In our Road to LVO series, we’re following several different players and hobbyists as they prepare to play in one of the largest wargaming conventions on the planet. In this article we’re kicking off Ben Jurek’s journey to LVO – Ben is on Team USA and Art of War and is one of the best Warhammer 40k players in the world.
This year’s Road to LVO series is sponsored by Frontline Gaming.
Greetings to all you wonderful readers out there, and welcome to the beginning of my journey on the road to the Las Vegas Open, or LVO as it’s known far and wide in the Warhammer community. In this series I’ll be documenting my preparation, milestones, and reflection as I make my way toward one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. As I sit down to write this, we’re just about three months away from the event, and putting that in writing makes it feel both exhilarating and daunting.
There’s a lot to cover, and the road ahead won’t be easy. But playing at LVO is a passion of mine and it’s worth talking about why. But first, let’s begin with a proper introduction.
Who Am I?
For those who don’t know me, Hi! I am Ben Jurek. I’m a competitive Warhammer 40K player with eight years of experience and a drive that refuses to slow down. Over those last eight years I’ve had the privilege of competing near the top of the pack, finishing in the Top 10 of the ITC multiple times and earning multiple Best in Faction awards. Last year I finished the season ranked 18th, and as I write this I am currently ranked 26th in the ITC for Warhammer 40k.Â
I play under the Art of War banner here in the United States and as an Academy member of Team USA. Beyond competing, I coach players through Art of War, helping others improve their skills and reach for their own competitive goals. I’m usually doing something Warhammer-related every week, so the game is thoroughly embedded into my life. I travel often for events, and this year I’ve been on the winning team at multiple teams events, including Dreamhack and the Arizona Team Challenge.Â
But here’s the twist: Despite flying across the country for countless events, LVO is practically in my backyard. I live in Las Vegas, just fifteen minutes from the venue. While many players plan long-haul flights, hotel stays, and time zone adjustments, I get to wake up in my own bed and cruise down the road to the tournament hall for this one. It’s something of a luxury, but it also comes with responsibility. I play host to several players each year, sharing my home and helping them make the most of their Vegas experience.
Why is LVO Such a Big Deal?
If you’ve been in the competitive scene for a while, this question might seem unnecessary. But for those new to it, or just Warhammer-curious, it’s worth noting that LVO is the single largest Warhammer 40K tournament in the world. It’s truly a spectacle to be witnessed. Each year, over a thousand players gather to compete across three days of intense games. The sheer scale is staggering. The venue buzzes with energy, and every table is packed with lovingly painted armies and practiced generals. If you’ve never attended, imagine a convention center humming with the sound of dice, battle cries, and laser-focused strategizing. There’s nothing else quite like it.
From an ITC standpoint, LVO is a gold mine for points. It’s the biggest singles event of the season, which means it offers more ITC points than any other. This makes it a crucial event for anyone aiming to climb the rankings or lock in a competitive title. While it’s no longer the final event of the season, a good LVO showing is essential for anyone hoping to finish high in the global standings – ITC scores for an event involve a player count component, which means events with more players net higher scores. In prior years, winning LVO typically also meant winning the ITC.
And for me personally, it’s a bit of a white whale. I’ve had good showings in the past, but I’ve never even cracked the elusive top 8 at LVO. Last January, I finished 20th with a 5-1 record. This was close, but not quite there. So as I gear up for this year’s October event, I’m looking forward to taking another crack at it.
Beyond the Dice
While the tournament itself is a massive draw, LVO is also a community celebration. It’s one of the few times in the year when so many people I know from around the world are in the same place at the same time.
I’ve already mentioned that I’ll be hosting players flying in from around the world and that, more than anything, is what makes it special for me: I get to see friends I’ve made over the years at events across the country. We meet at LVO not just as competitors, but as fellow hobbyists, teammates, and friends. We eat together, share war stories, celebrate big wins, and laugh off the losses. We even sometimes compete in our own little side fantasy drafts.Â
As a local, I take special pride in playing host. I love showing people the best of what Vegas has to offer. From great taco joints to speak-easies along with some hidden local gems, I get to guide people through the city I call home. Sometimes it means hosting afterparties, other times it’s just pointing someone toward the best late-night food after three rounds of mental warfare.
In short, LVO isn’t just about winning games. It’s about the social experience of having everyone all in one place. The friends we made along the way, even.
What This Road Looks Like
As I write this, I’m currently ranked 26th in the world and 10th in the United States in the ITC. That’s a respectable spot, but if I want to crack the top 10 again, or chase that elusive #1, I’ve got a lot of work to do in the next few months.
Between now and LVO, I’ll be attending several major events. I’ve got a big team tournament lined up, as well as a Games Workshop US Open in Tacoma. And of course, there’s my annual pilgrimage to the World Team Championship (WTC), which is one of my favorite events of the year. The WTC demands a totally different kind of preparation, but it sharpens you like nothing else. Team events are quite a bit different then singles but once you get to the table, you’re playing the same game. Mostly.
Each of these events plays a part in the larger picture. They’re all part of the same journey. Every game I play helps me refine my play, test new ideas, and prepare for the biggest stage in the hobby.
It’s funny to think that I’ll log thousands of miles traveling before I show up to a venue that’s right down the street from me, but that’s the nature of this game. The real road to LVO isn’t just about geography. It’s about progress, preparation, and perseverance.
What You Can Expect from This Series
This isn’t going to be a one-and-done article. I’ll be writing updates along the way, documenting my road to LVO in real time. That means insights from the events I attend, thoughts on the evolving meta, and maybe even a few battle reports if time allows. The next few months are going to be busy – There are lists to write, models to finish, and games to play. It’s a grind, yes, but one I welcome with open arms.Â
I’ll also be sharing some local advice for those of you planning your own trip to Vegas. From navigating the venue to avoiding overpriced meals, I’ll do my best to help make your stay smoother and more fun.
I promise to be honest. I’ll talk about what works and what doesn’t. I’ll share my mistakes and the lessons that come from them. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to compete at this level. You’ll get to watch me do a bit of meta chasing and last minute painting. You’ll see me shift from singles to teams and back. It’ll be fun, and you’ll be able to follow along with me as I knock out each milestone en route to the big finale at the Las Vegas Open.
So whether you’re a veteran player or someone just getting into the game, I hope these updates give you something to enjoy and learn from. And if you see me at LVO, don’t hesitate to say hello. We’re all part of the same community, and I’d love to hear your own Warhammer stories. There’s a lot of work ahead, but there’s also a lot of excitement
Tomorrow: Prep for the NATC
When I said this wasn’t a one-and-done, I wasn’t kidding! I’ll be back tomorrow with an article on my prep for the North American Team Championships event this weekend, an 8-player teams event in Chattanooga taking place this weekend. I’ll walk through my list, my prep for the event, and talk about why I’m taking Imperial Knights. So stay tuned for that, and I’ll see you then.
Until next time, keep painting, keep practicing, and keep loving the hobby.
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