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.

This week rounds out the previous balance season with a spectacular weekend for the Ultramarines, dominating the spread of Showdowns and taking some big wins. However, Necrons continued super strong as well, Guard are on the hunt, and the Ultramarines surprised everyone by catching a heavier set of nerfs than either of them, and a bunch of other strategies in hot pursuit barely got touched, so it's everything to play for as we enter the new metagame. Let's play the old metagame off as we look at...

This Week's Events

Part 1 on Wednesday:

The UKTC Windsor Super-Major
3 GT Bilbao
The Rumbling Rockies 40k GT
Pembrokeshire Wargaming Spring GT

Part 2 on Friday:

Prague Grand Tournament - Spring 2026
07 & 08 March 2026 - OWN's Breaking Point GT at Primal Nerds
II Iberian Cripta de los Héroes
Trash-Events GT #6

Part 3 on Saturday:

The Phoenix GT 2026 – Warhammer 40K Grand Tournament
Triple Cities GT
The Cro's Nest 40K Open: The Big Weekend
The Warp - Spring GT

The UKTC Windsor Super-Major

241-player, 7-round Supermajor in England, United Kingdom on March 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Nassim Fouchane - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 1st Place

Repulsor Executioner by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

UM - Dad is Dead! (2000 Points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Blade of Ultramar Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades

Marneus Calgar (200 Points) • 1x Marneus Calgar • Warlord ◦ 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 2x Victrix power sword

Techmarine (55 Points) • 1x Forge bolter • 1x Grav-pistol • 1x Omnissian power axe • 1x Servo-arm

Uriel Ventris (95 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Invictus • 1x Sword of Idaeus

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

Ballistus Dreadnought (150 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (150 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

Ballistus Dreadnought (150 Points) • 1x Armoured feet • 1x Ballistus lascannon • 1x Ballistus missile launcher • 1x Twin storm bolter

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

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Heavy laser destroyer • 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array • 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Victrix Honour Guard (220 Points) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 6x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (220 Points) • 1x Chapter Ancient ◦ 1x Banner of Macragge ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Chapter Champion ◦ 1x Blades of honour • 4x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon

Wardens of Ultramar (90 Points) • 1x Ancient Gadriel ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Storm Shield • 1x Gaius Silva ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Refractor Field • 1x Aemelia Minervas ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 1x Dainal Komelius ◦ 1x Astropathic Blast ◦ 1x Force stave • 1x Lucia Vestha ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.47.0 (1), Data Version: v743

Archetype

Blade Hulltramarines

Thoughts

Nassim takes another big trophy with a particularly brutal spin on Ultramarines. The points have been mercilessly optimised to squeeze in maximum violence at all ranges - triple Ballistus and two RepEx to obliterate things at range, and two full Victrix units to sweep things up in melee, with Ventris adding to the pressure by taxing enemy Stratagems. On top of that, the list does still manage to squeeze an acceptable amount of utility in between the Wardens, Combi-Lt., Incursors and Techmarine, with latter able to walk forward for an Action then dodge away with the Reactive Move, while also keeping the hulls healthy and extra angry. They're also extra fast thanks to multi-Doctrines, and the overall setup here is just good at everything, with very solid threat redundancy and layering. Congratulations Nassim on the big win (even if the road to it ran directly through my own brutal" frameborder="0"> obliteration on stream in round 6)!

David Gaylard - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Old School Guilliman. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Blade of Ultramar (Mastered Doctrines) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Roboute Guilliman + ENHANCEMENT: Armour of Antoninus (on Char3: Lieutenant with Combi-weapon) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

> best matchup guidence as your pocket coach >

Char3: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (80 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades Enhancement: Armour of Antoninus (+10 pts) Char1: 3x Marneus Calgar (200 pts) • 1x Marneus Calgar: Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard: 2 with Victrix Power Sword Char2: 1x Roboute Guilliman (340 pts): Warlord, Hand of Dominion, The Emperor's Sword 6x Wardens of Ultramar (90 pts) • 1x Aemelia Minervas: Archeotech Laspistol, Power Weapon • 1x Ancient Gadriel: Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon • 1x Dainal Kornelius: Astropathic Blast, Force Stave • 1x Gaius Silva: Refractor Field, Archeotech Laspistol, Power Weapon • 1x Lucia Vestha: Archeotech Laspistol, Close Combat Weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus: Storm Shield, Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Intercessor 3 with Bolt pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close combat weapon 1 with Astartes grenade launcher, Bolt pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close combat weapon • 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Bolt Rifle, Power Fist

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack 3 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (150 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (150 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Ballistus Dreadnought (150 pts): Armoured Feet, Ballistus Lascannon, Ballistus Missile Launcher, Twin Storm Bolter 5x Incursor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Incursor 3 with Bolt pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 1 with Haywire Mine, Bolt pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades • 1x Incursor Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Occulus Bolt Carbine, Paired Combat Blades 1x Repulsor Executioner (220 pts): 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) • 2x Scout 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Missile Launcher 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle • 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 2x Scouts: 2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Combat Knife 3x Victrix Honour Guard (110 pts) • 1x Chapter Ancient: Banner of Macragge, Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Chapter Champion: Blades of Honour • 1x Victrix Honour Guard: Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted Power Weapon 1x Vindicator (185 pts): Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Storm Bolter

Archetype

Guilliman Hulltramarines

Thoughts

The Ultramarines double up on the undefeated slots here, again with triple Ballistus and two shooty tanks (one downgraded to a Vindicator here), but surprisingly different setups beyond. David's list adds a bit more utility and a stronger ability to engage multiple priority targets in a single turn via Guilliman's double oaths, but sacrifices the mult-Victrix setup at close quarters to achieve it, leaning on Bobby G and a small Calgar/Victrix unit to field anything that gets close. It feels like that slightly dials down the ability to put the boot in pressure-wise but against enemies with lots of non-Invuln hulls it provides an angle to run away with the damage race, which makes sense if you're more worried about the Ultramarine mirror and Guard than you are about beating Necrons (where you probably need all of the output here to drop one big target). Given the composition of the top four, that seems like a very sharp choice, as you'd expect from David, congratulations on another undefeated supermajor finish!

Martyn Cooper - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 3rd Place

Bullgryn. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Windsor (1995 Points)

Astra Militarum Grizzled Company Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 Points) • 1x Cadian Commander ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Master Vox • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Medi-pack • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Regimental Standard

Commissar (50 Points) • Warlord • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power weapon • Enhancements: Abhuman Detail

Gaunt's Ghosts (100 Points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt ◦ 1x Bolt Pistol ◦ 1x Gaunt's chainsword • 1x Colm Corbec ◦ 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Elim Rawne ◦ 1x Rawne's lascarbine ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Hlaine Larkin ◦ 1x Larkin's long-las ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x 'Try Again' Bragg ◦ 1x Bragg's autocannon ◦ 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Oan Mkoll ◦ 1x Lascarbine ◦ 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Chainsword • 9x Shock Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox (75 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bullgryn Squad (200 Points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead ◦ 1x Brute Shield ◦ 1x Bullgryn maul ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn ◦ 5x Brute Shield ◦ 5x Bullgryn maul ◦ 5x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (200 Points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead ◦ 1x Brute Shield ◦ 1x Bullgryn maul ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn ◦ 5x Brute Shield ◦ 5x Bullgryn maul ◦ 5x Close combat weapon

Catachan Heavy Weapons Squad (65 Points) • 3x Heavy Weapons Team ◦ 3x Lasgun ◦ 3x Mortar ◦ 3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat shotgun ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat shotgun ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine

Krieg Combat Engineers (60 Points) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat shotgun ◦ 1x Flamer ◦ 1x Remote Mine

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.47.0 (1), Data Version: v743

Archetype

Double Bullgryn Grizzled

Thoughts

In third place we have Guard's version of an ultra-refined threat profile - triple Dorn, two full Bullgryn units, and whatever you can fit around them. The answer on that last point turns out to be lots of Combat Engineers, whose disproportionate ability to trade up into some targets makes them ideal for filling things out when you're points constrained, and lots of Catachans, which Martyn just never leaves home without because they're crucial for controlling the table and denying primary. This list makes it very hard for opponents to build up any momentum, and while they're trying the Dorns will blow them to bits, and overexposed high-value targets will get Mortaled out by Engineers. A very, very nasty setup, only eventually stopped by David's Ultramarines above, well done Martyn.

Jerome Connolly - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 4th Place

Rogal Dorn Tank Commander. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Astra Windsor Final (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Grizzled Company Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 Points) • 1x Cadian Commander • Warlord ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Master Vox • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Medi-pack • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Regimental Standard

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 Points) • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Hot-shot volley gun ◦ 1x Medi-pack ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor Prime ◦ 1x Command Rod ◦ 1x Tempestus dagger

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Coaxial autocannon • 1x Heavy stubber • 2x Heavy stubber • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Oppressor cannon • 1x Pulveriser cannon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (65 Points) • 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Sergeant's autogun • 9x Shock Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 Points) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Laspistol • 9x Jungle Fighter ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Flamer ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (65 Points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (65 Points) • 1x Death Korps Watchmaster ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Death Korps Trooper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death Korps Medi-pack ◦ 7x Lasgun ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (85 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (85 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lasgun array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (60 Points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant ◦ 1x Hunting lance ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Steed's hooves • 4x Rough Rider ◦ 4x Hunting lance ◦ 4x Lasgun ◦ 4x Laspistol ◦ 4x Steed's hooves

Death Riders (60 Points) • 1x Ridemaster ◦ 1x Death Rider lascarbine ◦ 1x Frag lance ◦ 1x Power sabre ◦ 1x Savage claws • 4x Death Rider ◦ 4x Death Rider lascarbine ◦ 4x Frag lance ◦ 4x Power sabre ◦ 4x Savage claws

Death Riders (60 Points) • 1x Ridemaster ◦ 1x Death Rider lascarbine ◦ 1x Frag lance ◦ 1x Power sabre ◦ 1x Savage claws • 4x Death Rider ◦ 4x Death Rider lascarbine ◦ 4x Frag lance ◦ 4x Power sabre ◦ 4x Savage claws

Kasrkin (110 Points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle ◦ 1x Melta Mine ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Kasrkin (110 Points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle ◦ 1x Melta Mine ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Kasrkin (110 Points) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kasrkin ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle ◦ 1x Melta Mine ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Vanquisher battle cannon

Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy stubber • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Lascannon • 2x Multi-melta • 1x Vanquisher battle cannon

Tempestus Scions (70 Points) • 1x Tempestor ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Exported with App Version: v1.47.0 (1), Data Version: v743

Archetype

Kasrkin/Vanguisher Grizzled

Thoughts

For those playing along at home, yes both the final round games were Ultramarines vs. Grizzled, though again there's quite a bit of difference between the builds. While Dorns are a constant, Jerome's Guard has significantly higher punch between Kasrkin, Vanquishers and a Scion squad, but trades that off for being much more vulnerable to getting rolled via pressure, relying on Death Rider move blocking to hold it off. I do think the way the two finals paired was somewhat "unlucky" for Astra Militarum as a faction - Jerome's played Nassim, whose multi-Victrix build is better able to exploit the lack of Bullgryn speedbumps, while David's ability to potentially kill multiple threats in a turn is more dangerous to Martyn, who has fewer heavy hitters. Would be fascinating to see if things had played out any differently if the pairings had gone the other way. Well done to Jerome for a great run all the way to the finals ahead of that!

The Best of the Rest

The rest of the top cut was as follows:

5th - Liam Callebout - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): The Lion, double Deathwing Knights and speeders, plus a Desolation Squad and some ICCs with Azrael as role players.
6th - James "One_Wing" Grover - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): It's me! Again! I had one final go at winning a big event before my Awakened C'tan nonsense got nerfed, and was thwarted by being summarily executed by Nas in round 6. Had a blast anyway, and looking forward to shaking up the build in the aftermath - I'm normally a compulsive list tinkerer, and this may legitimately be the most games I've ever played in a row with a completely unchanged army.
7th - Matt Puffett - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Sacresant shieldwall with shooty Infantry and Vahl's squad behind them.
8th - Anthony Donaldson - Black Templars (Bastion Task Force): Full send melee horde with two big Crusader units, two Assault Intercessor squads and a full inferno pistol VanVet unit with Hero of the Chapter for adding a damage spike.

3 GT Bilbao

50-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bilbo, PV, Spain on March 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Ivan Andres - Orks (War Horde) - 1st Place

Ork Beast Snagga Beastboss by Crab-stuffed Mushrooms

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

war horde 2 (1995 points)

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) War Horde

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (80 points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota

Beastboss (80 points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota

Ghazghkull Thraka (235 points) • 1x Ghazghkull Thraka • Warlord • 1x Gork's Klaw 1x Mork's Roar • 1x Makari • 1x Makari's stabba

Painboy (105 points) • 1x Power klaw 1x 'Urty syringe • Enhancement: Follow Me Ladz

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x 'Uge choppa

BATTLELINE

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 points) • 9x Beast Snagga Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga

Beast Snagga Boyz (95 points) • 9x Beast Snagga Boy • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga • 1x Beast Snagga Nob • 1x Power snappa 1x Slugga

Boyz (170 points) • 19x Boy • 19x Choppa 19x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga

OTHER DATASHEETS

Battlewagon (160 points) • 4x Big shoota 1x Deff rolla 1x Grabbin' klaw 1x Kannon 1x Lobba 1x Wreckin' ball 1x 'Ard Case

Flash Gitz (80 points) • 1x Ammo Runt • 1x Kaptin • 1x Choppa 1x Snazzgun • 4x Flash Git • 4x Choppa 4x Snazzgun

Flash Gitz (80 points) • 1x Ammo Runt • 1x Kaptin • 1x Choppa 1x Snazzgun • 4x Flash Git • 4x Choppa 4x Snazzgun

Gretchin (40 points) • 10x Gretchin • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Grot blasta • 1x Runtherd • 1x Runtherd tools 1x Slugga

Gretchin (40 points) • 10x Gretchin • 10x Close combat weapon 10x Grot blasta • 1x Runtherd • 1x Runtherd tools 1x Slugga

Kill Rig (155 points) • 1x Butcha boyz 1x Savage horns and hooves 1x Saw blades 1x Stikka kannon 1x Wurrtower 1x 'Eavy lobba

Kill Rig (155 points) • 1x Butcha boyz 1x Savage horns and hooves 1x Saw blades 1x Stikka kannon 1x Wurrtower 1x 'Eavy lobba

Kommandos (120 points) • 1x Bomb Squig 1x Distraction Grot • 9x Kommando • 9x Choppa 9x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 1x Slugga

Meganobz (160 points) • 5x Meganob • 5x Twin killsaws

Stormboyz (65 points) • 4x Stormboy • 4x Choppa 4x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Kill Rig War Horde

Thoughts

Orks get a showing at our next event, with a particularly brutal spin on War Horde blasting through the competition. A big Ghaz blob and a bunch of Snaggas in Kill Rigs and a Meganobz squad in a Battlewagon is a whole lt of pain for the foe to deal with on a go turn, and hits hard enough that even multi-C'tan/Wraith builds have to worry a little bit about just getting decked. The flip side is that this is probably a bit more vulnerable to some of the Ultramarine lists than a more go-wide setup, as it's chock full of juicy targets, but for the likely direction of the metagame that feels like a decent trade. Congratulations Ivan!

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:

2nd (4.5-0.5) - Sergio Munoz - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Talons Custodian and Land Raider spam.
3rd - Javier B - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Be'lakor, three Birds and Screamers.
4th - Alfonso Barajas - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus Grand Coven goodstuff with a couple extra shooty hulls.
5th - Jesús Ángel Diez - Aeldari (Seer Council): Extra shooty Aeldari with two fully stacked Guardian/Conclave bombs, triple Prism, and a big Dark Reaper squad.
6th - koldo besga - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): A return of the classic Ironstrider/Infiltrator/Ruststalker trio.
7th - Alex Peña - Necrons (Cursed Legion): Two C'tan, Imotekh a big Skorpekh unit and the destroyerfied squads of Wraiths and Lychguard.
8th - Asier "Hans" Gallego - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Titanic Assault with the Harridan and a Norn for good measure.
9th - Endika Galan - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): Kill Team-tastic Deathwatch with triple Fortis, double Indomitor and a Fight First Veterans unit.

The Rumbling Rockies 40k GT

38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Calgary, Alberta, CA on March 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Unknown Mission

David Coren - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force)

Army List - Click to Expand

Time to cook (1995 points)

Grey Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Warpbane Task Force

CHARACTERS

Brotherhood Librarian (80 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Vortex of Doom

Brotherhood Librarian (80 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Vortex of Doom

Brotherhood Librarian (80 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Vortex of Doom

Brotherhood Techmarine (70 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm

Castellan Crowe (90 points) • 1x Black Blade of Antwyr 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter

Grand Master in Nemesis Dreadknight (225 points) • 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer 1x Sublimator

BATTLELINE

Strike Squad (120 points) • 1x Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Grey Knight • 4x Nemesis force weapon 4x Storm bolter

Strike Squad (120 points) • 1x Justicar • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Storm bolter • 4x Grey Knight • 4x Nemesis force weapon 4x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Nemesis Dreadknight (210 points) • 1x Gatling psilencer 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight (210 points) • 1x Gatling psilencer 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Nemesis Dreadknight (210 points) • 1x Gatling psilencer 1x Heavy psycannon 1x Nemesis daemon greathammer

Purifier Squad (250 points) • 1x Knight of the Flame • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter • 9x Purifier • 4x Close combat weapon 5x Nemesis force weapon 4x Psycannon 9x Purifying Flame 5x Storm bolter

Purifier Squad (125 points) • 1x Knight of the Flame • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter • 4x Purifier • 4x Nemesis force weapon 4x Purifying Flame 4x Storm bolter

Purifier Squad (125 points) • 1x Knight of the Flame • 1x Nemesis force weapon 1x Purifying Flame 1x Storm bolter • 4x Purifier • 4x Nemesis force weapon 4x Purifying Flame 4x Storm bolter

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

vs.

Simon Baines - Aeldari (Aspect Host)

Army List - Click to Expand

Aspect (2000 Points)

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Asurmen (125 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bloody Twins • 1x Sword of Asur

Jain Zar (120 Points) • 1x Blade of Destruction • 1x Silent Death

Lhykhis (135 Points) • 1x Brood Twain • 1x Spider's Fangs • 1x Weaverender

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Corsair Skyreavers (75 Points) • 1x Skyreaver Felarch ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Corsair blade • 4x Skyreaver ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Corsair blade ◦ 1x Fusion gun ◦ 2x Shuriken pistol

Dire Avengers (150 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 Prism (150 Points) • 1x Prism cannon • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Prism (150 Points) • 1x Prism cannon • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Prism (150 Points) • 1x Prism cannon • 1x Shuriken cannon • 1x Wraithbone hull

Howling Banshees (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Howling Banshee ◦ 4x Banshee blade ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

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

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

Swooping Hawks (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Exarch's lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (95 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Exarch's lasblaster • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

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

Warp Spiders (105 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Powerblade array • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (105 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death weavers ◦ 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Warp Spiders (105 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Warp Spider Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Death weavers ◦ 1x Spinneret rifle • 4x Warp Spider ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Death spinner

Exported with App Version: v1.48.0 (1), Data Version: v750

Thoughts

Two factions who had a rough ride in this balance season punch through to the Showdown here, both hungry to prove they've still got it. On the Aeldari side, we've got the current best output angle of Aspect Host with Prisms, which gives you some killing power off Phoenixes and the tanks without completely blowing the budget, so you can still fit in lots of scoring and move-blocking pieces (including some of the new Skyreavers). On the Grey Knight side, lots of Dreadknights, Purifiers and Brotherhood Librarians. Not exciting, but it's what they've got to work with.

On paper, this feels extremely uphill for the Aeldari, and they'll need to really lean on blocking and their good screening capabilities to have a shot. All the Grey Knight threats go through Aeldari Infantry like a hot knife, and while the Elves certainly aren't bad at killing stuff in response, consistently setting up favourable confrontations against an army with lots of repositioning and threatening single-model Deep Strikers is really tough. The one bit of very good news for the elves is that the Prisms are fantastic here - technically yes, they need to find a spare wound from somewhere to kill a GMDK in two shots, but there are so many Grenade options in this list that it's fine, and just having three big hulls you don't mind scattering around the backfield really helps with the screening challenge. In addition, the Grey Knight long-range output is exactly the kind of thing that the dream of Linked Fire followed by a Fade Back is realistic into - a Dreadknight will probably not one-tap a Fire Prism unless you get very unlucky. The Dispersed Fire mode is even good here, helping clean up residual Infantry. The other asset they have is the threat projection of the Banshees, which forces Crowe's unit to be a little more cautious than they'd really like to be.

I'm not convinced that's enough to really flip the script here, and for most missions, I'd favour the Grey Knights to be able to grind enough of the Aeldari off the table efficiently enough that it becomes academic. The Elves pulled off an impressive upset, considering that, and I'm desperate to know if it was pure heroics, or if they hit one of the missions where they can really maximise their advantages like Hidden Supplies.

Result

Aeldari (Aspect Host) Victory - 78 - 63

Simon Baines - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

Asurmen. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Fire Prism Aspect Host

Thoughts

Prisms Aspects gets it done for the second week running, cementing it as one of the better available Aeldari options. It's fragile, but has just about enough killing power and utility to play the game you want, so if you are an Aeldari player who has not invested in C'tan based portfolio diversification, this is one of your best shots right now. Congratulations Simon!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Anthony Dalla Lana - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Mid-weight blade that downgrades the shooty hulls a big to squeeze in Cato in an Impulsor with more Victrix.
3rd - Laszlo Bakos - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Castigator and Herohammer Martyrs.
4th - Jonah Sinclair - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): Leman Russes for days backed up by a few utility pieces.
5th - David Coren - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): See Showdown.
6th - Colin Sankey - Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force): Extra herohammery Gladius with Cato and Guilliman on top of the standard Calgar/Ventris setup, dropping down to one RepEx and running Ventris as a solo disruption piece to afford it.
7th - Ed Soltys - Leagues of Votann (Mercenary Oathband): A largely go-wide Mercenary toolbox with lots of small units, anchoring with one Land Fort, a big squad of shooty Steeljacks and some Thunderkyn.
8th - Mark Van Berkel - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): Melee and Dreadnought Rage-Cursed.

Pembrokeshire Wargaming Spring GT

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bethlehem, Wales, United Kingdom on March 07 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Tom Monk - Necrons (Cursed Legion) - 1st Place

Nekrosor Ammentar. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

legion 2 (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Cursed Legion

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 points) • 1x Gaze of death 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (310 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 points) • 1x Gauntlet of Fire 1x Staff of the Destroyer

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils 1x Enmitic disintegrators 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Overlord with Translocation Shroud (105 points) • Warlord • 1x Overlord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancement: Destroyer Ankh

Skorpekh Lord (90 points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator 1x Flensing claw 1x Hyperphase harvester

Technomancer (95 points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancement: Murdermind

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (110 points) • 2x Lokhust Heavy Destroyer • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Enmitic exterminator

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic exterminator

Lychguard (170 points) • 10x Lychguard • 10x Dispersion Shield 10x Hyperphase sword

Ophydian Destroyers (80 points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer • 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons 1x Plasmacyte

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

Skorpekh Destroyers (180 points) • 6x Skorpekh Destroyer • 2x Plasmacyte 6x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Tomb Blades (75 points) • 3x Tomb Blade • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Particle beamer 3x Shadowloom

Exported with App Version: v1.47.0 (110), Data Version: v743

Archetype

Cursed C'tan

Thoughts

A Necron win for our final event of part 1, with a build that I think we'll be seeing plenty more of in the next season. Cursed Legion is usually two C'tan and doesn't run the Silent King, so only needs to find 40pts to keep operating as-is (and this version can get most of the way there just by dropping Nighty down to the Deceiver). The list operates a very classic stage and push game plan, relying on the high reach Advance/Charge and counter-Charge shenanigans available to Lychguard and big Skorpekh units (here with a Technomancer for Feel No Pain and extra reach) to constrain where foes can go, and then utilises C'tan to grind up whatever confronts it. Very nasty, and while I'll admit that trying a new version of Awakened is first on my post-nerf Necrons agenda, something like this is a pretty close second. Congratulations Tom!

Arran English - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Liebot - https://instagram.com/liebot_pics

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Lick it, Stamp it, Send it - Chaos Daemons - Daemonic Incursion (1995 Points)

Epic Hero: Be'lakor (375 pts) • The Blade of Shadows • Betraying Shades • Warlord

Shalaxi Helbane (340 pts) • Soulpiercer • Snapping claws • Pavane of Slaanesh • Lash of Slaanesh

Skarbrand (305 pts) • Slaughter and Carnage • Bellow of endless fury

Character: Bloodthirster (325 pts) • Hellfire breath • E: A'rgath, the King of Blades • Great axe of Khorne

Great Unclean One (280 pts) • Putrid vomit • E: The Endless Gift • Bilesword • Plague flail

Lord of Change (295 pts) • Bolt of Change • Staff of Tzeentch • E: The Everstave • Rod of sorcery

Beast: Flesh Hounds (75 pts) • Gore Hound • Burning roar • Collar of Khorne • Gore-drenched fangs • 4x Flesh Hound • 4x Collar of Khorne • 4x Gore-drenched fangs

Archetype

Mega Monster Mash

Thoughts

I suppose six Greater Daemons definitely is one way to challenge triple C'tan meta, especially as three of the big threats here are ones that the C'tan have to at least worry about getting one-tapped by. This is another list that's really hoping Ultramarines actually do drop off, because the Blade builds are a headache for it, but it's very cool and presumably terrifying to play against. Well done Arran!

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Geraint Denman - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights and Purifiers.
4th - Jason Banbury - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): An even greater commitment to Awakened C'tan herohammer than my own, subbing out the Wraiths for a Transcendent, and adding a few Psychomancers for disruption.
5th - Arwyn Phillips - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): All-melee World Eaters with a 20-model Berzerker unit.
6th - Lewys Pennington - Necrons (Cursed Legion): Double C'tan, corrupted Wraiths, lots of small Destroyer units.

Wrap Up

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: Plus Ultra pt.1

This Week's Events

The UKTC Windsor Super-Major

Nassim Fouchane - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

David Gaylard - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Martyn Cooper - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jerome Connolly - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

3 GT Bilbao

Ivan Andres - Orks (War Horde) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

The Rumbling Rockies 40k GT

The Showdown

Unknown Mission

Thoughts

Result

Simon Baines - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Pembrokeshire Wargaming Spring GT

Tom Monk - Necrons (Cursed Legion) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Arran English - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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