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.

I can't believe they're making an 11th Edition. Do they think Goonhammer's 2026 budget can stretch to the millions of dollars we'll need to pay McKinsey to work out what to retitle this column when the Edition changes? Financial ruin beckons.

Still plenty of 10th left before we get to that, luckily, so let's make that time count.

This Week's Events

Part 3 on Saturday:

Cascade Clash Warhammer 40K Major
III GT Asturias
Fourth Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT
PSSN Presents: Dark Sphere March GT
Black Crow Gaming's Battle of the RAGNAR GT! March

Part 1 on Wednesday:

Cornwall Super Bash 2026
Battle On The Bayou
Sydney GT: Autumn
Phoenix 40K Spring GT 2026
March for Macragge
Kelpie Crusade GT 2026

Part 2 on Friday:

Broadsword Wargaming 40K ITC Seasonal Major IX
Wheat City Open 2026: 40k
Iron Cage: Bedford Beatdown
North and South GT 2026
Dice Like Ice 40K Grand Tournament - March 2026
Southeastern Slaughter 40K Grand Tournament

Cascade Clash Warhammer 40K Major

71-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Mount Vernon, WA, United States on March 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Matthew Cargille - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

The Nightbringer. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Awakened Dynasty (Command Protocols) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char4: Illuminor Szeras + ENHANCEMENT: Nether-realm Casket (on Char6: Technomancer) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) + (3x4) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (295 pts): Cosmic insanity, Golden fists Char2: 1x C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (325 pts): Gaze of death, Scythe of the Nightbringer Char3: 1x C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (320 pts): Canoptek tail blades, Spear of the Void Dragon, Voltaic storm Char4: 1x Illuminor Szeras (165 pts): Warlord, Eldritch lance, Impaling legs Char5: 1x Nekrosor Ammentar (185 pts): Nullstone field generator, Blade tail and whip coils, Enmitic disintegrators, Unmaker gauntlet Char6: 1x Technomancer (100 pts): Staff of light Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket (+20 pts)

1x Canoptek Reanimator (75 pts): 2x Atomiser beam, Reanimator's claws 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 pts): 3 with Feeder mandibles 6x Canoptek Wraiths (220 pts): 6 with Particle caster, Vicious claws 5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws 1x Lokhust Destroyers (40 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon 1x Lokhust Destroyers (40 pts): Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon 1x Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic exterminator 3x Ophydian Destroyers (80 pts): 3 with Ophydian hyperphase weapons

Archetype

Awakened C'tan Herohammer

Thoughts

Hey I recognise that list! My love for Awakened C'tan Herohammer is well known, and this list shows off one of the two ways you can try to update the build for a post-nerf setup. You don't need to harvest that many points to do so, but the list is super tight and needs to keep its activations up, and I found when trying to update this that you either end up dropping down one C'tan to something else (more Wraiths is an option) or you need to cut back Imotekh, at which point you probably want one fewer reviving Character or you run short on CP. This build goes the latter route, and having myself tested out the Wraith option, I agree this is the better choice - nothing else can substitute for having all three C'tan to crush the opposition, so the herohammer package is the right place to shave a few points. Adding a Reanimator is also a good way to get extra mileage out of the Wraiths, and doubles up as an extra durable objective holder; it will never not be funny to watch people learn they have a 4+ Feel No Pain for the first time. Anyway that was a bit rambling - this list is a little bit weaker than it was, but still plenty potent, as Matthew's commanding victory here shows, congratulations!

Jeff Cope - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Regal Skulls Primaris Watch Master. Credit: Kevin Genson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Cascade Clash 2026 (2000 Points)

Space Marines Deathwatch Black Spear Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain in Gravis Armour (110 Points) • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet • 1x Power fist • 1x Relic fist • Enhancements: The Tome of Ectoclades

Judiciar (95 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x Executioner relic blade • Enhancements: Beacon Angelis

Watch Master (95 Points) • Warlord • 1x Vigil spear

BATTLELINE

Deathwatch Veterans (190 Points) • 1x Watch Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes shield ◦ 1x Xenophase blade • 9x Deathwatch Veterans ◦ 3x Astartes shield ◦ 1x Black Shield blades ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Deathwatch thunder hammer ◦ 1x Frag cannon ◦ 3x Power weapon

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fortis Kill Team (180 Points) • 1x Kill Team Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Deathwatch bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power weapon • 3x Kill Team Intercessor ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Deathwatch bolt rifle • 4x Kill Team Intercessor with plasma incinerator ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Plasma incinerator ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 2x Kill Team Intercessor with superfrag rocket launcher ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Castellan launcher ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Superkrak rocket launcher ◦ 1x Vengor launcher

Fortis Kill Team (180 Points) • 1x Kill Team Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Deathwatch bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 3x Kill Team Intercessor ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Deathwatch bolt rifle • 4x Kill Team Intercessor with plasma incinerator ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Plasma incinerator ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 2x Kill Team Intercessor with superfrag rocket launcher ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Castellan launcher ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Superkrak rocket launcher ◦ 1x Vengor launcher

Fortis Kill Team (180 Points) • 1x Kill Team Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Deathwatch bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 3x Kill Team Intercessor ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Deathwatch bolt rifle • 4x Kill Team Intercessor with plasma incinerator ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Plasma incinerator ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 2x Kill Team Intercessor with superfrag rocket launcher ◦ 2x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Castellan launcher ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Superkrak rocket launcher ◦ 1x Vengor launcher

Indomitor Kill Team (265 Points) • 4x Kill Team Heavy Intercessors ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle ◦ 2x Deathwatch heavy bolter • 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with power fists ◦ 3x Auto boltstorm gauntlets ◦ 3x Fragstorm grenade launcher ◦ 3x Twin power fists • 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with melta rifle ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Melta rifle ◦ 1x Multi-melta

Indomitor Kill Team (265 Points) • 4x Kill Team Heavy Intercessors ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle ◦ 2x Deathwatch heavy bolter • 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with power fists ◦ 3x Auto boltstorm gauntlets ◦ 3x Fragstorm grenade launcher ◦ 3x Twin power fists • 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with melta rifle ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Melta rifle ◦ 1x Multi-melta

Outrider Squad (80 Points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 2x Twin bolt rifle

Spectrus Kill Team (180 Points) • 3x Kill Team Infiltrator ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Deathwatch marksman bolt carbine ◦ 1x Helix Gauntlet • 3x Kill Team Infiltrator with bolt sniper rifle ◦ 3x Bolt pistol ◦ 2x Bolt sniper rifle ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Instigator Bolt Carbine • 4x Kill Team Infiltrator with Deathwatch occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Deathwatch occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Paired combat blades

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (100 Points) • 1x Neural shredder • 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.48.2 (1), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Kill Team Deathwatch

Thoughts

Deathwatch's extremely good week continues with another undefeated finish, this build opting to cut a character and use the rest of the flex points for a Spectrus Kill Team. They offer a little less raw power than the other teams, but add some strong additional early board control and game-long utility, which can be helpful in a list where the relatively low drop count is one of the few weaknesses. Teaming up with a Callidus here too really helps lock down scoring. Deathwatch are genuinely the army to beat right now, and this is a good demonstration that there's a surprising amount of ways you can tweak the standard build, all of which are pretty good. Congratulations Jeff.

Jordan Galaugher - World Eaters (Goretrack Onslaught) - 3rd Place

Credit: Dylan Gould

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Slaughter and Slaughter Accessories (2000 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Goretrack Onslaught

CHARACTERS

Khârn the Betrayer (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Gorechild 1x Plasma pistol

Master of Executions (85 points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancement: Infernal Infusion

Slaughterbound (105 points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancement: Murderous Onslaught

BATTLELINE

Khorne Berzerkers (180 points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Khorne Berzerker • 7x Bolt pistol 7x Chainblade 2x Khornate eviscerator 2x Plasma pistol

Khorne Berzerkers (180 points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Khorne Berzerker • 7x Bolt pistol 7x Chainblade 2x Khornate eviscerator 2x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Land Raider (220 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher 2x Soulshatter lascannon 1x Twin heavy bolter

Chaos Land Raider (220 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher 2x Soulshatter lascannon 1x Twin heavy bolter

Eightbound (135 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (140 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Exalted Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Goremongers (75 points) • 1x Blood Herald • 1x Autopistol 1x Chainblade 1x Close combat weapon • 7x Goremongers • 7x Autopistol 7x Chainblade 7x Close combat weapon

Helbrute (120 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy flamer 2x Helbrute fist

Jakhals (65 points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Paired manglers • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 8x Chainblades

Jakhals (65 points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Paired manglers • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 8x Chainblades

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Land Raider Goretrack

Thoughts

The rise of Goretrack as a serious World Eaters option continues here, with Jordan unleashing a particularly heavy variant with both Rhino-riding Berzerkers and double Land Raider packed with Eightbound. This helps World Eaters handle their significant C'tan weakness - they pack some guns that can actually scratch them, and being able to stage inside a hull stops you losing your assets too easily. In other matchups, you can instead use the transports to make sure you hit foes at maximum speed. Fun to see some variety among Khorne's violent followers, well done to Jordan!

Sweet Lew - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) - 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Narrative Votaan List (2000 points)

Leagues of Votann Strike Force (2000 points) Hearthband

CHARACTERS

Buri Aegnirssen (95 points) • 1x Autoch‑pattern bolt pistol 1x Bane

Kâhl (65 points) • 1x Forgewrought plasma axe 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator

Kâhl (65 points) • 1x Mass gauntlet 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator

Ûthar the Destined (95 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of the Ancestors 1x Rampart Crest 1x Volkanite disintegrator

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Kapricus Carrier (75 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Magna-coil autocannon 1x Smoke Launcher 1x Twin magna‑coil autocannon

Sagitaur (90 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x HYLas beam cannon 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (160 points) • 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 6x Close combat weapon 6x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Graviton blast cannon

Cthonian Beserks (100 points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk • 5x Concussion maul 1x Mole grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (270 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard • 9x Concussion gauntlet 9x EtaCarn plasma gun 9x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (135 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard • 4x Concussion gauntlet 4x EtaCarn plasma gun 4x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (135 points) • 1x Hesyr • 1x EtaCarn plasma gun 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher 1x Graviton hammer 1x Teleport Crest • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard • 4x Concussion gauntlet 4x EtaCarn plasma gun 4x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Hekaton Land Fortress (240 points) • 1x Armoured wheels 1x Heavy magna-rail cannon 1x MATR autocannon 1x Panspectral Scanner 2x Twin bolt cannon

Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn • 1x Bolt revolver 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma knife • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir • 1x APM launcher 7x Bolt revolver 9x Close combat weapon 1x Magna-coil rifle 7x Plasma knife

Ironkin Steeljacks with Heavy Volkanite Disintegrators (85 points) • 1x Steeljack Theyn • 1x Heavy volkanite disintegrator 1x Plasma knife 1x Preymark Crest • 2x Ironkin Steeljack • 2x Heavy volkanite disintegrator 2x Plasma knife

Kapricus Defenders (70 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x HYLas rotary cannon 1x Smoke Launcher 1x Twin magna‑coil autocannon

Kapricus Defenders (70 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x HYLas rotary cannon 1x Smoke Launcher 1x Twin magna‑coil autocannon

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Hammer and Anvil Hearthband

Thoughts

Votann round off our first top four, with faction expert Sweet unleashing a polarised variant of Hearthband. Like any detachment with a fairly generically strong force multiplier faction rule, putting in lots of mid-weight activations can drown foes in value, and this takes a few heavy pieces to maximise stratagems (the Land Fort, Hearthguard and full Thunderkyn unit) then goes very light with all the support. That includes Kapricus Defenders as an additional cheap threat that can speedily apply pressure wherever needed, and it's nice to finally see those make it into a list. Good, solid Votann fun here, well done Sweet.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

5th - Zach Vakerics - Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): The occasional appearence of Solar Spearhead, because spamming a bunch of Dreads and Caladius tanks is still pretty great.
6th - Steven Ross - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double C'tan, herohammer and Warriors.
7th - Ryan Smith - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Wolf Jail 2026 with max ThunderCav and Storm Shield Wulfen.

III GT Asturias

58-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Oviedo, España on March 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Gonzalo Peña Manterola - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Letales para todos (2000 Points)

Death Guard Mortarion's Hammer Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (60 Points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades • 1x Injector pistol • 1x Plague knives

Lord of Contagion (120 Points) • 1x Manreaper

Lord of Contagion (120 Points) • 1x Manreaper

Lord of Virulence (100 Points) • 1x Power fist • 1x Twin plague spewer

Malignant Plaguecaster (70 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Corrupted staff • 1x Plague Wind • Enhancements: Bilemaw Blight

Tallyman (50 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma pistol

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (190 Points) • 1x Plague Champion ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Plague Marine ◦ 2x Blight launcher ◦ 3x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 9x Plague knives ◦ 2x Plague spewer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathshroud Terminators (160 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (160 Points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion ◦ 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) ◦ 1x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator ◦ 2x Manreaper ◦ 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (160 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 (120 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 Points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher • 1x Plague probe

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

Poxwalkers (65 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.48.2 (1), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Direct Fire Mortarion's Hammer

Thoughts

Our next winner is a blast from the relatively recent past, bringing back the classic combination of potent, cheap Daemon Engines and Deathshrouds that force extreme caution from foes. It also squeezes in a Plague Marine bomb, and honestly if you'd asked me whether you could fit all of this I'd have guessed not, and the assembled power is really high.

What makes it particularly timely is that this is potentially very good into Deathwatch; it's so good at killing 2W models, and the Deathshroud in particular are a phenomenal counter for them. This particular collection of tools is maybe a tiny bit weak into C'tan, but honestly looking at this written down, I think people are sleeping on this as a valid option in general, and I wonder if we might see more people giving this another go off the back of this. Well done to Gonzalo!

OuX ™ - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions) - 2nd Place

Loyalist Knight Atrapos. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

III GT Asturias (2000 points)

Imperial Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Questoris Companions

CHARACTERS

Cerastus Knight Atrapos (405 points) • 1x Atrapos lascutter 1x Graviton singularity cannon

Cerastus Knight Atrapos (405 points) • 1x Atrapos lascutter 1x Graviton singularity cannon

Cerastus Knight Lancer (395 points) • 1x Cerastus shock lance

Knight Castellan (410 points) • Warlord • 1x Plasma decimator 2x Shieldbreaker missile launcher 1x Titanic feet 2x Twin meltagun 1x Twin siegebreaker cannon 1x Volcano lance

Knight Crusader (385 points) • 1x Avenger gatling cannon 1x Heavy flamer 2x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Rapid-fire battle cannon 1x Stormspear rocket pod 1x Titanic feet

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (111), Data Version: v750

Archetype

Five Bigs

Thoughts

One big stabby robot, two big shooty robots, and two all-rounders. I do think if you're going with just five like this, the Castellan is important, as being able to discourage C'tan from just rolling through your limited forces is important (and it doesn't hurt for trying to take out RepExes at a distance). Nice to see the occasional Knight breakthrough, well done OuX!

Sergi Mirmi - Imperial Knights (Valourstrike Lance) - 3rd Place

Imperial Knight Castellan. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Mirmi (2000 points)

Imperial Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Valourstrike Lance

CHARACTERS

Knight Castellan (425 points) • Warlord • 1x Plasma decimator 2x Shieldbreaker missile launcher 1x Titanic feet 2x Twin meltagun 1x Twin siegebreaker cannon 1x Volcano lance • Enhancement: Bearer of the Evanescent Ion

Knight Castellan (435 points) • 1x Plasma decimator 2x Shieldbreaker missile launcher 1x Titanic feet 2x Twin meltagun 1x Twin siegebreaker cannon 1x Volcano lance • Enhancement: Bearer of the Judicant's Helm

OTHER DATASHEETS

Armiger Helverin (135 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (135 points) • 2x Armiger autocannon 1x Armoured feet 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Moirax (150 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Graviton pulsar 1x Rad cleanser 1x Siege claw

Armiger Moirax (150 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Graviton pulsar 1x Rad cleanser 1x Siege claw

Armiger Moirax (150 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Graviton pulsar 1x Rad cleanser 1x Siege claw

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Meltagun 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Double Castellan Valourstrike

Thoughts

Well now there's another one and I look silly. This spin on Knights really focuses on Castellan power, using a pair of them that can mutually buff and which can lumber round at high speeds to get good angles on foes. Lots of Armigers helps prevent melee answers from easily reaching the big boys, and having them all in cover from Ion Aegis helps mitigate alpha strikes. Good to see variety as well as just the Questoris builds, and with this kind of list it'll be interesting to see where the Destrier ens up landing as another building block. Well done Sergi.

Juan Lopez - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) - 4th Place

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

jj (1995 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Hypercrypt Legion

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (295 points) • 1x Cosmic insanity 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (325 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (320 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm

Hexmark Destroyer (75 points) • Warlord • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Transcendent C'tan (315 points) • 1x Crackling tendrils 1x Seismic assault

Transcendent C'tan (315 points) • 1x Crackling tendrils 1x Seismic assault

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathmarks (60 points) • 5x Deathmark • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Synaptic disintegrator

Deathmarks (60 points) • 5x Deathmark • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Synaptic disintegrator

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

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

Triarch Praetorians (90 points) • 5x Triarch Praetorian • 5x Rod of covenant

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Hypercrypt C'tan

Thoughts

Five C'tan, but it's Hypercrypt, mitigating the army's low activation count with extra mobility, allowing the army to really put the boot in when required. If the opponent's showing a weak flank on turn one, then boom - two C'tan can hyperphase and the Transcendants can teleport, and then the foe is facing fairly overwhelming force where they're weakest. The list does lean a little on 9" charges sometimes working, but given it has almost literally no relevant detachment Stratagems, you can afford to fish for them sometimes. As we've covered this week, people are teching slightly less for C'tan than they used to because Necrons are slightly weaker, but if you're ready to be the backlash to the backlash, you can exploit that. Well done Juan.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Borja David Palacio Valdueza - T'au Empire (Experimental Prototype Cadre): Leaning on the output boost here with a toolbox of Crisis, some Breacherfish, and small Kroot units to tee them up. Also the Twin Lance. Just assume that.
6th - Keko . - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Custodian/Raider spam.
7th - Saulon PW - Aeldari (Aspect Host): A mostly MSU take on the Aspect Host, using fewer Phoenixes than normal and sporting Shining Spears and the Avatar for heavy lifting.
8th - Daniel Álvarez - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Tiple C'tan, Wraiths and the King.
9th - Ruquinos Paint Forge - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): Quad C'tan, lots of small units, and the extra rare Wraith/Technomancer MSU.
10th - Adrián Nicieza - Imperial Knights (Spearhead-at-Arms): Canis, an Errant, and a whole bunch of Armigers.
11th - Gabino leon - Black Templars (Bastion Task Force): An unusual hybrid of Bastion and the older Gladius builds, taking triple RepEx and lots of small Assault Intercessor units with Characters, leaning on the buffs from this Detachment to make them extra mean.

Fourth Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT

53-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Charlottesville, VA, United States on March 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Joshua Campbell - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

Necron Warriors with Gauss Flayers

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I hope you're not into twinks because we only got thick boys here (1990 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Awakened Dynasty

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (120 points) • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Overlord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (295 points) • 1x Cosmic insanity 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (325 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Hexmark Destroyer (75 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Illuminor Szeras (165 points) • 1x Eldritch Lance 1x Impaling legs

Nekrosor Ammentar (185 points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils 1x Enmitic disintegrators 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Orikan the Diviner (80 points) • Warlord • 1x Staff of Tomorrow

Psychomancer (55 points) • 1x Abyssal lance

Royal Warden (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Relic gauss blaster • Enhancement: Nether-realm Casket

BATTLELINE

Necron Warriors (200 points) • 20x Necron Warrior • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Gauss reaper

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Ghost Ark (115 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 2x Gauss flayer array

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 3x Feeder mandibles

Canoptek Tomb Crawlers (50 points) • 2x Canoptek Tomb Crawlers • 2x Claws 1x Transdimensional isolator 1x Twin gauss reaper

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

Lokhust Destroyers (40 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Gauss cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.49.0 (114), Data Version: v757

Archetype

Warrior Herohammer Awakened

Thoughts

OK, well, apparently we're in one of those weeks where lots of the winners for a faction end up in one part of the column, because here's more Necrons. This is Awakened Herohammer with a C'tan dropped and a big Warrior block added, adding a degree of Primary domination to the setup, and a durable threat that requires very different tools to kill than the C'tan do. The can help counter counters in some cases, though in others can open up new weaknesses if your opponent has the right tools. If Deathwatch keep thriving, I'd be a little jumpy about leaning on Warriors, as they can deal with them well, but Warriors do really help break open the mirror, so if that stays relevant this could remain a solid choice. Much to consider. Congratulations to Joshua.

Aidan Barkley - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The ROCK (2000 Points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Wrath of the Rock Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Azrael (125 Points) • 1x Lion's Wrath • 1x The Lion Helm • 1x The Sword of Secrets

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades

Lion El'Jonson (315 Points) • Warlord • 1x Arma Luminis • 1x Fealty

Ravenwing Command Squad (145 Points) • 1x Ravenwing Champion ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Plasma talon ◦ Enhancements: Ancient Weapons • 1x Ravenwing Apothecary ◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma talon • 1x Ravenwing Ancient ◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma talon

BATTLELINE

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Centurion Devastator Squad (175 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 2x Devastator Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion fists ◦ 2x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 2x Twin lascannon

Deathwing Knights (250 Points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master ◦ 1x Great weapon of the Unforgiven • 4x Deathwing Knight ◦ 4x Mace of absolution

Incursor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 4x Occulus bolt carbine ◦ 4x Paired combat blades

Outrider Squad (80 Points) • 1x Outrider Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Twin bolt rifle • 2x Outrider ◦ 2x Astartes chainsword ◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 2x Twin bolt rifle

Ravenwing Black Knights (160 Points) • 1x Ravenwing Huntmaster ◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma talon • 5x Ravenwing Black Knight ◦ 5x Black Knight combat weapon ◦ 5x Bolt pistol ◦ 5x Plasma talon

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Combat knife ◦ 1x Heavy bolter

Sternguard Veteran Squad (200 Points) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Power fist ◦ 1x Sternguard bolt pistol ◦ 1x Sternguard bolt rifle • 9x Sternguard Veteran ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Sternguard bolt pistol ◦ 7x Sternguard bolt rifle ◦ 2x Sternguard heavy bolter

Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (135 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Stormfury missiles • 1x Thunderstrike las-talon • 1x Twin Icarus rocket pod

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (100 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Storm Shield ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 4x Storm Shield ◦ 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.48.2 (1), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Heavy Toolbox Rock

Thoughts

A whole bunch of high-powered Dark Angels pieces team up to unleash their Wrath in our second undefeated list from this event. You've got plenty of the standard tools, but also a little sub-theme of being able to chip down foes with mortal wounds. You see the big Sternguard brick with Azrael every now and then, which provides lots of re-rolling chip damage fun (and makes Azrael himself extra nasty), and this list adds a big Black knight unit to smack Monsters and Vehicles with even more Mortals on the charge. There's also the nice toolboxy element that you can put the Command Squad in ether the Black Knights (if you need a doomstack) or the Outriders (for a very high damage murder missile thanks to counting up to D4 on the Champion.The army also stacks up quite a lot of D2 output, which is helpful into other Marines.

The only flaw here, I'd say, is that with only one Deathwing Knight unit, the army's a little more vulnerable than normal to getting rolled, but that has to be qualified by the Lion being an incredible counter to melee foes by himself. Love to see a very varied selection of units deployed to such success, well done Aidan.

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Duncan Bluhm - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): High output Grizzled with double Dorn, Scions and Kasrkin, but no Bullgryn.
4th - James Lovett - World Eaters (Khorne Daemonkin): Double Berzerkers in Rhinos, Angron, and a big Bloodcrusher unit plys Skarbrand as additional heavy threats.
5th - Jeffrey Kolodner - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Martyrs toolbox with lots of Characters and some solo Mortifiers.
6th - Matt Wilkens - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights, Purifiers and Interceptors in Razorbacks.
7th - Gregory Moxley - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager): Wager with a bit of everything, including one large Talos unit.
8th - Connor McLean - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double C'tan, double Doomsday, and the Silent King.
9th - Trevor Morgan - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Mega monster mash with triple Norn.

PSSN Presents: Dark Sphere March GT

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on March 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Samuel Martin - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) - 1st Place

Onager Dunecrawler. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Almighty crab (1995 points)

Adeptus Mechanicus Strike Force (2000 points) Haloscreed Battle Clade

CHARACTERS

Belisarius Cawl (210 points) • Warlord • 1x Arc scourge 1x Cawl's Omnissian axe 1x Mechadendrite hive 1x Solar atomiser

Tech-Priest Manipulus (60 points) • 1x Omnissian staff 1x Transonic cannon

BATTLELINE

Skitarii Rangers (85 points) • 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha • 1x Alpha combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Galvanic rifle • 9x Skitarii Ranger • 1x Arc rifle 9x Close combat weapon 6x Galvanic rifle 1x Omnispex 1x Plasma caliver 1x Transuranic arquebus

Skitarii Rangers (85 points) • 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha • 1x Alpha combat weapon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Galvanic rifle • 9x Skitarii Ranger • 1x Arc rifle 9x Close combat weapon 6x Galvanic rifle 1x Omnispex 1x Plasma caliver 1x Transuranic arquebus

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Skorpius Dunerider (85 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Cognis heavy stubber array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Corpuscarii Electro-Priests (130 points) • 10x Corpuscarii Electro-Priest • 10x Electrostatic gauntlets

Ironstrider Ballistarii (255 points) • 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii • 3x Ironstrider feet 3x Twin cognis lascannon

Ironstrider Ballistarii (255 points) • 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii • 3x Ironstrider feet 3x Twin cognis lascannon

Onager Dunecrawler (155 points) • 1x Broad spectrum data-tether 1x Cognis heavy stubber 1x Dunecrawler legs 1x Eradication beamer

Servitor Battleclade (60 points) • 1x Servitor Underseer • 1x Dataspikes 1x Mechanicus pistol • 2x Gun Servitor • 1x Heavy arc rifle 1x Heavy bolter 2x Servo-claw • 6x Combat Servitor • 3x Incendine igniter 1x Meltagun 2x Phosphor blaster 6x Servo-claw

Servitor Battleclade (60 points) • 1x Servitor Underseer • 1x Dataspikes 1x Mechanicus pistol • 2x Gun Servitor • 1x Heavy arc rifle 1x Heavy bolter 2x Servo-claw • 6x Combat Servitor • 3x Incendine igniter 1x Meltagun 2x Phosphor blaster 6x Servo-claw

Sicarian Infiltrators (75 points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps • 1x Flechette blaster 1x Taser goad • 4x Sicarian Infiltrator • 4x Flechette blaster 4x Taser goad

Sicarian Infiltrators (155 points) • 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps • 1x Flechette blaster 1x Taser goad • 9x Sicarian Infiltrator • 9x Flechette blaster 9x Taser goad

Sicarian Ruststalkers (165 points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps • 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 9x Sicarian Ruststalker • 9x Transonic razor and chordclaw

Sicarian Ruststalkers (80 points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps • 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 4x Sicarian Ruststalker • 4x Transonic razor and chordclaw

Sicarian Ruststalkers (80 points) • 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps • 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw • 4x Sicarian Ruststalker • 4x Transonic razor and chordclaw

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Haloscreed Toolbox

Thoughts

Haloscreed with a bit of everything for our next winner, combining some of the standard hits like Infiltrators, Ruststalkers and Ironstriders with extra utility from Servitor Battleclades. These are a definite sleeper for AdMech because they're so cheap, not completely trivial to kill, and add great Action support. Haloscreed makes them extra good in that role, because you can give them +2" Movement and auto-Advance 6" if you Halo Override them, allowing them to place themselves exactly where needed for scoring. Not bad for a unit you can take two of (with change) instead of another elite Skitarii brick. Congratulations Samuel!

Vincent Stein - Black Templars (Bastion Task Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The Emperor's Champion. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Bastion 3xwombo (2000 Points)

Space Marines Black Templars Bastion Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Castellan (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Castellan (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Castellan (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Emperor's Champion (100 Points) • 1x Black Sword • 1x Bolt Pistol

Marshal (95 Points) • Warlord • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Master-crafted power weapon • Enhancements: Blades of Valour

Marshal (80 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Marshal (80 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Master-crafted power weapon

BATTLELINE

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Assault Intercessor Squad (75 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessor ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 4x Heavy bolt pistol

Crusader Squad (300 Points) • 1x Sword Brother ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Pyre pistol • 11x Initiate ◦ 7x Astartes chainsword ◦ 11x Bolt pistol ◦ 11x Close combat weapon ◦ 11x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 4x Power fist • 8x Neophyte ◦ 8x Astartes chainsword ◦ 8x Bolt pistol

Crusader Squad (300 Points) • 1x Sword Brother ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Pyre pistol • 11x Initiate ◦ 7x Astartes chainsword ◦ 11x Bolt pistol ◦ 11x Close combat weapon ◦ 11x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 4x Power fist • 8x Neophyte ◦ 8x Astartes chainsword ◦ 8x Bolt pistol

Crusader Squad (300 Points) • 1x Sword Brother ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Pyre pistol • 11x Initiate ◦ 7x Astartes chainsword ◦ 11x Bolt pistol ◦ 11x Close combat weapon ◦ 11x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 4x Power fist • 8x Neophyte ◦ 8x Astartes chainsword ◦ 8x Bolt pistol

Intercessor Squad (80 Points) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Intercessor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Bolt rifle ◦ 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Repulsor Executioner (235 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Combat knife ◦ 1x Heavy bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.48.2 (1), Data Version: v754

Archetype

Bastion Crusader Spam

Thoughts

Another current hot property takes the other undefeated slot here, throwing three fully buffed up Crusader units at the foe, plus the Emperor's Champion with some Assault Intercessors and a RepEx for problem solving. The big Crusader units do crazy damage when they hit and can roll foes over through numbers, and this list is legimitately terrifying for a lot of foes. The only real issue with it is that a lot of the same stuff that techs for Deathwatch hurts this too, so if this build keeps thriving alongside their fellow black-armoured Marines, you might see counters becoming common. Extremely scary in the meantime, well done Vincent!

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Jordan Penning - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Double Victrix Hulltramarines.
4th - Nikhil Talwar - Chaos Space Marines (Huron’s Marauders): Melee Marauders with big Chosen blocks and Accursed Communes.
5th - Charles Holland - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): All-melee World Eaters with lots of Eightbound (including one full stack of each).
6th - James Brown - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus Coven goodstuff with one big Scarab unit.

Black Crow Gaming's Battle of the RAGNAR GT! March

29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on March 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Linchpin - Search & Destroy

Sam Dickinson - World Eaters (Goretrack Onslaught)

Army List - Click to Expand

Goretrack (1995 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Goretrack Onslaught

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Khorne (200 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon

Khârn the Betrayer (100 points) • Warlord • 1x Gorechild 1x Plasma pistol

Master of Executions (80 points) • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol • Enhancement: Aggressive Deployment

Slaughterbound (125 points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancement: Infernal Infusion

BATTLELINE

Khorne Berzerkers (180 points) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion • 1x Chainblade 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Khorne Berzerker • 7x Bolt pistol 7x Chainblade 1x Icon of Khorne 2x Khornate eviscerator 2x Plasma pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Land Raider (220 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher 2x Soulshatter lascannon 1x Twin heavy bolter

Eightbound (135 points) • 1x Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 2x Eightbound • 2x Chainblades

Exalted Eightbound (280 points) • 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion • 1x Chainblades • 5x Exalted Eightbound • 5x Chainblades

Forgefiend (165 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Helbrute (120 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Helbrute fist 1x Helbrute hammer

Helbrute (120 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Helbrute fist 1x Helbrute hammer

Helbrute (120 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Helbrute fist 1x Power scourge

Jakhals (65 points) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured • 1x Skullsmasher and mangler • 8x Jakhal • 8x Autopistol 7x Chainblades 1x Icon of Khorne 1x Mauler chainblade

Exported with App Version: v1.48.1 (113), Data Version: v754

vs.

Charlie Goddard - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar)

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Blade of Ultramar (Mastered Doctrines) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char3: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (85 pts) 1 with Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades

Char1: 1x Marneus Calgar in Armour of Antilochus (140 pts) 1 with Gauntlets of Ultramar

Char2: 1x Uriel Ventris (95 pts) 1 with Bolt pistol, Invictus, Sword of Idaeus

6x Wardens of Ultramar (105 pts) • 1x Aemelia Minervas 1 with Archeotech Laspistol, Power Weapon • 1x Ancient Gadriel 1 with Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon • 1x Dainal Kornelius 1 with Astropathic Blast, Force Stave • 1x Gaius Silva 1 with Archeotech Laspistol, Power Weapon, Refractor Field • 1x Lucia Vestha 1 with Archeotech Laspistol, Close Combat Weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus 1 with Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted power weapon, Storm Shield

BATTLELINE

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant 1 with Bolt pistol, Astartes grenade launcher, Bolt Rifle, Power fist • 4x Intercessor 4 with Bolt pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

1x Ballistus Dreadnought (150 pts) 1 with Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter

1x Ballistus Dreadnought (150 pts) 1 with Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter

1x Ballistus Dreadnought (150 pts) 1 with Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter

1x Repulsor Executioner (230 pts) 1 with Armoured Hull, Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array, Twin heavy bolter, Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber, Heavy Laser Destroyer

1x Repulsor Executioner (230 pts) 1 with Armoured Hull, Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array, Twin heavy bolter, Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber, Heavy Laser Destroyer

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 4x Scouts 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Combat Knife

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Combat Knife • 1x Scout 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle • 3x Scouts 1 with Astartes Shotgun, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Combat Knife

6x Victrix Honour Guard (220 pts) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard 6 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted power weapon, Attached Unit

6x Victrix Honour Guard (220 pts) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard 6 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted power weapon, Attached Unit

Thoughts

World Eaters vs. Hulltramarines for this week's final showdown, a classic red vs. blue setup. The red team here is another Goretrack list, built around two scary Transports, one Raider with a big Exalted unit and one Berzerker Rhino. Hellbrutes provide cheap support and a way to overwhelm the foe; incorrectly handled, they can go through a line like a wrecking ball, and if the big melee units hit at the same time, it might be too much. They also nsure a nice, uniform defensive setup till the melee stuff commits, which can overwhelm enemy firepower.

I wouldn't bet on the Ultramarines being too phased by that, however; they have more than enough shooting to carve through all the hulls, and two Victrix units provide solid capabilities up close as well. I feel like the World Eaters just lose on value here, and as I often prescribe in such cases, they probably just have to go full send and see if they can make magic happen. Multi-charging Helbrutes into Victrix could certainly help with that, as if only a few models get to swing in each, you can trigger lots of extra fights and flatten them.

Often I say "guess you have to try a high risk all-in" and it ends with the likely loss, but here it seems to have extremely succeeded. This scoreline in this matchup can only have come from a full send fully working, and I say hell yeah to that!

Result

World Eaters (Goretrack Onslaught) Victory - 96 - 38

Sam Dickinson - World Eaters (Goretrack Onslaught) - 1st Place

World Eaters Forgefiend. Credit: Corrode

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Helbrute Goretrack

Thoughts

More Goretrack, with Helbrutes. Those are definitely neat in the detachment; they don't need buffs to kill stuff, they help with threat saturation as mentioned above, and being able to wallhack one can make it harder for foes to avoid a multi-fight wrecking ball play. Congratulations to Sam on the win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Arron Drew - Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): Two showings for this detachment in one week, though here it's powering a completely different list, using the detachment's upgrades to boost Land Raiders, and supporting them with lots of Venatari.
3rd - Nathan Smith - Necrons (Cursed Legion): Doomsdays, Murdermind Wraiths, one big Lokhust unit, and lots of other Destroyer MSUs.
4th - David Webdale - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Five bigs (three Lancers and double Errant) with a Callidus thanks to the cheaper Errants.
5th - Dits Symeou - Necrons (Cursed Legion): Double C'tan and lots of Lokhusts/Skorpekh.
6th - Charlie Goddard - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Double Victrix Hulltramarines.

Wrap Up

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[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Chaotic Energy pt.3

This Week's Events

Cascade Clash Warhammer 40K Major

Matthew Cargille - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jeff Cope - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jordan Galaugher - World Eaters (Goretrack Onslaught) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Sweet Lew - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

III GT Asturias

Gonzalo Peña Manterola - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

OuX ™ - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions) - 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Sergi Mirmi - Imperial Knights (Valourstrike Lance) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Juan Lopez - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Fourth Annual Blue Ridge Championship GT

Joshua Campbell - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Aidan Barkley - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

PSSN Presents: Dark Sphere March GT

Samuel Martin - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Vincent Stein - Black Templars (Bastion Task Force) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Black Crow Gaming's Battle of the RAGNAR GT! March

The Showdown

Linchpin - Search & Destroy

Thoughts

Result

Sam Dickinson - World Eaters (Goretrack Onslaught) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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