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.

It's a transitional week once more. The old world is dying, the new world stuggles to be born, vast and trunkless legs broken off Imperial Knights rust in the desert. That sort of thing.

As always in these circumstances, some events have adopted the changes and some haven't, and we'll be putting the ones that did at the front of the article, because they're more relevant to what comes next, and less likely to make me snap something in half if I have to write extensively about Mortarion's Hammer again.

Just before we get into things, this week is your last chance to buy tickets for the Goonhammer Open UK on 6th/7th September in Leicester - list submission is this Saturday. Get yours below, and come show off your meta-busting build. Statistically, it's some sort of Space Marine.

Event Page (Incl. maps/missions)
EventBrite (tickets)
BCP

Now events that have already happened, as follows:

Part 1 on Wednesday:

WarZone: Tucker Brewing- Bham’s Last Round (new points)
Geekfest - Summer Heat - Warhammer 40K GT (new points)
Utah Cup '25 - Warhammer 40K
Hammer of Wrath GT
The 40k Circuit Breaker - A Warhammer 40k GT
Glennperor GT

Part 2 on Friday with Lowest of Men:

That 6++ Grand Tournament South: 2025 (new points)
Trønderdome 3 (new points)
WTGC - South East Siege I The Mandrake Menace (new points)
Capital City Blood Bath 2025 (CCBB2025) 40k
Tactical Chilli GT
Free State Mid Summer GT

Part 3 on Saturday:

BEAT THE HEAT 40K GT (new points)
Taps Games Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament
EG Grand Slam 40k GT 2025 Aug 23rd/24th
Heroes of the Mid Table Summer GT 2025
Space One Ayala

WarZone: Tucker Brewing- Bham’s Last Round

60-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Tucker, GA, United States on August 23 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Linchpin - Tipping Point

Z Martin - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer)

Army List - Click to Expand

Saga of Winning (1995 Points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Saga of the Beastslayer Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Arjac Rockfist (95 Points) • 1x Foehammer

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

Logan Grimnar (110 Points) • Warlord • 1x Axe Morkai • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Tyrnak and Fenrir

Ragnar Blackmane (90 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Frostfang

Wolf Guard Battle Leader (80 Points) • 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Storm Shield • Enhancements: Wolf-touched

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

Fenrisian Wolves (40 Points) • 5x Fenrisian Wolf ◦ 5x Teeth and claws

Gladiator Reaper (160 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 2x Tempest bolter • 1x Twin heavy onslaught gatling cannon

Land Raider (240 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Godhammer lascannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin heavy bolter

Land Raider (240 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Godhammer lascannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 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

Thunderwolf Cavalry (100 Points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader ◦ 1x Storm Shield ◦ 1x Teeth and Claws ◦ 1x Wolf Guard weapon • 2x Thunderwolf Cavalry ◦ 2x Storm Shield ◦ 2x Teeth and Claws ◦ 2x Wolf Guard weapon

Wolf Guard Headtakers (170 Points) • 6x Wolf Guard Headtaker ◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 6x Paired master‑crafted power weapons

Wolf Guard Headtakers (110 Points) • 3x Wolf Guard Headtaker ◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 3x Paired master‑crafted power weapons • 3x Hunting Wolves ◦ 3x Teeth and claws

Wolf Guard Terminators (170 Points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader ◦ 1x Relic greataxe • 4x Wolf Guard Terminator ◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 4x Storm Shield

Wolf Guard Terminators (170 Points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader ◦ 1x Relic greataxe • 4x Wolf Guard Terminator ◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 4x Storm Shield

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (1), Data Version: v662

vs.

David Purce|| - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms)

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Combined Arms + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + ALLIED UNITS: Imperial Knights + + WARLORD: Char1: Ursula Creed + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (5x2) + (2x4) + (1x6) - Assassination: 5 Characters - Cull The Horde: 1x5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I didn't have time to test anything else.

Char1: 1x Ursula Creed (85 pts): Warlord, Duty and Vengeance, Power weapon Char2: 5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Close combat weapon, Meltagun, Plasma pistol 1 with Master vox, Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Medi-pack, Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Regimental standard • 1x Cadian Commander: Power fist, Plasma pistol Char3: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (265 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Multi-melta, 2x Heavy stubber Char4: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (265 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Multi-melta, 2x Heavy stubber

20x Cadian Shock Troops (120 pts) • 18x Shock Trooper 12 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Vox-caster, Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 2 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant: 2 with Chainsword, Laspistol

10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 9x Kasrkin Trooper 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle 1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun 2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol 10x Tempestus Aquilons (100 pts) • 9x Tempestus Aquilon 7 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot long las 1 with Close combat weapon, Melta carbine • 1x Tempestor Aquilon: Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine, Bolt pistol, Sentry flamer 1x Leman Russ Exterminator (180 pts): Armoured tracks, Exterminator autocannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Plasma cannon, Heavy stubber 1x Scout Sentinels (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Hunter-killer missile, Sentinel chainsaw, Lascannon 1x Scout Sentinels (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Hunter-killer missile, Sentinel chainsaw, Lascannon 1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy bolter, Heavy bolter, Heavy stubber 1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy bolter, Heavy bolter, Heavy stubber

Char5: 1x Canis Rex (415 pts) • 1x Canis Rex: Chainbreaker las-impulsor, Chainbreaker multi-laser, Freedom's Hand • 1x Sir Hekhtur: Close combat weapon, Hekhtur's pistol

Thoughts

Some brutal stuff on both sides here, extra heavy Guard versus a Space Wolves elite Infantry build that's brought Land Raiders. That's a good start for the Wolves here, as without transports they'd be suffering from a bit of a "floor is lava" problem. They don't have the reach to deck those Dorns and Canis simultaneously, and all of them will evaporate the quality Infantry here without really breaking a sweat. With the Land Raiders, there's suddenly some strong threat projection going on, especially in combination with one Terminator unit being in Reserves for a turn 1 Deep Strike, and the Guard are a bit shorter on expendable toys thanks to spending on Canis. Access to Transports also grants some limited capability to do some skirmishing with the melee stuff, since if the opponent tries to move for a counterpunch you can use Thunderous Pursuit to hide in the Land Raiders again.

That's helpful, but the Guard have plenty going on too - they'll definitely win a raw gunfight, especially as they can stack buffs with the Exterminator and Fields of Fire to try and drop a Land Raider. They can also be quite muscular with the big Cadian squad - the Reaper will make a big dent in this sure, but won't kill it outright, and the unit is a very obvious target for Reinforcements the first time it goes down (at which point the Reaper should hopefully have suffered an accident). The Guard also have transport threats of their own that are serious discouragements to the non-Terminator units from the wolf side, and can go into a ruin to blow up some Scouts early on.

My vibe from a read here is that if they play this reasonably cautiously, the Guard should have a decent shot here. They're shorter of cheap Infantry than I'd like, but still ought to be able to bait out real Wolf units in service of stopping them scoring early, and as long as the Dorns and Canis avoid getting hit by an alpha strike, they should be able to grind enough damage out to take a win. The Wolves have plays too - they've got good reach on some of their threats, but I think fundamentally a Chimera full of Kasrkin on an objective behind a wall demands enough of an answer that it'll start a fight the Wolves eventually lose, especially with Reinforcements factored in (though I suppose there's the blowout prospect of shutting that down with Logan if the Guard player isn't careful). Not a sure thing, but I fancy the Guard's chances here. Naturally, the Wolves were having none of this, and romped to a comprehensive victory, and this is definitely one I'd be fascinated to see how it played out on the table.

Result

Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer) Victory - 100 - 69

Z Martin - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer) - 1st Place

Logan Grimnar. Credit: Rich Nutter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Land Raider Wolves

Thoughts

Transports and brawling Infantry is one of the defining combinations of 10th Edition, so why shouldn't the more elite Wolves stuff get in on the action? Land Raiders give this list significantly increased flexibility and great threat projection - I particularly like the cute choice of taking Wolf Touched on a WGBL just for the +2" Movement, adding to his unit's overall charge threat out of a Raider. Seems like a lot of fun overall, and great to see Land Raiders making a splash too, well done Z.

Noah Neundorfer - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors) - 2nd Place (4.5-0.5)

Primaris Chapter Master Dante. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Blood Angels + DETACHMENT: Angelic Inheritors + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Commander Dante + ENHANCEMENT: Ordained Sacrifice (on Char4: Lieutenant with Combi-weapon) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 7 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Chief Librarian Mephiston (120 pts): Fury of the Ancients, Plasma Pistol, Vitarus Char2: 1x Commander Dante (120 pts): Warlord, Perdition, The Axe Mortalis Char3: 1x The Sanguinor (140 pts): Encarmine Broadsword Char4: 1x Apothecary (50 pts): Absolver Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Reductor Pistol Char5: 1x Captain with Jump Pack (75 pts): Power Fist, Hand Flamer Char6: 1x Captain with Jump Pack (75 pts): Power Fist, Hand Flamer Char7: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (95 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades Enhancement: Ordained Sacrifice (+25 pts)

5x Intercessor Squad (80 pts) • 1x Intercessor Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon • 4x Intercessor: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon

5x Desolation Squad (200 pts) • 4x Desolation Marine: 4 with Bolt Pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close Combat Weapon, Superkrak Rocket Launcher • 1x Desolation Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Castellan Launcher, Close Combat Weapon, Vengor Launcher 6x Inceptor Squad (240 pts) • 5x Inceptor: 5 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Exterminators • 1x Inceptor Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Exterminators 5x Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) • 4x Infiltrator 2 with 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 1 with Helix Gauntlet, Infiltrator Squad, Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant: Bolt Pistol, Close Combat Weapon, Marksman Bolt Carbine 3x Sanguinary Guard (110 pts) 1 with Sanguinary Banner, Sanguinary Guard, Encarmine Blade, Inferno Pistol 2 with Sanguinary Guard, Encarmine Blade, Angelus Boltgun 3x Sanguinary Guard (110 pts) 1 with Sanguinary Banner, Sanguinary Guard, Encarmine Blade, Inferno Pistol 2 with Sanguinary Guard, Encarmine Blade, Angelus Boltgun 3x Sanguinary Guard (110 pts) 1 with Sanguinary Banner, Sanguinary Guard, Encarmine Blade, Inferno Pistol 2 with Sanguinary Guard, Encarmine Blade, Angelus Boltgun 1x Vindicator (185 pts): Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter 1x Vindicator (185 pts): Armoured Tracks, Demolisher Cannon, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter

Archetype

Shooty Inheritors

Thoughts

Another melee chapter up next, albeit in a shooty mode. The Inheritors buffs work great for small Sanguinary Guard units, making them exceptional troubleshooters, then access to Shadow for protecting the Desolation Marines and Wings for the Inceptors provides really flexible and hard to avoid Shooting. Desolation Marines feel particularly well timed just after Plaguebursts go away, as that'll make incautious players breath a sigh of relief and hide T3 Infantry behind walls again. The other thing to say about this is that it looks like we're heading into a melee Marine-heavy metagame, and the Sanguinor kicks ass in that context, as the threat of him decapitating half a unit on Fight First (since he's got re-rolls to work with here) is tough to operate around. Another strong prospect for the next few months, well done Noah.

Robert Birmingham - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited) - 3rd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

EC (1995 Points)

✨💖🎀 The Exquisite Coterie of the Conceited UwU 💖🎀👑😈🎶🌸✨💜💅💕 Eternal Symphony of Kawaii Excess 💕💅💜✨🌸🎶😈👑🎀💖✨

Emperor's Children Coterie of the Conceited Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

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

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 Kakophonist (60 Points) • Warlord • 1x Power sword • 1x Screamer pistol

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 Power sword • 4x Infractor ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Duelling sabre ◦ 1x Icon of Excess

Tormentors (85 Points) • 1x Obsessionist ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power sword • 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 Power sword • 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 • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Maulerfiend (130 Points) • 2x Magma cutters • 1x Maulerfiend fists

Maulerfiend (130 Points) • 2x Magma cutters • 1x Maulerfiend fists

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 ◦ 2x Blastmaster ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Sonic blaster

Exported with App Version: v1.40.0 (1), Data Version: v674

Archetype

Double Prince Coterie

Thoughts

Speaking of melee Marines that really hate the Sanguinor, the ultra-speedy Emperor's Children are ready for a comeback now that their overbearing Death Guard brethren have been cut down to size. This build strikes like lightning, has a decent amount of heavy lifting from the Forgefiends, and can flatten other elite armies with ease. Yet another one to watch, great stuff Robert.

David Purce|| - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 4th Place

Rogal Dorn. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Ultra-heavy Combined Arms

Thoughts

As seen in the Showdown, Canis Rex still rocks as an ally, and adding him to a build like this gives you both melee punch and threat saturation. I do think this specific list needs to find space for a couple more chaff units somehow (maybe the Exterminator can become a Hellhound and a Catachan unit?) but the sheer violence this build can do is pretty exciting, and makes it a real contender, especially as players start to dial back their anti-armour a bit. Great work David.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Stephen Mitchell - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Lighter on the big Infantry units than normal, instead favouring Allarus units with murder captains, tanks and Bikes.
6th - Steven Tosky - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Awakened Melee MSU and Character spam with Wraiths as bait and Doomsdays to blast away.
7th - JD Tatum - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Standard double Berzerker double Forgefiend Warband with Helbrutes in the flex slots.
8th - Tyler Baker - Genestealer Cult (Final Day): An unusual hordier spin on Final Day using big Neophyte units and some Hyperadapted Raveners as Ingress threats.
9th - Tommy Rust - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Vectorium goodstuff with less stuff.
10th - Mark Perry - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): A novel Daemon Prince spam build, taking four (three wings, one foot) alongside Magnus for roving threats galore.
11th - Anthony Carter - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Classic shooty monster mash with a full Ravener bomb.

Geekfest - Summer Heat - Warhammer 40K GT

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Shearwater, NS, CA on August 23 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Keenan Elliot - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

High Marshal Helbrecht. Credit: Saint

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Big Black Templar (1995 points)

Space Marines Black Templars Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Castellan (60 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Castellan (60 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Castellan (60 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Master-crafted power weapon

Emperor's Champion (105 points) • 1x Black Sword 1x Bolt Pistol • Enhancement: The Honour Vehement

High Marshal Helbrecht (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Ferocity 1x Sword of the High Marshals

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Land Raider Redeemer (285 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Flamestorm cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-melta 1x Storm bolter 1x Twin assault cannon

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

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

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

Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) • 5x Sword Brother • 2x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol 2x Pyre pistol

Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) • 5x Sword Brother • 2x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol 2x Pyre pistol

Sword Brethren Squad (130 points) • 5x Sword Brother • 2x Heavy bolt pistol 5x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Plasma pistol 2x Pyre pistol

Archetype

Transport Templars

Thoughts

More Melee Marines in Transports here, almost like there's a theme. This build uses the same trick we saw last week, which is that stacking a Marshall and Castellan in a small Sword Brethren unit creates something that hits like a truck, but fits in a mid-capacity Transport. That Transport can be a RepEx, providing serious firepower and T12 durability for your Brethren to run back to if their foe falls back. The result is a really pushy mechanised build that can smash through foes at speed, and I expect to see plenty more of it. Great job Keenan.

Darren Thomas - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The Only Thing I Changed Was The Name Of This Stupid List.

Here's a picture of a duck.

__ <(o )___ ( ._> / `---'

(2000 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Grand Coven

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with Wings (195 points) • 1x Dark Blessing 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E'Taph

Infernal Master (85 points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol

Magnus the Red (420 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus 1x Gaze of Magnus 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

Sorcerer (95 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Pandaemonic Delusion • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

Sorcerer (75 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Pandaemonic Delusion

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (85 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Gaze of Hate 1x Inferno combi-bolter

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Malefic Curse • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Malefic Curse • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Malefic Curse • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Scarab Occult Terminators (375 points) • 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno combi-bolter 1x Malefic Curse • 9x Scarab Occult Terminator • 2x Hellfyre missile rack 7x Inferno combi-bolter 9x Prosperine khopesh 2x Soulreaper cannon

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 5x Enlightened • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (80 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 5x Enlightened • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangors (70 points) • 1x Twistbray • 1x Autopistol 1x Chainsword • 9x Tzaangor • 9x Autopistol 1x Brayhorn 9x Chainsword 1x Herd banner

Tzaangors (70 points) • 1x Twistbray • 1x Autopistol 1x Chainsword • 9x Tzaangor • 9x Autopistol 1x Brayhorn 9x Chainsword 1x Herd banner

Tzaangors (70 points) • 1x Twistbray • 1x Autopistol 1x Chainsword • 9x Tzaangor • 9x Autopistol 1x Brayhorn 9x Chainsword 1x Herd banner

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (92), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Scarab Coven

Thoughts

Grand Coven Goodstuff, but with a big Scarab unit instead of the Mutaliths. That ups the volume output of the army considerably, and also makes it a lot easier to hide or mess with enemy firing lines, though maybe loses out on raw durability. It also covers a lot more ground than a Mutalith, maybe helping to adapt to enemy pressure, and also lets you have a big Rapid Ingress threat if that's what the matchup demands. I think maybe that last part is the deciding factor - opponents already have to be very careful when playing against this army, and that sets up a lot of ways for them to make a catastrophic error. Also, plenty of the other Marines are planning mean Ingress tricks, so why shouldn't the Thousand Sons get a go? It clearly worked here - Darren mixed some big wins with some very narrow ones over tough matchups, so perhaps the extra flexibility was what got him there. Great stuff!

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Evan Sutherland - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Lion and double Deathwing Knights, plus an extra sturdy Battleline setup from Heavy Intercessors (who I think are probably a bit under-explored since they got real cheap).
4th - Blair Macdonald - World Eaters (Khorne Daemonkin): Monstrous Daemonkin with Skarbrand, a Bloodthirster and a Daemon Prince, plus Forgefiend shooty backing.
5th - Phil Cass - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis, an Atrapos and a Lancer with Armigers and a Culexus.
6th - Teddy Mavrogiannis - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Vectorium goodstuff with a big Plague Marine unit and some Helbrutes.
7th - Adam MacLeod - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Combined arms with a fall of Bullgryn protecting Dorns, plus Kasrkin in transports to lunge and Kreig heavy flamer teams as a Strategic Reserves threat.

Utah Cup '25 - Warhammer 40K

99-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Farmington, UT, United States on August 23 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Durante "Glynisir" Bozzini - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 1st Place

Riptide Battlesuit. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Railguns Have 2 Shots & Ignore Mods

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Dante (Glynisir) + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - T'au Empire + DETACHMENT: Kauyon + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + WARLORD: Char1: Commander Shadowsun + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Commander Shadowsun (100 pts): Warlord, Battlesuit fists, Flechette launcher, 2x High-energy fusion blaster, Light missile pod, Pulse pistol

10x Breacher Team (100 pts) • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui: Guardian Drone, Shield Drone, Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol, Support turret • 9x Breacher Fire Warriors: 9 with Close combat weapon, Pulse blaster, Pulse pistol

10x Kroot Carnivores (65 pts) • 1x Long-quill: Close combat weapon, Kroot pistol, Kroot carbine • 1x Kroot Carnivore: Close combat weapon, Tanglebomb launcher • 8x Kroot Carnivores: 8 with Close combat weapon, Kroot rifle

10x Pathfinder Team (90 pts) • 9x Pathfinders 6 with Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol 3 with Close combat weapon, Ion rifle, Pulse pistol • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui: Shield Drone, Recon drone, Drone burst cannon, Close combat weapon, Pulse carbine, Pulse pistol, Semi-automatic grenade launcher, Twin pulse carbine

3x Stealth Battlesuits (80 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre: Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone, Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • 2x Stealth Shas'ui: 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon

3x Stealth Battlesuits (80 pts) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre: Battlesuit support system, Homing beacon, Marker Drone, Shield Drone, Battlesuit fists, Fusion blaster • 2x Stealth Shas'ui: 2 with Battlesuit fists, Burst cannon

5x Vespid Stingwings (65 pts) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader: Neutron blaster, Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwings: 4 with Neutron blaster, Stingwing claws

2x Krootox Riders (60 pts): 2x Close combat weapon, 2x Krootox fists, 2x Repeater cannon

1x Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 pts): Battlesuit support system, Ghostkeel fists, Cyclic ion raker, Twin fusion blaster 1x Piranha (60 pts): Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile 1x Piranha (60 pts): Armoured hull, 2x Twin pulse carbine, Piranha fusion blaster, 2x Seeker missile 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Riptide Battlesuit (190 pts): Riptide fists, Ion accelerator, 2x Missile pod, Twin smart missile system 1x Hammerhead Gunship (145 pts): Armoured hull, Railgun, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system 1x Sky Ray Gunship (140 pts): Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system 1x Sky Ray Gunship (140 pts): Armoured hull, Seeker missile rack, 2x Smart missile system 1x Devilfish (85 pts): Accelerator burst cannon, Armoured hull, 2x Seeker missile, 2x Smart missile system

Archetype

Go-wide Kauyon

Thoughts

A fun combo here - brutal into people giving their pre-nerf Knights a last runaround (Durante dealt a 100VP win to both Chaos and Imperium), and also reasonbly well setup for a putative Marine metagame, as Riptides in particular are great at killing those, and demand a real unit expose themselves to handle them (and some Blood Angels were also victims of the Greater Good here). The T'au hulls are just really efficient, and that hasn't really changed, and I'd look to see more wins from Durante coming up given what a tear he's been on!

Chase Chappell - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Norman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

3 Knights 1 Utah Cup [with an extra hellbrute] (1995 points)

Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Infernal Lance

CHARACTERS

Knight Despoiler (370 points) • Warlord • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x Despoiler gatling cannon 1x Havoc missile pod 2x Heavy darkflamer 1x Titanic feet • Enhancement: Fleshmetal Fusion

Knight Despoiler (335 points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x Despoiler gatling cannon 1x Havoc missile pod 2x Heavy darkflamer 1x Titanic feet

Knight Despoiler (335 points) • 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x Despoiler gatling cannon 1x Havoc missile pod 2x Heavy darkflamer 1x Titanic feet

OTHER DATASHEETS

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (140 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Stalker (140 points) • 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Slaughterclaw

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

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

Rotigus (250 points) • 1x Gnarlrod 1x Streams of brackish filth

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (92), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Gatling Despoiler Spam

Thoughts

Exhibit A in "why Chaos Knight players cannot have nice things" here. Similar to Loyalists with the Atrapos, it's been clear for a while that the best option is just to take as many gatling Despoilers in Infernals as you can field, and here we see a well-timed conclusion of that experiment. They just kill anything, and honestly this build can just drop a Karnivore and probably keep going while barely breaking a sweat. Big nerfs tend to bring the most optimised lists to the fore, so this is another one I expect to see back in slightly reduced form fairly sharpish, congratulations Chase.

Michael Estrada - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 3rd Place (5.5-0.5)

TX7 Hammerhead Gunship. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Mont's ka (2000 Points)

T'au Empire Mont'ka Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Darkstrider (60 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Shade

Ethereal (65 Points) • Warlord • 1x Honour stave • 1x Hover Drone • 1x Marker Drone • 1x Shield Drone • Enhancements: Strategic Conqueror

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System • 1x Cyclic ion raker • 1x Ghostkeel fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System • 1x Cyclic ion raker • 1x Ghostkeel fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

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

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

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

Piranhas (60 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Piranha fusion blaster • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranhas (60 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Piranha fusion blaster • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranhas (60 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Piranha fusion blaster • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Twin pulse carbine

Riptide Battlesuit (190 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Riptide Battlesuit (190 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Riptide Battlesuit (190 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

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

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

Vespid Stingwings (65 Points) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader ◦ 1x Neutron blaster ◦ 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwing ◦ 4x Neutron blaster ◦ 4x Stingwing claws

Exported with App Version: v1.36.1 (1), Data Version: v640

Archetype

Go-wide Mont'ka

Thoughts

More T'au hulls, this time more aggressive. Love that for them. See previous about how efficient those hulls are, and how good Riptides are into a Marine meta. This version probably considers whether a Hammerhead can become a third Ghostkeel somehow if Knights drop a bit, but that's tinkering round the edges, and the core here is ultra solid. Well done Michael.

Tom Cohen - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 4th Place

Lhykhis. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Utah event (2000 Points)

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Autarch (115 Points) • 1x Reaper launcher • 1x Star glaive • Enhancements: Mantle of Wisdom

Fuegan (120 Points) • Warlord • 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

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 Shuriken rifle

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Dark Reapers (195 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Missile launcher • 9x Dark Reaper ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Reaper launcher

Fire Dragons (220 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Fire Dragon Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Firepike • 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

Howling Banshees (190 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Howling Banshee Exarch ◦ 1x Executioner ◦ 1x Shuriken pistol • 9x Howling Banshee ◦ 9x Banshee blade ◦ 9x Shuriken pistol

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

Shining Spears (110 Points) • 1x Shining Spear Exarch ◦ 1x Shimmershield ◦ 1x Shuriken cannon ◦ 1x Star lance • 2x Shining Spear ◦ 2x Laser lance ◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult

Shining Spears (110 Points) • 1x Shining Spear Exarch ◦ 1x Shimmershield ◦ 1x Shuriken cannon ◦ 1x Star lance • 2x Shining Spear ◦ 2x Laser lance ◦ 2x Twin shuriken catapult

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

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: v1.39.0 (1), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Murder Aspect Host

Thoughts

A violent Aspect Host build to close us out here, cutting down on a Wave Serpent for one more threat. Presumably the thinking there is that you can choose whether the Reapers or the Fire Dragons get to ride in the bus depending on the matchup, and that helps diversify the threat profile by adding Spears and bulking out a Banshee unit. These choices all seem strong for a Marine metagame - this build has huge counter-charge reach, and Aspect Host Shining Spears will trade up nicely into a lot of Marines, while taking a nice chunk out of any remaining Knights. The big Banshee squad with Jain Zar can be a spoiler for some armies too, as it's a big Fight First threat with enough bodies to shrug off a Grenade and a few bolt Pistols. As with any build like this, you're going to have a bit of a white knuckle experience in a lot of games, as any mistake will be catastrophic for you, but Tom piloted it through a fantastic run all the way to an undefeated table, and only lost by a single point to the Chaos Knight brutality above. Love to see an elf boss winning, great stuff!

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Scott Rumple - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): Mostly fairly elite Gladius, breaking from that for a full Blood Claw horde for Ragnar to lead around.
6th - Ben Jurek - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Atrapos, triple Despoiler and Rotigus.
7th - John Holbrook - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer): Plagueburst hammer with a big Plague Marine unit as counter-charge.
8th - Thomas Knight - Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): A Mythic Hero Magaera (presumably an escapeee from 9th Edition) and a bunch of Armigers.
9th - Lane Nusbaum - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Triple Dorn and a wall of Bullgryn. I legit cannot believe we're somehow back to massed Bullgryn as the best guard build, just an all-timer tarpit unit.

Hammer of Wrath GT

35-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cypress, CA, United States on August 23 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Hans Lieber - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer) - 1st Place

Plagueburst Crawler - Credit Beanith

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

RIP Margaritaville (1995 Points)

Death Guard Mortarion's Hammer Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Lord of Contagion (110 Points) • 1x Manreaper

Lord of Contagion (110 Points) • 1x Manreaper

Lord of Virulence (110 Points) • Warlord • 1x Power fist • 1x Twin plague spewer • Enhancements: Tendrilous Emissions

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (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

Plagueburst Crawler (195 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Entropy cannon • 1x Heavy slugger • 1x Plagueburst mortar

Plagueburst Crawler (195 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Entropy cannon • 1x Heavy slugger • 1x Plagueburst mortar

Plagueburst Crawler (195 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Heavy slugger • 1x Plagueburst mortar • 2x Plaguespitter

Poxwalkers (60 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (60 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (60 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (1), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Plagueburst Hammer

Thoughts

...and this build is why Death Guard players can't have nice things. Or at least, should get a lot fewer of them. I have nothing left to say about this particular army - you all know what it does. Congratulations Hans on adding a trophy to the tally before Nurgle calls time.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Forrest Phanton - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): A horrifically violent build with maximum ThunderCav, triple Vindicator and Canis Rex.
3rd - Zayd Alshoushi - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double Warrior horde with Skorpekh MSUs to operate around them.
4th - David Labovitch - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Maximum Deathwing Knights and lots of Eradicators to see out a final weekend of Knights, plus a full Sternguard squad for Azrael to rock around with.
5th - Kennith! Onyeabor - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Triple tunnelling Norn Emissaries. No less than I'd expect from the world's most successful Norn fan.
6th - Victor Campos - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Heavy melee and Ballistus Liberator.
7th - Karl Jones - Aeldari (Seer Council): Seer Council centred around tooled-up Guardian units, Phoenix Lords, and a big Fire Dragon squad.

The 40k Circuit Breaker - A Warhammer 40k GT

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Indianola, IA, United States on August 23 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Kyle McCord - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock) - 1st Place

Deathwing Knights with Maces of Absolution by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Angels of the Blazing Mace (2000 points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Wrath of the Rock

CHARACTERS

Azrael (115 points) • Warlord • 1x Lion's Wrath 1x The Lion Helm 1x The Sword of Secrets

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

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Centurion Devastator Squad (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

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

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

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

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

Eradicator Squad (200 points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Melta rifle • 5x Eradicator • 5x Bolt pistol 5x Close combat weapon 3x Melta rifle 2x Multi-melta

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

Sternguard Veteran Squad (100 points) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power fist 1x Sternguard bolt pistol 1x Sternguard bolt rifle • 4x Sternguard Veteran • 4x Close combat weapon 4x Sternguard bolt pistol 3x Sternguard bolt rifle 1x Sternguard heavy bolter

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Storm Shield 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack • 4x Storm Shield 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Storm Shield 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack • 4x Storm Shield 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Storm Shield 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 4x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack • 4x Storm Shield 4x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.39.0 (92), Data Version: v662

Archetype

Deathwing Knight Wrath

Thoughts

The other kind of Knight army here, with the Dark Angels presenting a wall of ceremite to thwart foes. Three units of DWKs is daunting for almost anything to try and push through, and there's some great shooting lurking behind them, which can be quite hard to kill between the Detachment rule and Armour of Contempt. I also like the Vanguard Veteran squads here, as they remove the option of playing round this build by running away from it, especially with Advance/Charge from Tactical Mastery. Stacking that with Leonine Aggression lets this army control a huge amount of space, and I'm going to say that I think this version is considerably scarier than other ones we've seen recently with the Lion. Yet another Chapter to rule over us in the (maybe) Marine Autum that's coming for us all, good stuff from Kyle.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd (4.5-0.5, drew the final vs Kyle) - Chris Adams - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Mortarion Vectorium goodstuff.
3rd - Ryan Hayes - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): All-rounder Martyrs with one big Sacresant squad and lots of Castigators.
4th - Blake Kittrell - Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): Massed Dreadnoughts, which maybe goes up in value as fewer people tech for Knights.
5th - Jonathan Brandt - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Warband with an extra Slaughterbound Eightbound and some Maulerfiends instead of a second Berzerker squad.
6th - Calvin Foster - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Allarus and Caladius spam, maxing out on each.

Glennperor GT

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Västra Götalands län, Sverige on August 23 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Emil Söderholm - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st

Goremongers. Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - World Eaters + DETACHMENT: Berzerker Warband + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Khârn the Betrayer + ENHANCEMENT: Berzerker Glaive (on Char1: Master of Executions) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Khârn the Betrayer (85pts): Gorechild, Plasma pistol, Warlord Lord Invocatus (110pts): Bladed horn, Bolt pistol, Coward's Bane Master of Executions (85pts): Berzerker Glaive, Axe of dismemberment, Bolt pistol Slaughterbound (85pts): Lacerator and daemonic claw

10x Khorne Berzerkers (180pts) 10x Khorne Berzerkers (180pts) 10x Khorne Berzerkers (180pts)

8x Goremongers (85pts) 8x Goremongers (85pts) 8x Goremongers (85pts) 10x Jakhals (65pts) 10x Jakhals (65pts) 2x Chaos Spawn (80pts) 2x Chaos Spawn (80pts) 2x Chaos Spawn (80pts) Forgefiend (150pts): 2 ectoplasma cannons, 2x Ectoplasma cannon, Ectoplasma cannon and claws, Ectoplasma cannon, Forgefiend claws Forgefiend (150pts): 2 ectoplasma cannons, 2x Ectoplasma cannon, Ectoplasma cannon and claws, Ectoplasma cannon, Forgefiend claws Chaos Rhino (85pts): Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-bolter Chaos Rhino (85pts): Armoured tracks, Combi-bolter, Havoc launcher, Combi-bolter

Archetype

Board Control Berzerkers

Thoughts

Some World Eaters to wrap up here, dialing back on the killing power of some builds in favour of lots of extra Infantry, especially Goremongers. Perhaps the goal was to score around Knight foes, which Emil sort of managed with a draw in the final, and extra sacrifical stuff will certainly help in a melee infantry metagame. Khorne cares not from where the blood flows, but if you're playing the World Eaters it's nice if it's mostly from the opponent. A spin on the norm, and it does seem to have some play, even if you'd like Goremongers to be a hair cheaper, good work Emil.

The Best of the Rest

There was 4 more player on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Björn Håkansson - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Bladeguard and Sanguinary Guard-heavy Liberator with some Predator Annihilators for shooting.
3rd - Henrik Karlsson - Chaos Knights (Lords of Dread): Four mixed bigs and an allied winged Daemon Prince.
4th - Johan Eriksson - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Triple Infernal Despoiler, Rotigus and an Atrapos.
5th - Joakim Engström - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Big dakka bugs, a heavy Genestealer screen and some Termagants with a Tervigon.

Wrap Up

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: The Healing Process pt.1

WarZone: Tucker Brewing- Bham’s Last Round

The Showdown

Linchpin - Tipping Point

Thoughts

Result

Z Martin - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Noah Neundorfer - Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors) - 2nd Place (4.5-0.5)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Robert Birmingham - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

David Purce|| - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Geekfest - Summer Heat - Warhammer 40K GT

Keenan Elliot - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Darren Thomas - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Utah Cup '25 - Warhammer 40K

Durante "Glynisir" Bozzini - T'au Empire (Kauyon) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Chase Chappell - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Michael Estrada - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 3rd Place (5.5-0.5)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Tom Cohen - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Hammer of Wrath GT

Hans Lieber - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

The 40k Circuit Breaker - A Warhammer 40k GT

Kyle McCord - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Glennperor GT

Emil Söderholm - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 1st

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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