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.

For the first time in what seems like forever we have a relatively quiet week, which these days means we merely have enough events to populate two articles comfortably. Good showings for Tyranids and Necrons this week, but too small a dataset to really draw conclusions.

The likely cause of the quiet is, of course, the World Championships of Warhammer being this coming weekend, so players across the world are probably taking a little breather to get ready to hit Atlanta and fight for the trophy. We will, naturally, have all the results from that next week, since it's an unparalleled showcase of what happens when the best of the best collide.

Meanwhile, today we have the following for you:

Mad Alpacalypse Warhammer 40k Major
Risky Rollers Open 2025
Route 66 Warhammer Grand Tournament
South Yorkshire GT 2
Courage & Honour XI

Part 2 on Friday:

LDXP Tacoma 2025 Grand Tournament
Hallowagh 2 - Electricboogaloo - GT
MID-MO Maelstrom
Atomic City Warzone 2025

Mad Alpacalypse Warhammer 40k Major

86-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Dixon, CA, United States on November 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Hidden Supplies - Crucible of Battle

Kennith! Onyeabor - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault)

Army List - Click to Expand

Hive Fleet Moby Thicc (2000 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Subterranean Assault

CHARACTERS

Hyperadapted Raveners (180 points) • 1x Ravener Prime • Warlord • 1x Prime claws and talons • Enhancement: Vanguard Intellect • 4x Raveners • 4x Ravener heavy claws and talons 1x Venom bolt

Trygon (160 points) • Subterranean Assault Keywords: Character • 1x Bio-electric pulse 1x Trygon scything talons • Enhancement: Trygon Prime

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (50 points) • 1x Chitin-barbed limbs 1x Spore Mine launcher

Exocrine (140 points) • 1x Bio-plasmic cannon 1x Powerful limbs

Lictor (60 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Lictor (60 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Neurogaunts (45 points) • 1x Neurogaunt Nodebeast • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth • 10x Neurogaunt • 10x Chitinous claws and teeth

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Norn Emissary (260 points) • 1x Monstrous rending claws 1x Monstrous scything talons 1x Psychic Tendril

Raveners (125 points) • 5x Ravener • 5x Ravener claws and talons

Tyrannofex (200 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Tyrannofex (200 points) • 1x Powerful limbs 1x Rupture cannon 1x Stinger salvoes

Exported with App Version: v1.41.0 (98), Data Version: v687

vs.

Ruben Zhao - White Scars (Spearpoint Task Force)

Army List - Click to Expand

Scarsss (2000 Points)

Space Marines White Scars Spearpoint Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Apothecary (50 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Reductor pistol

Kor'sarro Khan (70 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Moonfang

Lieutenant (85 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolter • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Hunter's Eye

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

Suboden Khan (115 Points) • 1x Heavy bolt pistol • 1x Onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Power sword • 1x Stormtooth

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs ◦ 4x Astartes chainsword ◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Plasma pistol

Centurion Assault Squad (150 Points) • 1x Assault Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion bolters ◦ 1x Siege drills ◦ 1x Twin meltagun • 2x Assault Centurion ◦ 2x Centurion bolters ◦ 2x Siege drills ◦ 2x Twin meltagun

Hellblaster Squad (220 Points) • 1x Hellblaster Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma incinerator ◦ 1x Plasma pistol • 9x Hellblaster ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Plasma incinerator

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

Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Marksman bolt carbine • 4x Infiltrator ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Helix Gauntlet ◦ 1x Infiltrator Comms Array ◦ 4x Marksman bolt carbine

Invader ATV (60 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Twin bolt rifle

Land Raider Redeemer (270 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

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

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 Points) • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Macro plasma incinerator • 1x Onslaught gatling cannon • 1x Redemptor fist • 1x Twin fragstorm grenade launcher

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

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 ◦ 4x Combat knife

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (1), Data Version: v705

Thoughts

The big tunnel bugs face off against speedy Space Marines on Hidden Supplies. Triple Norns is nasty stuff on this mission, as it makes it far easier to push for reliable 10pt turns than many armies can, but in this matchup that won't be totally uncontested, as the Marines definitely have the numbers to pop them, especially with super Oaths. The biggest challenge on that front just feels like target saturation - they definitely can kill a Norn through the Feel No Pain, but if they're trying for that they'll be ignoring the Tyrannos, which are a big threat to the key hulls, giving the bugs an overall advantage with the high end stuff.

The Scars make up for that quite a bit on the more mid-weight parts of the Roster, which makes this anyone's game. They have better, more flexible utility units, and Korsarro's squad is legitimately really good in this game - they're excellent at counterpunching the Raveners if they commit, and can spend time hunting down and removing Lictors if not. Pieces like the Centurions are also great in this game - dangerous enough to be a serious concern without blowing the bank.

In terms of how it plays out, I'd say too close to call on this one, and probably pivots on whether the Tyrannofexes smoothly decapitate the big tanks early on, or if it takes a bit more grinding. Neither army can really afford to spike up or down on turn two - if the Tyranids spike up, then I think they get to the late game with too many big monsters left alive for the Scars to dislodge them, whereas if they spike down, I think the Scars superior ability to roll up utility pieces might let them take the scoring. This ended up really close, but the Tyranids were able to edge it out, durability just about overcoming speed.

Result

Tyranids (Subterranean Assault) Victory - 71 - 66

Kennith! Onyeabor - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault) - 1st Place

Norn Emissary. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Triple Tunnel Norn

Thoughts

Every time I see Kennith's name in the article shell I hope he's brought the Norns again, and I am never disappointed. Congratulations again to the world's #1 Norn fan.

Edwin Cho - Orks (War Horde) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Zodgrod Wortsnagga - Credit: RichyP

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

All Ghaz no brakes (1995 points)

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) War Horde

CHARACTERS

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

Big Mek (95 points) • 1x Drilla 1x Kustom mega-blasta • Enhancement: Follow Me Ladz

Boss Snikrot (75 points) • 1x Mork's Teeth 1x Slugga

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

Mek (45 points) • 1x Killsaw 1x Kustom mega-slugga

Warboss (95 points) • 1x Attack squig 1x Kombi-weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin sluggas • Enhancement: Headwoppa's Killchoppa

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (90 points) • 1x Da Grabzappa 1x Squigstoppa

BATTLELINE

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (70 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin' ball

Trukk (70 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin' ball

Trukk (70 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels 1x Wreckin' ball

OTHER DATASHEETS

Breaka Boyz (140 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 1x Rokkit pistol 1x Smash hammer • 5x Breaka Boy • 4x Smash hammer 1x Tankhammer

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

Gretchin (80 points) • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Grot blasta • 2x Runtherd • 2x Runtherd tools 2x Slugga

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

Kommandos (120 points) • 1x Bomb Squig 1x Distraction Grot • 9x Kommando • 1x Breacha ram 8x Choppa 8x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga

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

Tankbustas (140 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 1x Rokkit pistol 1x Smash hammer • 5x Tankbusta • 5x Close combat weapon 1x Pulsa Rokkit 5x Rokkit launcha

Tankbustas (140 points) • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Choppa 1x Rokkit pistol 1x Smash hammer • 5x Tankbusta • 5x Close combat weapon 1x Pulsa Rokkit 5x Rokkit launcha

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Pressure War Horde

Thoughts

Ghaz continues to lead an Orky resurgence, here teaming up with Zodgrod's super Grots and an extra explosive threat from the Killchoppa Warboss. Having Zodgrod around really helps put the foe on the back foot and keep them there - on a Waaagh turn, they can go do a bunch of move blocking while the big pieces slam into the foe, helping neutralise a counterattack from other melee armies. A really vicious spin on this detachment here, congratulations Edwin.

Floof Cox - Genestealer Cult (Final Day) - 3rd Place

Neophytes. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Trans Rights are Human Rights! (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults Strike Force (2000 points) Final Day

CHARACTERS

Abominant (85 points) • 1x Power sledgehammer

Benefictus (90 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade • Enhancement: Inhuman Integration

Benefictus (70 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Psionic Cascade

Patriarch (85 points) • Warlord • 1x Patriarch's claws • Enhancement: Enraptured Damnation

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

BATTLELINE

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (145 points) • 1x Neophyte Leader • 1x Autopistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hybrid firearm • 19x Neophyte Hybrid • 19x Autopistol 19x Close combat weapon 1x Cult Icon 2x Grenade launcher 11x Hybrid firearm 2x Mining laser 2x Seismic cannon 2x Webber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (95 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (95 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Achilles Ridgerunners (95 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy mortar 1x Survey Augur 1x Twin heavy stubber

Atalan Jackals (85 points) • 4x Atalan Jackal • 2x Atalan power weapon 3x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad • 1x Atalan small arms 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mining laser

Atalan Jackals (85 points) • 4x Atalan Jackal • 2x Atalan power weapon 3x Atalan small arms 2x Close combat weapon 1x Grenade launcher • 1x Atalan Wolfquad • 1x Atalan small arms 1x Close combat weapon 1x Mining laser

Hybrid Metamorphs (70 points) • 1x Metamorph Leader • 1x Hand flamer 1x Leader's cult weapons • 4x Hybrid Metamorph • 1x Cult Icon 3x Hand flamer 4x Metamorph mutations

Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer • 5x Cult claws and talons

Purestrain Genestealers (75 points) • 5x Purestrain Genestealer • 5x Cult claws and talons

ALLIED UNITS

Deathleaper (80 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Gargoyles (85 points) • 10x Gargoyle • 10x Blinding venom 10x Fleshborer

Gargoyles (85 points) • 10x Gargoyle • 10x Blinding venom 10x Fleshborer

Hyperadapted Raveners (165 points) • 1x Ravener Prime • 1x Prime claws and talons • 4x Raveners • 4x Ravener heavy claws and talons 1x Venom bolt

Hyperadapted Raveners (165 points) • 1x Ravener Prime • 1x Prime claws and talons • 4x Raveners • 4x Ravener heavy claws and talons 1x Venom bolt

Lictor (60 points) • 1x Lictor claws and talons

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Neophyte Final Day

Thoughts

A Final Day spin on big Neophyte units next from GSC mastermind Floof. Benefictii (one with the enhancement) mean that these hit very hard, and the army doesn't have that many things to use RP on, so I think you can reliably assume you're re-upping one of the big squads. That's quite daunting for some opponents to handle, especially because double Hyperadapted Raveners let the list put nasty counterattacks into enemies that try and run down the bricks. Those also, neatly, tee up Avenge the Star Children if the foe murders them in turn, keeping the pain rolling. Finally, the roving no Overwatch Genestealer unit with potential access to full Wound Re-rolls is low-key nightmarish for some armies to handle, especially as a second wave once Avenge is already active. Very cool combination of toys set up here, well done Floof.

Tice Damigo - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack) - 4th Place

Tau Hammerhead Gunship. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Gorillas and Tanks brought to you by Tylenol™️ (2000 Points)

T'au Empire Kroot Hunting Pack Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Ethereal (50 Points) • Warlord • 1x Honour stave • 1x Hover Drone • 1x Marker Drone • 1x Shield Drone

BATTLELINE

Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) • 1x Long-quill ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Kroot carbine ◦ 1x Kroot pistol • 9x Kroot Carnivore ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 8x Kroot rifle ◦ 1x Tanglebomb launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hammerhead Gunship (145 Points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Railgun • 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (145 Points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ion cannon • 2x Seeker missile

Hammerhead Gunship (145 Points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Ion cannon • 2x Seeker missile

Krootox Rampagers (170 Points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers ◦ 6x Hunting blades ◦ 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins ◦ 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 Points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers ◦ 6x Hunting blades ◦ 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins ◦ 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Rampagers (170 Points) • 6x Krootox Rampagers ◦ 6x Hunting blades ◦ 6x Kroot pistol and hunting javelins ◦ 6x Rampager fists

Krootox Riders (90 Points) • 3x Krootox Rider ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Krootox fists ◦ 3x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (90 Points) • 3x Krootox Rider ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Krootox fists ◦ 3x Repeater cannon

Krootox Riders (90 Points) • 3x Krootox Rider ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Krootox fists ◦ 3x Repeater cannon

Pathfinder Team (90 Points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Pulse carbine ◦ 1x Pulse pistol ◦ 1x Recon Drone ◦ 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher • 9x Pathfinder ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Ion rifle ◦ 6x Pulse carbine ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

Sky Ray Gunship (140 Points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Seeker missile rack

Sky Ray Gunship (140 Points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Seeker missile rack

Sky Ray Gunship (140 Points) • 2x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Seeker missile rack

Stealth Battlesuits (80 Points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit Support System ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 1x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Homing Beacon ◦ 1x Marker Drone ◦ 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui ◦ 2x Battlesuit fists ◦ 2x Burst cannon

Stealth Battlesuits (80 Points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit Support System ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 1x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Homing Beacon ◦ 1x Marker Drone ◦ 1x Shield Drone • 2x Stealth Shas'ui ◦ 2x Battlesuit fists ◦ 2x Burst cannon

Exported with App Version: v1.42.0 (3), Data Version: v696

Archetype

Krootox and Hulls

Thoughts

A T'au codex classic rising up amidst their current success, combining the very efficient Hammerhead and Sky Ray hulls with loads of Krootox. The hulls will cheerfully blast through heavy or medium stuff, while the Krootox are a great counterpunch into aggressive builds, and the combination of Mortals and lots of attacks mean they can handle most target profiles. The list also has a pretty high floor for toughness, so enemy small arms will be mediocre at best. Classic formula, deployed to good effect here, well done Tice.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - John Dyer - Tyranids (Unknown Detachment): Almost certainly Invasion Fleet, outside chance of Crusher Stampede, as it's monsters and a bit of utility, here including some Von Ryan's Leapers.
6th - Patrick Kilcommons - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic double Berzerker, double Forgefiend Warband.
7th - Forrest Phanton - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): ThunderCav, Wolf Guard and Wulfen murder melee.
8th - Brian Benn - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Extra shooty Subterranean, cutting back the Monster quotient a bit to take both Hive Guard and Zoanthropes.
9th - Clint Ozbirn - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Triple RepEx Brethren Task Force.

Risky Rollers Open 2025

49-player, 8-round Major in Bulleen, VIC, Australia on October 31 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dylan Cowan - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Black Templars Chaplain Grimaldus and Retinue. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Black Templars + DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char7: Marshal + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 8 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 4x Chaplain Grimaldus (110 pts) • 3x Cenobyte Servitor: 3 with Close Combat Weapon • 1x Chaplain Grimaldus: Artificer Crozius, Plasma Pistol Char2: 1x Castellan (60 pts): Master-crafted Power Weapon, Combi-weapon Char3: 1x Castellan (60 pts): Master-crafted Power Weapon, Combi-weapon Char4: 1x Emperor's Champion (90 pts): Black Sword, Bolt Pistol Char5: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades Char6: 1x Marshal (80 pts): Master-crafted Power Weapon, Combi-weapon Char7: 1x Marshal (80 pts): Warlord, Master-crafted Power Weapon, Combi-weapon

9x Assault Intercessor Squad (150 pts) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist • 8x Assault Intercessors: 8 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 5x Assault Intercessor Squad (75 pts) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist • 4x Assault Intercessors: 4 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol

5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack 3 with Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs, Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs, Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist 5x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 pts) • 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Pack 3 with Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs, Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs, Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist 6x Bladeguard Veteran Squad (170 pts) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant: Master-crafted Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veterans: 5 with Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon 5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) • 4x Infiltrator 2 with Infiltrator Squad, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 1 with Helix Gauntlet, Infiltrator Squad, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 1 with Infiltrator Comms Array, Infiltrator Squad, Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 4x Sword Brethren Squad (105 pts): 4 with Master-crafted Power Weapon, Heavy Bolt Pistol 4x Sword Brethren Squad (105 pts): 4 with Master-crafted Power Weapon, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1x Repulsor Executioner (220 pts): Armoured Hull, Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Rocket Pod, Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array, Twin Heavy Bolter, Twin Icarus Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Multi-melta, Heavy Laser Destroyer 1x Repulsor Executioner (220 pts): Armoured Hull, Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Icarus Rocket Pod, Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array, Twin Heavy Bolter, Twin Icarus Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Multi-melta, Heavy Laser Destroyer 1x Impulsor (85 pts): Shield Dome, Armoured Hull, Multi-melta, 2x Storm Bolter

Char8: 1x Ministorum Priest (40 pts): Zealot's vindictor

Archetype

RepEx Templars

Thoughts

The RepEx/Brethren Templar core goes from strength to strength, though you are seeing people mix up a few includes. Grimaldus with a big Assault Intercessor unit is very popular, as it turns out massive numbers of AP-2 attacks with Hit and (often) Wound re-rolls will solve many problems. Here, the third Brethren unit is also replaced with some Bladeguard, presumably there to handle any matchups where the foe is checking in with high AP melee, which they're much better able to handle than the more fragile Sword Brethren. Otherwise, business as usual here - horrifying murder blenders out of nasty shooty tanks, an enduringly effective combination. Well done Dylan.

The Best of the Rest

The results here have been manually overridden for the top four, presumably from a top cut, so I'm going with that plus everyone else who got a 6-2 or better.

2nd - Ben Coubrough - Chaos Daemons (Shadow Legion): An unusually CSM-heavy Shadow Legion build, taking Be'lakor and board control pieces only from the Daemon side, then big hammers from the mortal sisde of things, including two Accursed Communes and a full Chosen brick.
3rd - Jason Horne - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Triple Wraith and triple Skorpekh MSU Awakened, with the Nightbringer also hovering about just in case something needs smashing.
4th - Mark McLeish - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Ironstrider, Ruststalker and Infiltrator spam in Haloscreed.
5th - Liam Stephens - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): Ironkin-heavy Votann, taking one big squad of each and several smaller units in support, plus a couple Forts and a big Thunderkyn unit for damage.
6th - Kyle Mackenzie - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Two big Hawk units and the standard Phoenix trio.

Route 66 Warhammer Grand Tournament

42-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Tulsa, OK, United States on November 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Richard Cozart - Aeldari (Warhost) - =1st Place

Falcon Grav Tank. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

route 66 fuck it (2000 points)

Aeldari Strike Force (2000 points) Warhost

CHARACTERS

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

Fuegan (120 points) • 1x Fire Axe 1x Searsong

Jain Zar (105 points) • 1x Blade of Destruction 1x Silent Death

Lhykhis (120 points) • 1x Brood Twain 1x Spider's Fangs 1x Weaverender

Maugan Ra (100 points) • 1x Maugetar

BATTLELINE

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

Dark Reapers (90 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Missile launcher • 4x Dark Reaper • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Reaper launcher

Falcon (130 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Pulse laser 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Falcon (130 points) • 1x Bright lance 1x Pulse laser 1x Shuriken cannon 1x Wraithbone hull

Fire Dragons (220 points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Exarch's Dragon fusion gun • 9x Fire Dragon • 9x Close combat weapon 9x Dragon fusion gun

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

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

Striking Scorpions (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Biting blade 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Striking Scorpions (85 points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Striking Scorpion Exarch • 1x Biting blade 1x Shuriken pistol • 4x Striking Scorpion • 4x Scorpion chainsword 4x Shuriken pistol

Swooping Hawks (85 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

Warp Spiders (95 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 (95 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: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Double Falcon Bob-and-Weave Warhost

Thoughts

Warhost with the classic Dragon Serpent/Maugan Falcon setup here, but a few changes further down the list to prioritise pressure. Rather than maxing out Swooping Hawks, this variant has maximum Scorpions, letting it go for some big disruption plays out of the gate, and also brings a second Falcon to launch Jain Zar out of, I'd guess often from a Rapid Ingress of the tank into an offensive push the following turn. Running Warhost over is one of the conventional ways to beat it, so it's interesting to see some attempted adaptations here, a cool spin on the formula from Richard.

Brent Simon - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - =1st Place

Credit: Dan "Swiftblade" Richardson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

SSDD tsk (2000 Points)

Necrons Starshatter Arsenal Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Hexmark Destroyer (100 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols • Enhancements: Chrono-impedance Fields

Technomancer (80 Points) • 1x Staff of light

Technomancer (80 Points) • 1x Staff of light

The Silent King (400 Points) • 1x Szarekh • Warlord ◦ 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory ◦ 1x Staff of Stars ◦ 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir ◦ 2x Annihilator beam ◦ 2x Armoured bulk

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Canoptek Spyders (75 Points) • 1x Automaton claws • 1x Fabricator Claw Array (Aura) • 1x Gloom Prism (Aura) • 2x Particle beamer

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

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

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

Canoptek Wraiths (220 Points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith ◦ 6x Particle caster ◦ 6x Vicious claws

Doomsday Ark (200 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 Points) • 1x Armoured bulk • 1x Doomsday cannon • 2x Gauss flayer array

Flayed Ones (60 Points) • 5x Flayed One ◦ 5x Flayer claws

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

Triarch Stalker (110 Points) • 1x Heat ray • 1x Stalker's forelimbs

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (1), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Wraith/Doomsday Starshatter

Thoughts

The double Wraith/double Doomsday Starshatter build gets some new friends in the form of Canoptek Tomb Crawlers, making the Wraith shooting ever-so-slightly better against hit modifiers, and mostly just providing access to extra wounds for the big Wraith units at a slightly cheaper price than you used to get from Cryptothralls. This gives you a big, ultra-durable wall of wounds and some nice, reliable shooting behind it, pretty much everything you could ask for, and very effective as seenn here. Good job Brent.

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Bryce Watson - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Dorn with a wall of Cadians to protect them, including going hard on Ogryn Bodyguards to supplement Command Squads.
4th - BamBam Hunter - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Beastslayer with lots of MSU ThunderCav and Headtakers, and then a big doomstack each of Wolf Guard Terminators and Wulfen with a Wolf-touched Battle Leader.
5th - Ty Stansill - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): A Gift GUO and Rotigus to tank, Big Bird to blast, Skarbrand and a Bloodcrusher unit to smash.

South Yorkshire GT 2

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on November 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Christopher Langton - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

Destroyers. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Why not!!

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Starshatter Arsenal

CHARACTERS

Hexmark Destroyer (100 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols • Enhancement: Chrono-impedance Fields

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

Lokhust Lord (95 points) • 1x Lord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancement: Miniaturised Nebuloscope

Technomancer (90 points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancement: Demanding Leader

The Silent King (400 points) • 1x Szarekh • Warlord • 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory 1x Staff of Stars 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir • 2x Annihilator beam 2x Armoured bulk

BATTLELINE

Immortals (70 points) • 5x Immortal • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Gauss blaster

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 Spyders (75 points) • 1x Automaton claws 1x Fabricator Claw Array (Aura) 1x Gloom Prism (Aura) 2x Particle beamer

Canoptek Wraiths (220 points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith • 6x Particle caster 6x Vicious claws

Cryptothralls (60 points) • 2x Cryptothrall • 2x Scouring eye 2x Scythed limbs

Doomsday Ark (200 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Lokhust Destroyers (180 points) • 6x Lokhust Destroyer • 6x Close combat weapon 6x Gauss cannon

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

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (102), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Lokhust Starshatter

Thoughts

Straight into another Starshatter build here, this time shoring up the melee Marine (and arguably Sororitas) matchup with Lokhust Destroyers. Massed D2 firepower is pretty good right now, and Starshatter's pretty much the only way you can use Lokhusts effectively (they need the -1D and mobility stuff to be any use), so it's a reasonable window to crack them out of storage. Well done Christopher!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Dom Ridley - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Riptides, lots of Pathfinders, and a double Broadside squad.
3rd - Scott Morris - Aeldari (Aspect Host): MSU Four Phoenix with Asurmen in a Falcon on top of the normal toys.
4th - Nathan Cocker - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Bobby G leading lots of Infantry MSUs with a pair of Repulsors to clown car into.
5th - Mark Pilkington - World Eaters (Khorne Daemonkin): One Berzerker unit and some Forgefiends to tee things up, then lots of Bloodletters, a Disciple Lord/Bloodcrusher squad and Skarbrand to get amongst the foe.
6th - Chris Rayner - Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): The surprise return of Be'lakor triple Keeper Legion, supporting them with lots of Daemonettes.

Courage & Honour XI

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Wales, GB on November 01 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Andrew Lewis - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon) - 1st Place

Aethon Shaan. Credit: Dan Boyd

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Stormraven is Life!! (2000 Points)

Space Marines Raven Guard Shadowmark Talon Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Aethon Shaan (85 Points) • Warlord • 1x Claws of Severax • 1x Heavy bolt pistol

Kayvaan Shrike (100 Points) • 1x Blackout • 1x The Raven's Talons

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (100 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancements: Coronal Susurrant

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (170 Points) • 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs ◦ 9x Astartes chainsword ◦ 7x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 2x Plasma pistol

Centurion Devastator Squad (330 Points) • 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant ◦ 1x Centurion fists ◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 1x Twin lascannon • 5x Devastator Centurion ◦ 5x Centurion fists ◦ 5x Centurion missile launcher ◦ 5x Twin lascannon

Centurion Devastator Squad (165 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

Inceptor Squad (240 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Assault bolters ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Inceptor ◦ 5x Assault bolters ◦ 5x Close combat weapon

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Plasma exterminators

Inceptor Squad (120 Points) • 1x Inceptor Sergeant ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Plasma exterminators • 2x Inceptor ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Plasma exterminators

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 2x Astartes shotgun ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 2x Astartes shotgun ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Scout Squad (70 Points) • 1x Scout Sergeant ◦ 1x Astartes chainsword ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout ◦ 2x Astartes shotgun ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Stormraven Gunship (280 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Hurricane bolter • 2x Stormstrike missile launcher • 1x Twin heavy plasma cannon • 1x Twin multi-melta

Exported with App Version: v1.43.0 (1), Data Version: v705

Archetype

Stormraven Guard

Thoughts

Shadowmark takes our final trophy for today, but with a buld that mixes things up a fair bit, going for a much more pure shooting setup than normal. No fancy VanVet tricks here - instead, there's a Stormraven backing up the normal Centurions and bonus Inceptors. The big plane adds a lot of versatility to the second Centurion squad, as they can otherwise struggle with positioning, helping make the shooty alpha strike potential here extremely high. Although it's mostly guns, if the enemy sends anything forward or leaves stragglers on a flank than Shrike's squad can take them down pretty effectively, and his Leader Lone Op effect should protect them from vengeance unless the foe is moving in force. That may in turn open them up to getting blown to pieces, which is never fun. Very interesting to see this evolution of the build - I wonder if it's an indication that people are now good enough at playing around the Hunter's Instincts squad that it's dropping a little in value? Food for thought from Andrew.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Rhys Lewis - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): One big and one small Berzerker unit with lots of Eightbound.
3rd - Patrick Vance - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Azrael, Lion, Deathwing Knights.
4th - Nicholas Christensen-Secker - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Sacresant shieldwall with triple Retributors hiding behind.
5th - Nathan Widlake - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Lots of the normal Warband toys, but cutting down to one Berzerker unit in favour of more Eightbound.
6th - Terence Bennett - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Lots of ThunderCav, lots of melee MSUs.

Wrap Up

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Thoughts

Result

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

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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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Dylan Cowan - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Route 66 Warhammer Grand Tournament

Richard Cozart - Aeldari (Warhost) - =1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Brent Simon - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - =1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

South Yorkshire GT 2

Christopher Langton - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Courage & Honour XI

Andrew Lewis - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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