a brick of Hive Guard.
- 9th – James Smith – Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Double Despoiler Infernal Lance with lots of Karnivores in support.
- 10th – Tom Wright – Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Canis acompanies some Rogal Dorns to battle.
- 11th – Pearce Condren – Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Massed Deathwing Knights in Wrath.
- 12th – Paul Martin – Orks (Taktikal Brigade): Taktikal with lots of Tankbustas and a Kill Rig.
- 13th – Scott Morris – Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): IF with loads of bigs and a pair of Karnivores.
- 14th – Oliver Campbell – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, three mates, some Armigers and Assassins.
- 15th – Peter Maxwell – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, three mates, some Armigers and Assassins.
- 16th – Niklas Ek – Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Logan Arjac and Ragnar leading a Terminator brick to war.
- 17th – Ryan McMullan – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Double Berzerker brick, MSU Spawn, Forgefiends and a single Maulerfiend.
- 18th – Adam Elliott – Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): OG style Pactbound with Abaddon, loads of tanks, but now VASHTORR IS ALSO THERE!!
- 19th – Dale Watts – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer): Hammer tank spam but with Predators in place of PBCs.
China Warhammer City Tournament 2025
74-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in 深圳市, 中国 on July 26 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Qifan Zhu – Aeldari (Seer Council) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Aeldari CHARACTERS Asurmen (135 Points) Eldrad Ulthran (110 Points) Farseer (70 Points) Fuegan (120 Points) Jain Zar (105 Points) Maugan Ra (100 Points) BATTLELINE Guardian Defenders (100 Points) Storm Guardians (100 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Dark Reapers (90 Points) Dire Avengers (80 Points) Falcon (130 Points) Fire Dragons (120 Points) Howling Banshees (95 Points) Rangers (55 Points) Shining Spears (110 Points) Shining Spears (110 Points) Swooping Hawks (85 Points) Swooping Hawks (85 Points) Warlock Conclave (55 Points) Warlock Conclave (55 Points) Warlock Skyrunners (45 Points) Warlock Skyrunners (45 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.37.0 (1), Data Version: v647
血腥双子 誓为巴哈罗斯复仇 (2000 Points)
Seer Council
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Bloody Twins
• 1x Sword of Asur
• 1x Mind War
• 1x Shuriken pistol
• 1x The Staff of Ulthamar and witchblade
• 1x Eldritch Storm
• 1x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Singing spear
• 1x Fire Axe
• 1x Searsong
• 1x Blade of Destruction
• 1x Silent Death
• Warlord
• 1x Maugetar
• 10x Guardian Defender
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Shuriken catapult
• 1x Heavy Weapon Platform
◦ 1x Bright lance
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 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
• 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
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dire Avenger Exarch
◦ 2x Avenger shuriken catapult
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 4x Dire Avenger
◦ 4x Avenger shuriken catapult
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
• 1x Bright lance
• 1x Pulse laser
• 1x Shuriken cannon
• 1x Wraithbone hull
• 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
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
◦ 1x Executioner
◦ 1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
◦ 4x Banshee blade
◦ 4x Shuriken pistol
• 5x Ranger
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Long rifle
◦ 5x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Shining Spear Exarch
◦ 1x Shimmershield
◦ 1x Shuriken cannon
◦ 1x Star lance
• 2x Shining Spear
◦ 2x Laser lance
◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult
• 1x Shining Spear Exarch
◦ 1x Shimmershield
◦ 1x Shuriken cannon
◦ 1x Star lance
• 2x Shining Spear
◦ 2x Laser lance
◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hawk’s talon
• 4x Swooping Hawk
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Lasblaster
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hawk’s talon
• 4x Swooping Hawk
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Lasblaster
• 2x Warlock
◦ 2x Destructor
◦ 2x Shuriken pistol
◦ 2x Singing Spear
• 2x Warlock
◦ 2x Destructor
◦ 2x Shuriken pistol
◦ 2x Singing Spear
• 1x Destructor
• 1x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Singing Spear
• 1x Twin shuriken catapult
• 1x Destructor
• 1x Shuriken pistol
• 1x Singing Spear
• 1x Twin shuriken catapult
Archetype
Seer Council
Thoughts
Delicious techy elf nonsense here, as Asurman pops in and out of a Falcon and his companions pick off the foe, using the lone op strat to protect themselves as needed. Seer Council has declined in use recently, but remains a phenomenal toolkit piloted well – taking this to an event win requires a very skilled pilot. Really well done on the event win!
Ranchen Li – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with Wings (170 Points) Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 Points) Infernal Master (110 Points) Infernal Master (105 Points) Magnus the Red (420 Points) Sorcerer (75 Points) Tzaangor Shaman (55 Points) BATTLELINE Rubric Marines (100 Points) Rubric Marines (100 Points) Rubric Marines (100 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (90 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 Points) Mutalith Vortex Beast (160 Points) Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 Points) Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 Points) Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player Name: Ranchen Li
Team Name: Team China
Factions Used: Thousand Sons
Army Points: 2000 pts
Army Enhancements: Incandaeum (on Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch), Eldritch Vortex of E’Taph (on Infernal Master), Umbralefic Crystal (on Infernal Master)
Detachment Rule: Kindred Sorcery
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Dark Blessing
• 1x Hellforged weapons
• 1x Infernal cannon
• 1x Arcane Fire
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Prosperine khopesh
• Enhancements: Incandaeum
• 1x Fires of the Abyss
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• Enhancements: Eldritch Vortex of E’Taph
• 1x Fires of the Abyss
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• Enhancements: Umbralefic Crystal
• Warlord
• 1x Blade of Magnus
• 1x Gaze of Magnus
• 1x Tzeentch’s Firestorm
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Inferno bolt pistol
• 1x Pandaemonic Delusion
• 1x Prosperine khopesh
• 1x Baleful Devolution
• 1x Force stave
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Malefic Curse
◦ 1x Warpflame pistol
• 4x Rubric Marine
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon
◦ 3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Malefic Curse
◦ 1x Warpflame pistol
• 4x Rubric Marine
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon
◦ 3x Warpflamer
• 1x Aspiring Sorcerer
◦ 1x Force weapon
◦ 1x Malefic Curse
◦ 1x Warpflame pistol
• 4x Rubric Marine
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Icon of Flame
◦ 1x Soulreaper cannon
◦ 3x Warpflamer
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Inferno combi-bolter
• 1x Inferno combi-bolter
• 1x Betentacled maw
• 1x Mutalith claws
• 1x Warp vortex
• 1x Betentacled maw
• 1x Mutalith claws
• 1x Warp vortex
• 1x Aviarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 5x Enlightened
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Aviarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 5x Enlightened
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Fatecaster greatbow
• 1x Aviarch
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Fatecaster greatbow
• 5x Enlightened
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Fatecaster greatbow
Archetype
Grand Coven Goodstuff
Thoughts
Grand Coven goodstuff looks a lot like the index- Maggles the Red causing mayhem, Vortex Beasts drawing out the foe, and a go-turn of Rubrics to table a committed army in seconds as required. Super flexible, super strong, and another one of our current metas big dogs. Fantastic work on the top placing.
jun hong – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) – 3rd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Adepta Sororitas CHARACTERS Canoness (50 points) Canoness (60 points) Canoness with Jump Pack (100 points) Junith Eruita (80 points) Morvenn Vahl (170 points) Saint Celestine (160 points) BATTLELINE Battle Sisters Squad (105 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Immolator (115 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Castigator (160 points) Castigator (160 points) Celestian Sacresants (70 points) Paragon Warsuits (210 points) Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 points) Zephyrim Squad (80 points) ALLIED UNITS Canis Rex (380 points) Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v640
52号 钧鸿
junhong (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Hallowed Martyrs
• 1x Blessed blade
1x Inferno pistol
• 1x Blessed blade
1x Inferno pistol
• Enhancement: Saintly Example
• 1x Blessed halberd
• Enhancement: Through Suffering, Strength
• 1x Mace of Castigation
1x Twin Ministorum heavy flamer
• Warlord
• 1x Fidelis
1x Lance of Illumination
1x Paragon missile launcher
• 1x Celestine
• 1x The Ardent Blade
• 2x Geminae Superia
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Power weapon
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Ministorum hand flamer
1x Power weapon
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator battle cannon
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Castigator battle cannon
3x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
• 1x Sacresant Superior
• 1x Ministorum hand flamer
1x Spear of the faithful
• 4x Celestian Sacresant
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Hallowed mace
• 1x Paragon Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Multi-melta
1x Paragon grenade launchers
1x Paragon war blade
• 2x Paragon
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Multi-melta
2x Paragon grenade launchers
2x Paragon war blade
• 1x Novitiate Superior
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Sister Novitiate
• 9x Autopistol
4x Close combat weapon
2x Ministorum flamer
5x Novitiate melee weapons
1x Sacred Banner
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
• 1x Zephyrim Superior
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
1x Sacred Banner
• 4x Zephyrim
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Power weapon
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
1x Freedom’s Hand
Archetype
Hallowed Martyrs and Canis
Thoughts
I really like what Canis brings to Martyrs- the toolkit is already very effective at blunting and frustrating armies too reliant on a single phase, and Canis gives you some much needed hard target removal for the clap back. Awesome to see a cheeky jump Cannonness leading the charge too – excellent work on the top placing.
david david – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Death Guard CHARACTERS Biologus Putrifier (45 Points) Lord of Contagion (110 Points) Lord of Contagion (110 Points) Lord of Virulence (90 Points) Malignant Plaguecaster (60 Points) Tallyman (40 Points) BATTLELINE Plague Marines (190 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Chaos Rhino (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Deathshroud Terminators (300 Points) Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points) Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) Poxwalkers (60 Points) Poxwalkers (60 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.37.0 (1), Data Version: v647
传疫冠军 (2000 Points)
Champions of Contagion
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Hyper blight grenades
• 1x Injector pistol
• 1x Plague knives
• Warlord
• 1x Manreaper
• 1x Manreaper
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Twin plague spewer
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Corrupted staff
• 1x Plague Wind
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Plague Champion
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x Plague Marine
◦ 2x Blight launcher
◦ 4x Heavy plague weapon
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 9x Plague knives
◦ 1x Plague spewer
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Havoc launcher
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
◦ 1x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 5x Deathshroud Terminator
◦ 5x Manreaper
◦ 5x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
◦ 1x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
◦ 2x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
◦ 1x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
◦ 2x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Bile spurt
• 1x Gnashing maw
• 1x Missile launcher
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Bile spurt
• 1x Gnashing maw
• 1x Missile launcher
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Bile spurt
• 1x Gnashing maw
• 1x Missile launcher
• 1x Multi-melta
• 10x Poxwalker
◦ 10x Improvised weapon
• 10x Poxwalker
◦ 10x Improvised weapon
Archetype
Champions of Contagion Counter-Mech
Thoughts
Champions is a bit less flexible than Hammer, but absolutely bodies hard targets, where rerolls to hit and wound take Deathshroud and Plague Marines to god-slaying places. Death Guard have so many ways to attack and define the meta at the moment, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see this become the leading choice if nerfs should fall upon the mechanised builds in the near future… amazing work!
The Best of the Rest
There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Eric Yu – Aeldari (Aspect Host): Alpha strike Aspects with Fuegan, Lykhis, and lots of Swooping Hawks.
- 6th – Parson Cheung – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus stays home as Sorcerors, Rubrics and Vortex Beasts lead the way.
- 7th – az az – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Two Predator Annihilators provide back up to a flying circus of melee infantry with big JPI bricks.
- 8th – Happy Happy – Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Brutal triple Despoiler / three other bigs in IF.
- 9th – yizheng shen – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Standard style Terminator MSU and Indomitor team DW.
- 10th – King Wong Yu – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Six Bloat Drones, all the Deathshroud, and brutality via Lords of Contagion in Virulent.
- 11th – abeicnr abeicnr – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Massed Deathshroud, triple Haulers and Drones in Champs.
- 12th – Johnnie Lau – Thousand Sons (Changehost of Deceit): A very cool Daemons and Tsons list with Kairos, a Chicken, Magnus and lots of flamers in support.
- 13th – James Sunderland – Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Triple Cannonness and Castigators, Paragons and MSU.
Weekend Wars VII – Major – WCW Qualifier Event
42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Altenholz, SH, Deutschland on July 26 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Manuel “BEL” Wieczorek – Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Astra Militarum CHARACTERS Cadian Command Squad (65 Points) Gaunt’s Ghosts (110 Points) Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (100 Points) Rogal Dorn Commander (265 Points) Ursula Creed (85 Points) BATTLELINE Cadian Shock Troops (120 Points) Death Korps of Krieg (65 Points) Death Korps of Krieg (65 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Attilan Rough Riders (60 Points) Attilan Rough Riders (60 Points) Attilan Rough Riders (60 Points) Catachan Heavy Weapons Squad (65 Points) Death Riders (60 Points) Ratlings (60 Points) Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (240 Points) Tempestus Scions (140 Points) ALLIED UNITS Canis Rex (380 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (3), Data Version: v651
Bridgehead, Masters (2000 Points)
Bridgehead Strike
Strike Force (2.000 Points)
• 1x Cadian Commander
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Laspistol
◦ 1x Plasma gun
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Master Vox
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma gun
• 1x Ibram Gaunt
◦ 1x Bolt Pistol
◦ 1x Gaunt’s chainsword
• 1x Colm Corbec
◦ 1x Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Elim Rawne
◦ 1x Rawne’s lascarbine
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Hlaine Larkin
◦ 1x Larkin’s long-las
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x ‘Try Again’ Bragg
◦ 1x Bragg’s autocannon
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Oan Mkoll
◦ 1x Lascarbine
◦ 1x Mkoll’s straight silver knife
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot volley gun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
• 1x Tempestor Prime
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Tempestus dagger
◦ Enhancements: Shroud Projector
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Coaxial autocannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 2x Meltagun
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Oppressor cannon
• 1x Pulveriser cannon
• Warlord
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
• 1x Power weapon
• 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant
◦ 2x Chainsword
◦ 2x Laspistol
• 18x Shock Trooper
◦ 18x Close combat weapon
◦ 14x Lasgun
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 2x Vox-caster
• 1x Death Korps Watchmaster
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Death Korps Trooper
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Death Korps Watchmaster
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Death Korps Trooper
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
◦ 1x Hunting lance
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Laspistol
◦ 1x Steed’s hooves
• 4x Rough Rider
◦ 4x Hunting lance
◦ 4x Lasgun
◦ 4x Laspistol
◦ 4x Steed’s hooves
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
◦ 1x Hunting lance
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Laspistol
◦ 1x Steed’s hooves
• 4x Rough Rider
◦ 4x Hunting lance
◦ 4x Lasgun
◦ 4x Laspistol
◦ 4x Steed’s hooves
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
◦ 1x Hunting lance
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Laspistol
◦ 1x Steed’s hooves
• 4x Rough Rider
◦ 4x Hunting lance
◦ 4x Lasgun
◦ 4x Laspistol
◦ 4x Steed’s hooves
• 3x Heavy Weapons Team
◦ 3x Lasgun
◦ 3x Mortar
◦ 3x Weapons team close combat weapons
• 1x Ridemaster
◦ 1x Death Rider lascarbine
◦ 1x Frag lance
◦ 1x Power sabre
◦ 1x Savage claws
• 4x Death Rider
◦ 4x Death Rider lascarbine
◦ 4x Frag lance
◦ 4x Power sabre
◦ 4x Savage claws
• 5x Ratling Sniper
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Sniper rifle
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Castigator gatling cannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Twin battle cannon
• 1x Tempestor
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x Tempestus Scion
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor
• 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser
• 1x Freedom’s Hand
Archetype
Bridgehead with Canis
Thoughts
A genuinely novel take on Bridgehead, which comes roaring back just when you thought it was dead, with Canis in support. The Bridgehead drop-turns are brutal, and Canis once again provides solidity and reach here alongside the Rogal Dorn. Where normal Guard lists fill their side and grind out the wins, this list can go for the glorious knock-out blows, and I am very much hear for it. Fantastic job on the event win.
The Best of the Rest
There were 7 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Sebastian Köhler – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Deathwing Knight spam in Gladius.
- 3rd – Patrick Schmitt – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): IF big bugs with a brick of the new Raveners plugged in.
- 4th – Jan Black – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and friends with both a Callidus and Culexus for shenanigans.
- 5th – Jens Bothur – Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Glorious double Trygon / triple Screamer Killer mischief in SA.
- 6th – Björn Grell – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Knight slapping melee nonsense with triple Deathshroud and two Plague Marine bricks.
- 7th – Jan – T’au Empire (Mont’ka): Double Razorshark, triple Breachers and loads of Broadsides in a very cool and innovative take on Mont’ka pressure.
- 8th – Christopher (C42) Naujoks – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Angron, double Slaughterbound Eightbound, and combat MSU with Forgefiends.
North and South GT 2025
37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Hobart, TAS, AU on July 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Liam Grossmith – Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Death Guard CHARACTERS Lord of Contagion (140 Points) Lord of Contagion (125 Points) Lord of Virulence (90 Points) Tallyman (40 Points) Typhus (90 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Deathshroud Terminators (300 Points) Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points) Deathshroud Terminators (140 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (100 Points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 Points) Poxwalkers (60 Points) Poxwalkers (60 Points) Poxwalkers (60 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.38.0 (3), Data Version: v651
Playing Champions of Contagion and Virulent Vectorium is easy mode! I like a challenge (1995 Points)
Death Lord’s Chosen
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Manreaper
• Enhancements: Warprot Talisman
• 1x Manreaper
• Enhancements: Vile Vigour
• 1x Power fist
• 1x Twin plague spewer
• Warlord
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Plasma pistol
• 1x Lakrimae
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
◦ 1x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 5x Deathshroud Terminator
◦ 5x Manreaper
◦ 5x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
◦ 1x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
◦ 2x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
◦ 1x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
◦ 2x Manreaper
◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 1x Fleshmower
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Fleshmower
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
• 1x Plague probe
• 1x Bile spurt
• 1x Gnashing maw
• 1x Missile launcher
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Bile spurt
• 1x Gnashing maw
• 1x Missile launcher
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Bile spurt
• 1x Gnashing maw
• 1x Missile launcher
• 1x Multi-melta
• 10x Poxwalker
◦ 10x Improvised weapon
• 10x Poxwalker
◦ 10x Improvised weapon
• 10x Poxwalker
◦ 10x Improvised weapon
Archetype
Virulent Vectorium
Thoughts
Massed bodies with -1 damage and Contagion gets the job done. Triple Deathshroud and Typhus harks back to a simpler time, when Death Guard had merely one top tier build. We may be playing balance whackamole for some time, and in the meantime, it’s a very good time to be Mortarion’s sons. Fantastic work on the event win!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Tyler Walsh – Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Warrior and Wraith brick Awakened with Szeras in tow.
- 3rd – James Stewart – Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Deathshroud / Plague Marine wrecking balls.
- 4th – Ethan Armstrong – Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors): Desolation Marines, some Ballistus and Vindicators, and 3 MSU Sang Guard squads.
- 5th – Liam Hogwood – Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): Belly and the Thirster bring a cheeky Despoiler along for the ride.
- 6th – James Hancock – Orks (War Horde): Ghaz leads the charge with a Kill Rig, some Tankbustas and a big brick of Nobz alongside the Boyz.
IRONFORGED I
32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Västerbottens län, Sverige on July 26 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Tim Nordin – Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Azrael: The Sword of Secrets, Lion’s Wrath (115 pts) Lieutenant with Combi-weapon: Paired Combat Blades, Combi-weapon (70 pts) Intercessor Squad: Intercessor Sergeant, 4x Intercessor (80 pts) Scout Squad: Scout Sergeant, Scout w/ Scout Sniper Rifle, Scout w/ Heavy Weapon, 2x Scouts w/ Boltgun (70 pts) Invader ATV: Close Combat Weapon, Bolt Pistol, Twin Bolt Rifle, Multi-melta (60 pts) Ravenwing Darkshroud: Close Combat Weapon, Heavy bolter (115 pts)
Wings of Purpouse – Dark Angels – Stormlance Task Force (2000 Points)
Lion El’Jonson: Fealty, Arma Luminis, Warlord (315 pts)
Ravenwing Command Squad: Ravenwing Champion, E: Hunter’s Instincts, Ravenwing Apothecary, Ravenwing Ancient (145 pts)
Ravenwing Command Squad: Ravenwing Champion, E: Feinting Withdrawal, Ravenwing Apothecary, Ravenwing Ancient (130 pts)
Ravenwing Command Squad: Ravenwing Champion, Ravenwing Apothecary, Ravenwing Ancient (120 pts)
3x Outrider Squad: Outrider Sergeant, 2x Outrider (240 pts)
3x Ravenwing Black Knights: Ravenwing Huntmaster, 5x Ravenwing Black Knight (540 pts)
Archetype
Storm Lance Ravenwing
Thoughts
A very unusual and punchy Ravenwing build which goes fast and shoots people. Black Knights in large numbers are fragile but deadly, and getting the connect turn right here will be key to victory. Great to see the Lion running about here too, with his new rules giving you a real nuisance piece to compliment the other forces. Excellent work on the event win!
The Best of the Rest
There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Mattias Lindvall-Östling – Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Classic Coven with Magnus, Rubrics and Wizards, and a solitary MVB.
- 3rd – Rickard Wallin – Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Cawl leading lots of Ruststalkers and some Disintegrators.
- 4th – Marcus Jonsson – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Double Lancer / Ballistus support base behind a Death Company brick and MSU.
I GT de Santa Brígida
31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Santa Brígida, CN, España on July 25 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Jacinto López – Aeldari (Aspect Host) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Aeldari CHARACTERS Fuegan (120 points) Jain Zar (105 points) Lhykhis (120 points) BATTLELINE Corsair Voidreavers (60 points) Corsair Voidreavers (60 points) Corsair Voidreavers (60 points) Storm Guardians (100 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Wave Serpent (125 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Dark Reapers (90 points) Dark Reapers (90 points) Fire Dragons (220 points) Howling Banshees (95 points) Rangers (55 points) Swooping Hawks (170 points) Swooping Hawks (170 points) Swooping Hawks (170 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Warp Spiders (95 points) Exported with App Version: v1.37.0 (88), Data Version: v647
-HDiAkh (2000 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Aspect Host
• Warlord
• 1x Fire Axe
1x Searsong
• 1x Blade of Destruction
1x Silent Death
• 1x Brood Twain
1x Spider’s Fangs
1x Weaverender
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 1x Twin shuriken cannon
1x Twin shuriken catapult
1x Wraithbone hull
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Tempest launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Reaper launcher
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Dark Reaper Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Tempest launcher
• 4x Dark Reaper
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Reaper launcher
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Fire Dragon Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Firepike
• 9x Fire Dragon
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Dragon fusion gun
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Howling Banshee Exarch
• 1x Executioner
1x Shuriken pistol
• 4x Howling Banshee
• 4x Banshee blade
4x Shuriken pistol
• 5x Ranger
• 5x Close combat weapon
5x Long rifle
5x Shuriken pistol
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
• 9x Swooping Hawk
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Lasblaster
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
• 9x Swooping Hawk
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Lasblaster
• 2x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Hawk’s talon
• 9x Swooping Hawk
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Lasblaster
• 1x Aspect Shrine Token
• 1x Warp Spider Exarch
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Powerblade array
• 4x Warp Spider
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Death spinner
• 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
Archetype
30 Hawk Aspect Host
Thoughts
A WTC menace unleashed on the wider meta game, the 30 Hawks / Fuegan / Corsairs list is the real deal. Corsairs give you much needed OC, Fuegan steadily tables any mechanised list he looks at, and the Hawks give you blocking and a truckload of mortals for killing whatever the orange son of the end times is too busy to handle. Played well, this is among the best lists in the game right now. Excellent stuff.
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Nelson WiRm – Death Guard (Mortarion’s Hammer): A Depoiler and a PBC provide the backline for triple Deathshroud / Drone centred Hammer.
- 3rd – Marcos Sokram Mejias – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Redeemer Crusaders with some Sword bros and Helbrecht.
- 4th – Abraham Sanchez – Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Tyrannofex and Screamer Killers provide some heft as Raveners do mischief.
- 5th – Tanausu Rodríguez – Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Canis teams up with some las Chickens and Kastelan Robots.
Red Dragon 40k GT – July ’25 WTC terrain
26-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Ottawa, ON, CA on July 26 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
John Winter Russell – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand WTC 🥳🥳 (2000 Points) Astra Militarum CHARACTERS Cadian Command Squad (65 Points) Gaunt’s Ghosts (110 Points) Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 Points) Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 Points) Rogal Dorn Commander (280 Points) Ursula Creed (85 Points) BATTLELINE Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points) Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Taurox (75 Points) Taurox (75 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Attilan Rough Riders (120 Points) Hellhound (125 Points) Kasrkin (110 Points) Kasrkin (110 Points) Kasrkin (110 Points) Leman Russ Battle Tank (185 Points) Scout Sentinels (55 Points) Scout Sentinels (55 Points) Tempestus Scions (70 Points) Tempestus Scions (70 Points)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Player Name: John Winter Russell
Team Name: Canada
Factions Used: Astra Militarum
Army Points: 2000
Army Enhancements: Grand Strategist on Rogal Dorn Commander
Detachment Rule: Born Soldiers
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Combined Arms
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
• 1x Cadian Commander
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Master Vox
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
• 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Regimental Standard
• 1x Ibram Gaunt
◦ 1x Bolt Pistol
◦ 1x Gaunt’s chainsword
• 1x Colm Corbec
◦ 1x Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Elim Rawne
◦ 1x Rawne’s lascarbine
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Hlaine Larkin
◦ 1x Larkin’s long-las
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x ‘Try Again’ Bragg
◦ 1x Bragg’s autocannon
◦ 1x Straight silver knife
• 1x Oan Mkoll
◦ 1x Lascarbine
◦ 1x Mkoll’s straight silver knife
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Medi-pack
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Regimental Standard
• 1x Tempestor Prime
◦ 1x Command Rod
◦ 1x Tempestus dagger
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Medi-pack
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Regimental Standard
• 1x Tempestor Prime
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Tempestus dagger
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Coaxial autocannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 2x Meltagun
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Oppressor cannon
• 1x Pulveriser cannon
• Enhancements: Grand Strategist
• Warlord
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
• 1x Power weapon
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sergeant’s autogun
• 9x Shock Trooper
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Sergeant’s autogun
• 9x Shock Trooper
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 7x Lasgun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Twin autocannon
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
◦ 1x Hunting lance
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Laspistol
◦ 1x Power sabre
◦ 1x Steed’s hooves
• 9x Rough Rider
◦ 9x Hunting lance
◦ 9x Lasgun
◦ 9x Laspistol
◦ 9x Steed’s hooves
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Multi-melta
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Inferno cannon
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
◦ 1x Melta Mine
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
◦ 1x Melta Mine
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
◦ 1x Melta Mine
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 1x Leman Russ battle cannon
• 2x Multi-melta
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 1x Sentinel chainsaw
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 1x Sentinel chainsaw
• 1x Tempestor
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
• 1x Tempestor
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster
Archetype
Guard Combined Arms
Thoughts
Old-school Combined Arms from one of the Factions true greats, who takes the Combined Arms brief very seriously by plugging in a brick of Rough Riders for counter-charge alongside Tempestus reserves strikes. Guard are still plugging despite nerfs and new challengers, and remain one of the armies to beat in the right hands. Very well done on the first place finish!
The Best of the Rest
There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Thomas Cowan – Aeldari (Warhost): Punchy Warhost with 15 Fire Dragons, double Autarch Banshees and lots of scoring MSU.
- 3rd – François Lalonde – Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread): Triple Lancers, double Abominant, and a cohort of Chaos Daemons including a Sloppity Bilepiper!
Wrap Up
There we are folks – the WTC meta is on full display now as skews and their counters start getting their teeth into the meta game. Knights and Death Guard are insufferably dominant, but armies like Eldar and Guard are demonstrating that they can punish stat checks and add some complications on the way to the top. I am very intrigued to see how things are shaken up when needed changes arrive!
Have fun out there.
Lowest of Men, out!
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