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.

The stompings will continue until morale improves. It's part 2 of Competitive Innovations, and today we've got Lowest of Men covering:

III GT Tormenta de Hostias
Geelong 40k Town Open
CQ Exterminatus 2025 - Warhammer 40k Tournament
Copenhagen Chainsword GT I

If you're looking for any of the following, check out part 1 from Wednesday:

2025 Goonhammer US Open Warhammer 40k GT
THE LEEDS 40K SUPER MAJOR
Dearg Doom III: You Wouldn't Steal A Chainsword
Layton Gaming 40K Event Hosted by Away Games
Twin dragon games Dragons Hoard July GT

III GT Tormenta de Hostias

65-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Lliçà d'Amunt, CT, España on July 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Pomork RR - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 1st Place

Imperial Knights - Knight Gallant. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Ikases humildes (2000 Points)

Imperial Knights Noble Lance Strike Force (2.000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (380 Points) • Warlord • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor • 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser • 1x Freedom's Hand

Knight Errant (370 Points) • 1x Ironstorm missile pod • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chainsword • 1x Thermal cannon • Enhancements: Mysterious Guardian

Knight Errant (375 Points) • 1x Ironstorm missile pod • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chainsword • 1x Thermal cannon • Enhancements: Banner of Macharius Triumphant

Knight Gallant (345 Points) • 1x Ironstorm missile pod • 1x Meltagun • 1x Reaper chainsword • 1x Thunderstrike gauntlet

BATTLELINE

Armiger Helverin (130 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

Armiger Helverin (130 Points) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

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

Exported with App Version: v1.36.0 (3), Data Version: v638

Archetype

IK Big Lads

Thoughts

Ok, Imperial Knights look set for a run of serious dominance. Already very strong, they've gained wounds and models on the table - Big Knights especially are priced very aggressively now. Noble Lance takes these up a notch with a feel no pain, and if the enemy loses their warlord early, things get awfully tough real quick. Canis remains an auto-take and then I expect we will see a lot of variations on bigs and smalls to fill the rest - nice to see the enhancements loaded up here, Mysterious Guardian is a good way of keeping the opponent honest. Well done on the event win!

Dekkers 🦭🤖 - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Chaos Space Marines Strike Force (2000 points) Renegade Raiders

CHARACTERS

Chaos Lord (90 points) • 1x Daemon hammer 1x Plasma pistol

Cypher (90 points) • Warlord • 1x Cypher's bolt pistol 1x Cypher's plasma pistol

Fabius Bile (85 points) • 1x Fabius Bile • 1x Chirurgeon 1x Rod of Torment 1x Xyclos Needler • 1x Surgeon Acolyte • 1x Surgeon Acolyte's tools

Lord Discordant on Helstalker (160 points) • 1x Baleflamer 1x Bladed limbs 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Impaler chainglaive 1x Magma cutter

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 points) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Autopistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

Cultist Mob (50 points) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Autopistol 1x Brutal assault weapon • 9x Chaos Cultist • 9x Autopistol 9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 points) • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 2x Astartes chainsword 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy melee weapon 1x Lascannon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (75 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-bolter 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Bikers (70 points) • 1x Biker Champion • 1x Chaos Icon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Combi-bolter 1x Power fist • 2x Chaos Biker • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Close combat weapon 2x Combi-bolter 2x Meltagun

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (140 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Combi-weapon 1x Havoc launcher 2x Lascannon 1x Predator autocannon

Chosen (250 points) • 1x Chosen Champion • 1x Boltgun 1x Chaos Icon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 9x Chosen • 6x Accursed weapon 6x Bolt pistol 3x Boltgun 4x Combi-weapon 2x Paired accursed weapons 3x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

Raptors (90 points) • 1x Raptor Champion • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 4x Raptor • 2x Astartes chainsword 2x Bolt pistol 2x Close combat weapon 2x Meltagun

ALLIED UNITS

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

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power sword 1x Screamer pistol • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster 5x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power sword 1x Screamer pistol • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster 5x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Nurglings (40 points) • 3x Nurgling Swarm • 3x Diseased claws and teeth

Archetype

Renegade Raiders with Noise Marines

Thoughts

Noise Marines go up a level in Renegade Raiders, where access to extra ap and full rerolls to hit and wounds gives you a quite absurd damage dealer in the midst of a great set of tools. The Disco lord makes a showing here- he loves the Raiders strats (going 20 and charging is a hell of a drug), and one is easy enough to manage and hide on different terrain types. An excellent showing, very well done!

Xavo Melenero L'Escamarlà - Genestealer Cult (Outlander Claw) - 3rd Place

Achilles Ridgerunner. Credit: Fowler

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

MESSI????? (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 Point) Outlander Claw

CHARACTER

Reductus Saboteur (65 points) • Warlord • 1x Autopistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Demolition charges • 1x Remote explosives

Reductus Saboteur (65 points) • 1x Autopistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Demolition charges • 1x Remote explosives

Reductus Saboteur (65 points) • 1x Autopistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Demolition charges • 1x Remote explosives

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids With Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand Flamer • 1x Cult Claws & Knife • 4x Acolyte Hybrids • 4x Hand Flamer • 4x Cult Claws & Knife

Acolyte Hybrids With Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand Flamer • 1x Cult Claws & Knife • 4x Acolyte Hybrids • 4x Hand Flamer • 4x Cult Claws & Knife

Acolyte Hybrids With Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand Flamer • 1x Cult Claws & Knife • 4x Acolyte Hybrids • 4x Hand Flamer • 4x Cult Claws & Knife

Acolyte Hybrids With Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand Flamer • 1x Cult Claws & Knife • 4x Acolyte Hybrids • 4x Hand Flamer • 4x Cult Claws & Knife

Acolyte Hybrids With Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand Flamer • 1x Cult Claws & Knife • 4x Acolyte Hybrids • 4x Hand Flamer • 4x Cult Claws & Knife

Acolyte Hybrids With Hand Flamers (70 points) • 1x Acolyte Leader • 1x Hand Flamer • 1x Cult Claws & Knife • 4x Acolyte Hybrids • 4x Hand Flamer • 4x Cult Claws & Knife

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol • 1x Hybrid Firearm • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 9x Neophyte Hybrids • 9x Autopistol • 4x Hybrid Firearm • 9x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Mining Laser • 1x Seismic Cannon • 1x Flamer • 1x Webber • 1x Cult Icon

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol • 1x Hybrid Firearm • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 9x Neophyte Hybrids • 9x Autopistol • 4x Hybrid Firearm • 9x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Mining Laser • 1x Seismic Cannon • 1x Flamer • 1x Webber • 1x Cult Icon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Goliath Truck (85 points) • 1x Demolition charge cache • 1x Goliath wheels • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Twin autocannon

Goliath Truck (85 points) • 1x Demolition charge cache • 1x Goliath wheels • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points) • 1x Heavy mortar • 1x Ridgerunner wheels • 1x Spotter • 1x Twin heavy stubbers

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunners • 2x Heavy Mining Laser • 2x Twin Heavy Stubbers • 2x Ridgerunner Wheels • 2x Spotter

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 points) • 2x Achilles Ridgerunners • 2x Heavy Mining Laser • 2x Twin Heavy Stubbers • 2x Ridgerunner Wheels • 2x Spotter

Atalan Jackals (75 points) • 4x Atalan Jackals • 3x Atalan Small Arms • 2x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Grenade Launcher • 2x Atalan Power Weapon • 1x Atalan Wolfquads • 1x Atalan Small Arms • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Atalan Incinerator

Atalan Jackals (75 points) • 4x Atalan Jackals • 3x Atalan Small Arms • 2x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Grenade Launcher • 2x Atalan Power Weapon • 1x Atalan Wolfquads • 1x Atalan Small Arms • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Atalan Incinerator

Atalan Jackals (75 points) • 4x Atalan Jackals • 3x Atalan Small Arms • 2x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Grenade Launcher • 2x Atalan Power Weapon • 1x Atalan Wolfquads • 1x Atalan Small Arms • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Atalan Incinerator

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Clearance incinerator • 1x Demolition charge cache • 1x Drilldozer blade • 1x Heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Clearance incinerator • 1x Demolition charge cache • 1x Drilldozer blade • 1x Heavy stubber

Goliath Rockgrinder (120 points) • 1x Clearance incinerator • 1x Demolition charge cache • 1x Drilldozer blade • 1x Heavy stubber

Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) • 5x Purestrain Genestealers • 5x Cult Claws & Talons

Archetype

Go-wide Outlander Claw

Thoughts

Outlander copped a small buff when the res cost for Jackals went down (they got cheaper too!) and the go-wide trash OC effect of GSC shines in this detachment. -1 Damage helps into quite a few of the meta darlings at the minute, so having access to this on the forward facing vehicles is very nice. The Saboteurs can help weed out space by clearing chaff so the returnees have spaces to drop in. All in all, an excellent build, nice to see the Cults continuing to perform! Great work.

Pepe Andreu - Astra Militarum (Mechanised Assault) - 4th Place

Ankran Mechanised Chimera APC. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Pepetreo + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Mechanised Assault + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char3: Tech-Priest Enginseer + ENHANCEMENT: Sacred Unguents (on Char3: Tech-Priest Enginseer) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (7x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (265 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Multi-melta, 2x Heavy stubber

Char2: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (265 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Multi-melta, 2x Heavy stubber

Char3: 1x Tech-Priest Enginseer (55 pts) 1 with Enginseer Axe, Mechanicus pistol, Servo-arm • Warlord Enhancement: Sacred Unguents (+10 pts)

BATTLELINE

10x Cadian Shock Troops (65 pts) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant 1 with Close combat weapon, Sergeant's autogun • Shock Trooper • 9x Shock Trooper 6 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun • Shock Trooper 1 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun • Vox-caster, Shock Trooper 1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun • Shock Trooper 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • Shock Trooper

10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 pts) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant 1 with Close combat weapon, Laspistol • Catachan Jungle Fighter • 9x Jungle Fighter 6 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun • Catachan Jungle Fighter 2 with Close combat weapon, Flamer • Catachan Jungle Fighter 1 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun • Vox-caster, Catachan Jungle Fighter

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant 1 with Power weapon, Plasma pistol • Kasrkin • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun • Kasrkin 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol • Melta mine, Kasrkin 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle • Kasrkin 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun • Vox-caster, Kasrkin 2 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun • Kasrkin 2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • Kasrkin

10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant 1 with Power weapon, Plasma pistol • Kasrkin • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun • Kasrkin 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol • Melta mine, Kasrkin 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle • Kasrkin 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun • Vox-caster, Kasrkin 2 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun • Kasrkin 2 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • Kasrkin

4x Krieg Heavy Weapons Squad (75 pts) • 1x Fire Coordinator 1 with Close combat weapon, Laspistol • Fire Coordinator • 3x Heavy Weapons Gunners 3 with Close combat weapon, Krieg heavy flamer, Laspistol • Heavy Weapons Gunner

4x Krieg Heavy Weapons Squad (75 pts) • 1x Fire Coordinator 1 with Close combat weapon, Laspistol • Fire Coordinator • 3x Heavy Weapons Gunners 3 with Close combat weapon, Krieg heavy flamer, Laspistol • Heavy Weapons Gunner

3x Ogryn Squad (60 pts) • 1x Ogryn Bone 'ead 1 with Ripper gun • Ogryn Squad • 2x Ogryn 2 with Ripper gun • Ogryn Squad

3x Ogryn Squad (60 pts) • 1x Ogryn Bone 'ead 1 with Ripper gun • Ogryn Squad • 2x Ogryn 2 with Ripper gun • Ogryn Squad

3x Ogryn Squad (60 pts) • 1x Ogryn Bone 'ead 1 with Ripper gun • Ogryn Squad • 2x Ogryn 2 with Ripper gun • Ogryn Squad

1x Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Vanquisher battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Plasma cannon, Heavy stubber

1x Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Vanquisher battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Plasma cannon, Heavy stubber

1x Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Vanquisher battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, 2x Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber

1x Scout Sentinels (55 pts) • 1x Scout Sentinel 1 with Close combat weapon, Multi-laser • Scout Sentinel

1x Chimera (85 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber

1x Chimera (85 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber

1x Taurox (75 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Twin autocannon, Storm bolter

Archetype

Mechanised Hull Spam

Thoughts

Mechanised is a very cool detachment offering nice little damage buffs to disembarking units and a few transport based antics to help them reach places. I like the go-wide hulls here that saturate the opponent and force them out to deal with Chimaera and Vanquishers before the Dorns make hay and then dominate the firing lanes. Guard are a little tuned down since the slate but they are still masters of having an absolute tonne of stuff, and Mechanised is great and pushing this advantage. Really well done on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Aleix Moya - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Daemonic Incursion monsters with a single big block of Bloodcrushers.
6th - Manel Tulla - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Triple Ballistus with lots of MSU jump pack units.
7th - Tkila RiP - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Avatar of Khaine / Fuegan brick Aspect Host ready to hunt big vehicles...
8th - Escipión El Rojo - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus-free Coven with a Daemon Prince with Wings for some sneaky behind the lines action.
9th - hector sola arroyo - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Double Plague Marine Champions with plenty of Bloat Drones.
10th - Usukane RR - World Eaters (Khorne Daemonkin): Khorne Daemonkin with triple Helbrute, triple Forgefiend, and Skarbrand. This looks amazing.
11th - Guillermo De Mingo - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Mont'ka pressure with a bunch of Riptides and Skyrays.

Geelong 40k Town Open

61-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in North Shore, VIC, Australia on July 04 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Michael Hamilton - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 1st Place

Loyalist Knight Atrapos. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Imperial Knights + DETACHMENT: Noble Lance + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium + + WARLORD: Char1: Canis Rex + ENHANCEMENT: Mysterious Guardian (on Char1: Cerastus Knight Atrapos) & Mythic Hero (on Char2: Knight Warden) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 10 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (6x2) + (3x6) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Canis Rex (380 pts) • 1x Canis Rex • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor • 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser • 1x Freedom's Hand • Canis Rex, Chainbreaker, Legendary Freeblade, Invulnerable Save (5+*), Damaged: 1-9 Wounds Remaining • 1x Sir Hekhtur • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Hekhtur's pistol • Sir Hekhtur, Using Sir Hekhtur, Warlord

1x Cerastus Knight Atrapos (390 pts) • 1x Atrapos lascutter • 1x Graviton singularity cannon • Mysterious Guardian (+25 pts)

1x Knight Warden (390 pts) • 1x Avenger gatling cannon • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Stormspear rocket pod • 1x Questoris heavy stubber • 1x Reaper chainsword • Mythic Hero (+25 pts)

BATTLELINE

1x Armiger Helverin (130 pts) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

1x Armiger Helverin (130 pts) • 2x Armiger autocannon • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

1x Armiger Warglaive (140 pts) • 1x Reaper chain-cleaver • 1x Thermal spear • 1x Questoris heavy stubber

ALLIED UNITS

1x Ministorum Priest (40 pts) • 1x Zealot's vindictor

1x Sisters of Battle Immolator (115 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy bolter • 1x Immolation flamers

Archetype

Uh Oh

Thoughts

More Knights! Canis leads the way again, this list packs an Atropos in (very durable, very obnoxious!) and goes wide on Armigers as well as getting the Sisters / Immolator Package. Extremely tough to chew through and if you burn out your anti-tank on the smaller vehicles you will be in for a world of pain. Amazing work on the event win!

Jamie Wood - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock) - 2nd Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Dark Angels + DETACHMENT: Wrath of the Rock + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + ALLIED UNITS: Agents of the Imperium + + WARLORD: Char2: Lion El'Jonson + ENHANCEMENT: Ancient Weapons (on Char2: Judiciar) & Tempered in Battle (Aura) (on Char3: Lieutenant) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

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

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

1x Chaplain in Terminator Armour (75 pts) • 1x Crozius Arcanum • Relic Shield

1x Judiciar (95 pts) • 1x Absolver Bolt Pistol • 1x Executioner Relic Blade • Ancient Weapons (+25 pts)

1x Lieutenant (75 pts) • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 1x Plasma Pistol • Tempered in Battle (Aura) (+10 pts)

BATTLELINE

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Bolt Rifle • 1x Power Weapon • Intercessor Sergeant • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt Pistol • 4x Bolt Rifle • 4x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Astartes Grenade Launcher • 4x Intercessor Squad

OTHER DATASHEETS

5x Deathwing Knights (250 pts) • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Power Weapon • 4x Deathwing Knight • 1x Knight Master • 1x Great Weapon of the Unforgiven • Knight Master, Watcher in the Dark

10x Hellblaster Squad (220 pts) • 9x Hellblaster • 9x Bolt Pistol • 9x Close Combat Weapon • 9x Plasma Incinerator • 9x Hellblaster Squad • 1x Hellblaster Sergeant • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Plasma Incinerator • 1x Plasma Pistol • Hellblaster Sergeant

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

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Boltgun • Scout Sergeant • 4x Scouts • 4x Bolt Pistol • 4x Boltgun • 4x Close Combat Weapon • 4x Scout Squad

1x Invader ATV (60 pts) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Twin Bolt Rifle • 1x Multi-melta

1x Gladiator Lancer (160 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Lancer Laser Destroyer • 2x Storm Bolter

1x Repulsor Executioner (220 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array • 1x Twin Heavy Bolter • 1x Twin Icarus Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Heavy Laser Destroyer

ALLIED UNITS

1x Culexus Assassin (85 pts) • 1x Animus speculum • 1x Life-draining touch

Archetype

Mixed Arms Dark Angels

Thoughts

It's awesome to see Wrath, a really cool recent detachment for the Dangels, taking a top placing here. The stratagems in this detachment are awesome, and you can play a real grab-bag of Dark Angels favourites to great success, as demonstrated here. The Hellblaster brick loves a Dark Ages strength boost, the Lion pops about being a nuisance, and Deathwing Knights that can simply charge things that get near them in the opposing turn are a massive headache. It's a potent mix! Great work on the top placing.

Rhys Cunningham - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited) - 3rd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I spell EC with a Q-U edited wtc (2000 points)

Emperor's Children Strike Force (2000 points) Coterie of the Conceited

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (200 points) • Warlord • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon

Daemon Prince of Slaanesh with Wings (230 points) • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Pledge of Unholy Fortune

Lord Exultant (80 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Phoenix power spear 1x Rapture lash

Lord Exultant (80 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Phoenix power spear 1x Rapture lash

Lord Exultant (80 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Phoenix power spear 1x Rapture lash

Lucius the Eternal (150 points) • 1x Blade of the Laer 1x Lash of Torment

BATTLELINE

Infractors (85 points) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Rapture lash • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Duelling sabre 1x Icon of Excess

Infractors (85 points) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Rapture lash • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Duelling sabre 1x Icon of Excess

Infractors (85 points) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Rapture lash • 4x Infractor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Duelling sabre 1x Icon of Excess

Tormentors (85 points) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Rapture lash • 4x Tormentor • 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Excess 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

Tormentors (85 points) • 1x Obsessionist • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Rapture lash • 4x Tormentor • 2x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Excess 1x Meltagun 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (80 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

Chaos Rhino (80 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster 5x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster 5x Close combat weapon 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 points) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Sonic blaster • 5x Noise Marine • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Sonic blaster

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v638

Archetype

Coteries Goodstuff

Thoughts

Coteries keeps on rolling, laughing of Nerfs and taking names with abandon. The meta is far more hostile to the Emperor's Children now but they remain incredibly fast, and capable of putting the unwary in the locker. I like the inclusion of MSU spawn here- these are great and can help bamboozle the opponent before you commit the real units - these are thin on the ground now for EC so the more you can delay the better sometimes! Fantastic work on the top placing.

Raj Bhattacharya - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 4th Place

Imperial Knight Castellan. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

GW wants you to buy more Knights (1990 points)

Imperial Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Noble Lance

CHARACTERS

Canis Rex (380 points) • Warlord • 1x Chainbreaker las-impulsor 1x Chainbreaker multi-laser 1x Freedom's Hand

Knight Castellan (420 points) • 1x Plasma decimator 2x Shieldbreaker missile launcher 1x Titanic feet 2x Twin meltagun 1x Twin siegebreaker cannon 1x Volcano lance • Enhancement: Mysterious Guardian

Knight Warden (390 points) • 1x Avenger gatling cannon 1x Heavy flamer 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Reaper chainsword 1x Stormspear rocket pod • Enhancement: Mythic Hero

BATTLELINE

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

Armiger Warglaive (140 points) • 1x Questoris heavy stubber 1x Reaper chain-cleaver 1x Thermal spear

ALLIED UNITS

Subductor Squad (100 points) • 1x Proctor-Subductor • 1x Arbites shotpistol 1x Shock maul • 9x Subductor • 9x Arbites shotpistol 9x Shock maul • 1x Cyber-mastiff • 1x Mechanical bite

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v640

Archetype

Imperial Knights

Thoughts

Canis and the lads break out another big placing, with the blend of bigs, Armigers, and Imperial Agents once again coming up strong. Subductors are nice early pressure / baiting here, and a bit cheaper than plugging in a whole transport / sisters package, I like it! Great work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Liam Stephens - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Classic double Fort and Sagitaur rush Votann.
6th - Kristian Carne - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Massed Deathshroud, Blightlords, and Blighthaulers in Vectorium.
7th - Bryan Freeman - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Triple Big Knight and Armigers.
8th - Ryan Jones - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Mixed Arms Haloscreed with two Assassins in tow.
9th - Richard Bracey - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Triple C'tan, triple DDA Starshatter.
10th - Gerard Mann - Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Double Fort, double Sag Oathband with Uthar leading some Warriors.

CQ Exterminatus 2025 - Warhammer 40k Tournament

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Rockhampton City, QLD, Australia on July 04 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Gavin Bube - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

papa nurgles warm embrace (2000 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Champions of Contagion

CHARACTERS

Lord of Contagion (110 points) • 1x Manreaper

Lord of Contagion (110 points) • 1x Manreaper

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

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

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

Typhus (90 points) • 1x Lakrimae

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

Deathshroud Terminators (300 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 5x Deathshroud Terminator • 5x Manreaper 5x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points) • 1x Plague probe 2x Plaguespitter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v640

Archetype

Champions of Contagion

Thoughts

Champions is the techiest of the Death Guard detachments, letting you set up some huge damage plays via rerolls of Deathshroud and the like. That, plus the triple Hauler / Drone sets it up well to take on rising big-skew lists in the current meta. Double Tallyman is intriguing - cheap scoring / screening pieces? Great to see an innovative build taking names and winning an event, well done!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Robert Logan - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack): Triple Hammerhead / triple Skyrays behind a wall of Kroot, glorious and it drew in the final round!
3rd - Marty Elliott - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): Classic Shadow with Belly, the Fadethirster and scouting Accursed.
4th - Joel Rayner - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Triple Rogals in Hammer of the Emperor.
5th - Michael Wall - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Four big Knights and loads of Armigers.
6th - Sean Healey - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double C'tan, 18 Destroyers and triple DDA in Starshatter, lush.
7th - Wes Graham - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Multiple bricks of Death Company, a Land Raider Redeemer and a Repulsor in LAG.
8th - Chris Sypher - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): No Magnus but multiple Predators and MVBs in this gunline Grand Coven list.

Copenhagen Chainsword GT I

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in København, Danmark on July 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Purge the Foe - Crucible of Battle

Killi Paaske - Aeldari (Battle Host)

Army List - Click to Expand

guardians (2000 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Guardian Battlehost

CHARACTERS

Asurmen (135 points) • 1x Bloody Twins 1x Sword of Asur

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

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

Warlock (45 points) • 1x Destructor 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witchblade

Warlock (45 points) • 1x Destructor 1x Shuriken pistol 1x Witchblade

BATTLELINE

Corsair Voidreavers (60 points) • 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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

D-cannon Platform (125 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x D-cannon 1x Shuriken catapult

D-cannon Platform (125 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x D-cannon 1x Shuriken catapult

Dire Avengers (160 points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dire Avenger Exarch • 2x Avenger shuriken catapult 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Dire Avenger • 9x Avenger shuriken catapult 9x Close combat weapon

Fire Dragons (120 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Exarch's Dragon fusion gun • 4x Fire Dragon • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Dragon fusion gun

Howling Banshees (95 points) • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch • 1x Executioner 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee • 4x Banshee blade 4x Shuriken pistol

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

Shroud Runners (80 points) • 3x Shroud Runner • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Long rifle 3x Scatter laser 3x Shuriken pistol

Shroud Runners (80 points) • 3x Shroud Runner • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Long rifle 3x Scatter laser 3x Shuriken pistol

War Walkers (85 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Missile launcher 1x War Walker feet

War Walkers (85 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Missile launcher 1x War Walker feet

Warlock Conclave (55 points) • 2x Warlock • 2x Destructor 2x Shuriken pistol 2x Singing Spear

Warlock Conclave (55 points) • 2x Warlock • 2x Destructor 2x Shuriken pistol 2x Singing Spear

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v640

vs.

David Thomsen - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor)

Army List - Click to Expand

If It Ain't Broke (2000 points)

Adeptus Custodes Strike Force (2000 points) Lions of the Emperor

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (120 points) • 1x Vaultswords

Blade Champion (120 points) • 1x Vaultswords

Blade Champion (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Vaultswords

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (215 points) • 5x Custodian Guard • 4x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

OTHER DATASHEETS

Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Caladius Grav-tank (215 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Twin arachnus heavy blaze cannon 1x Twin lastrum bolt cannon

Custodian Wardens (260 points) • 5x Custodian Warden • 5x Guardian spear 1x Vexilla

Custodian Wardens (260 points) • 5x Custodian Warden • 5x Guardian spear 1x Vexilla

Custodian Wardens (210 points) • 4x Custodian Warden • 4x Guardian spear 1x Vexilla

Prosecutors (40 points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior • 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor • 3x Boltgun 3x Close combat weapon

Prosecutors (40 points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior • 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor • 3x Boltgun 3x Close combat weapon

Prosecutors (40 points) • 1x Prosecutor Sister Superior • 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 3x Prosecutor • 3x Boltgun 3x Close combat weapon

Witchseekers (50 points) • 1x Witchseeker Sister Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Witchseeker flamer • 3x Witchseeker • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Witchseeker flamer

ALLIED UNITS

Inquisitor Draxus (95 points) • 1x Dirgesinger 1x Power fist 1x Psychic Tempest

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (87), Data Version: v640

Thoughts

Two armies that are adapting to a shifting meta throwdown in this final, as the Guardian Battlehost(!!) takes on the Adeptus Custodes. The Battlehost list highlights some interesting directions you can take that may help manage the emergence of many big skew armies - you can cram D Cannons in here that enjoy the Guardian buffs, and plug in the usual elf goodstuff alongside. War Walkers feel great in Battlehost- they help get the AP to where it needs to be, so the volume can do the rest. Awesome to see this seldom seen detachment out!

In the Custodes corner, Caladius step up to do battle at range as the Warden bricks anchor space. This is tried and tested, and in the current meta I fear it is a touch vulnerable. Armies are either skewing hard into armour with guns, or teching to kill hard targets, and the Custodes defences can only carry them so far. In a game like this if they can't weather the elves and make contact in combat they're going to struggle, and D Cannons can pick them off happily from afar. In the end, the Golden boys proved unable to hang on.

Result

Aeldari (Battle Host) Victory - 14 - 6

Killi Paaske - Aeldari (Guardian Battlehost) - 1st Place

Asurmen. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Guardian Battlehost

Thoughts

A genuinely very unusual elf list that packs in Asurman, a full brick of Avengers, and plenty of Guardians and D Cannon fire. This list benefits from not having to commit too much too early, using Fire and Fade antics and the Indirect to pick opponents apart before sallying forth. Eldrad helps take the volume shooting here to some quite silly places. Amazing work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Alexander Fält Dzougov - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Wrath Deathwing spam with Azrael and Sammael leading the charge.
3rd - Kevin Fleming - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): More Wrath DWK, this time with the Lion at the fore!
4th - Frederick Stappen - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Triple Tyrannofex and Old-One Eye alongside the SA antic bugs.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! Knights are out in force, Death Guard and Tsons keep on kicking, and those that hunt them are beginning to make themselves known. Where will the pieces fall? Only time will tell! Enjoy yourself out there!

Lowest of Men, out.

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: Grind Your Gears pt.2

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

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Archetype

Thoughts

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

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Michael Hamilton - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jamie Wood - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock) - 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Rhys Cunningham - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Raj Bhattacharya - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

CQ Exterminatus 2025 - Warhammer 40k Tournament

Gavin Bube - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Copenhagen Chainsword GT I

The Showdown

Purge the Foe - Crucible of Battle

Thoughts

Result

Killi Paaske - Aeldari (Guardian Battlehost) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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