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.

As you have probably noticed by now, it's Dataslate day! We've covered everyone's allocation of gifts and/or lumps of radioactive coal in our standard set of writeups which you can see below:

This week's column obviously contains some thoughts about how top lists are impacted by the Dataslate, so thanks to Games Workshop for sending us a review copy of it.

Part 1 on Wednesday:

THE LEICESTER 40K SUPER MAJOR
Merry Slaaneshmass 2025
Iron Cage: Winter Whammy
FIGHT BEFORE XMAS 25
The Vault Reforged: Anniversary Grand Tournament
FA CUP 2025 Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament - Winter 2025
Bulwark Events x CGC GT: Victors 50th Crusade!

Part 2 on Friday:

Feliz Exterminatus IV
Wytch Trials 2025 Ascension
Winter Warlords 2025 hosted by RWGC
December Grand Tournament at GG presented by Warhound Tournaments
Legion GT
Shanghai 40K GT Dec 2025
DicePodGT

Part 3 on Saturday:

Everwinter Warhammer 40K GT
Leoben Winter Sprint 40K Singles 2025 - Alpine Cup
Bristol Crusaders GT
112. Bedburger Scheunenkloppen
Hole in the Wall Hobbies December Iron Man GT
Winter War Zone 2025 40K GT

THE LEICESTER 40K SUPER MAJOR

262-player, 8-round Supermajor in England, GB on December 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Purge the Foe - Crucible of Battle

Matthew McCurdy - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force)

Army List - Click to Expand

Wolf Wolf (1995 Points)

Space Marines Space Wolves Stormlance Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Arjac Rockfist (105 Points) • 1x Foehammer

Bjorn the Fell-Handed (170 Points) • 1x Heavy flamer • 1x Helfrost cannon • 1x Trueclaw

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

Wolf Priest (85 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x Crozius arcanum • Enhancements: Portents of Wisdom

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

Thunderwolf Cavalry (230 Points) • 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader ◦ 1x Storm Shield ◦ 1x Teeth and Claws ◦ 1x Wolf Guard weapon • 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry ◦ 5x Storm Shield ◦ 5x Teeth and Claws ◦ 5x Wolf Guard weapon

Thunderwolf Cavalry (115 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

Venerable Dreadnought (140 Points) • 1x Blizzard Shield • 1x Fenrisian great axe • 1x Heavy flamer

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

Wolf Guard Terminators (170 Points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader ◦ 1x Relic greataxe • 4x Wolf Guard Terminator ◦ 1x Assault cannon ◦ 3x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Power fist ◦ 3x Storm Shield

Wolf Guard Terminators (340 Points) • 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader ◦ 1x Relic greataxe • 9x Wolf Guard Terminator ◦ 2x Assault cannon ◦ 7x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 2x Power fist ◦ 7x Storm Shield

Wolf Scouts (105 Points) • 1x Wolf Scout Pack Leader ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Wolf Scout ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Combat blade ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Runic stave ◦ 1x Thunderclap • 1x Hunting Wolf ◦ 1x Teeth and claws

Wolf Scouts (105 Points) • 1x Wolf Scout Pack Leader ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Wolf Scout ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 3x Combat blade ◦ 1x Haywire Mine ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Runic stave ◦ 1x Thunderclap • 1x Hunting Wolf ◦ 1x Teeth and claws

vs.

Nassim Fouchane - Space Marines (Astartes) (Gladius Task Force)

Army List - Click to Expand

Beep boop

Space Marines Ultramarines Gladius Task Force Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain Sicarius (85 Points) • 1x Artisan plasma pistol • 1x Talassarian Tempest Blade

Captain in Gravis Armour (90 Points) • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet • 1x Power fist • 1x Relic blade • Enhancements: Artificer Armour

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

Victrix Honour Guard (210 Points) • 1x Chapter Ancient ◦ 1x Banner of Macragge ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Chapter Champion ◦ 1x Blades of honour • 4x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (210 Points) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 6x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (210 Points) • 6x Victrix Honour Guard ◦ 6x Master-crafted bolt carbine ◦ 6x Master-crafted power weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

Thoughts

So it was going to be a Showdown-free week due to the amount of Grotmas/Dataslate preparation we also needed to do, but good news - someone who we can throw a big net over and persuade to write the Showdown for us made it into the final at the week's biggest event.

Take it away Nassim!

Nassim: Hi again everyone!

So, going into this game I know both me and Matt were exhausted after playing 9hrs of warhammer already, and by the nature of this matchup it was going to be a slugfest due to our armies having a fight in the middle.

A bit of history with Matt, he beat the daylights out of me last year with Space Wolves (Wolf Jailed) at one of the GHO’s. The memes haunt me to this day but I knew it was going to a great game nonetheless. (He’s lovely)

Right back to the game - I knew I had an advantage here. The mission was purge the foe and a lot of my defensive profiles line up well into his army, as he is predominantly AP-2 with my army being a 95% 2+ save with access to Armour of Contempt & Victrix being -1 to wound, Redemptors being -1D. I knew in the melee slugfest I was better equipped so I had an advantage when it came to the Primary.

What ends up happening is a 2 battle-round slaughter. Matt goes first and locks me in a bit and goes for a 8-inch re rollable charge into a unit of Victrix to take a chunk out of them with his 10man Wolfguard Terminator unit before I can connect, which he ends up failing. This was big as it meant I was able to unload 3 Dreads + 2 Victrix units into his biggest brick and pick it up turn 1.

Turn 2 he goes with the remaining pieces of his army into my Sicarius brick + calgar, bringing Calgar’s unit down to just Calgar + 1-2 Victrix guard and Sicarius to 2-3 Victrix, which was solid damage back from his part.

The issue for him now came where my 3rd unit ingressed and was able to pick up the TWC that connected into Sicarius, and the dread shooting + calgar & gravis captain melee able to pick up Logan’s unit with his terminators. By this point he just didn’t have enough back to keep going, as I was also up significantly on secondary cards here.

All in all, a lovely but violent game showing Victrix’s ability to unleash crazy amounts of damage & hold fast well whilst still scoring so high.

Result

Ultramarines Victory - 100-44

Nassim Fouchane - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Victrix Guard Chapter Ancient Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Victrix and Dreads

Thoughts

As seen in the showdown, a brutally efficient wall of 2+ Save threats that will carve through most foes apace. Can keep everything else just by dropping the spare objective Captain, and can also mix things up a bit more by dropping the third unit and still having a massive amount of punch. Ultramarines winter beckons, well done to Nassim for showing just how brutal they can be.

Clement Tournade - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Dark Reapers. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I changed list to paint new models and have an excuse when I lose

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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 (65 Points) • 1x Voidreaver Felarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Mistshield ◦ 1x Neuro disruptor ◦ 1x Power sword • 4x Corsair Voidreaver ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Power sword ◦ 4x Shuriken pistol

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 Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Reaper launcher

Dark Reapers (90 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Dark Reaper Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Tempest launcher • 4x Dark Reaper ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x 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

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

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

Swooping Hawks (190 Points) • 2x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk's talon • 9x Swooping Hawk ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk's talon • 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

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: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Aspect Host

Thoughts

Looking at the top fifty-ish placings at Leicester is very much a "one last trip to elf town" kind of vibe, and of the (many) Aspect Host lists in the 4-1+ brackets, Clement came out on top. This build is exactly the kind squarely targeted by the Dataslate, using the core trio of Phoenix Lords for massive, high-reach damage, Skyborne Sanctuary to protect Fire Dragons, and lots of Hawks and Spiders to control the board and score relentlessly. Clement also has the full complement of Reapers for the mirror (a wise choice given how elf-heavy Leicester was), and one big Hawk unit as an extra hammer.

When looking at Aeldari builds today we're mostly after anything that might get carried forward, and here that's clearly the big Hawk squad (which is essentially unchanged, and Baharroth becomes more tempting post slate) and Shroud Runners. The latter are just solidly strong, and have been underutilised till now (suffering a bit from the old UKTC maps being a little hard to use them on - the new pieces improve them significantly). No Cover is a big deal, and potentially works well with full Hawk or Avenger units, both of which probably see more use post-slate. Clement has thrived with Aeldari in good times and bad, so I'm sure we'll see more from him in the future - congratulations on running undefeated through seven rounds to second place.

Mani Cheema - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 3rd Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Aeldari Aspect Host Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

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

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

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 Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk's talon • 4x Swooping Hawk ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Lasblaster

Swooping Hawks (85 Points) • 1x Aspect Shrine Token • 1x Swooping Hawk Exarch ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hawk's talon • 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 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

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

END OF ROSTER!!

Archetype

Aspect Host

Thoughts

Our second Aspect Host list follows in hot pursuit, and here the key innovation is the move to a full Banshee squad to ride with Jain Zar, as using Warrior Focus on that squad (to blunt Armour of Contempt) is one of the best Aeldari answers to Victrix Guard. Given those are going to be sticking around, I think this unit is now one of the biggest draws to an Aspect Host strategy if it survives, and I expect to see it everywhere. It's less good than the Hawks in the mirror (and Clement did defeat Mani in the final round), but that uh, is not as big a concern as the Ultramarine match going forward. Well done Mani on third!

Matthew McCurdy - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Pressure Wolves

Thoughts

Space Wolves take fourth place here, using a very high pressure list that can jail many foes then punch/bite them to death. The big, ultra-nasty Space Wolves units are obviously an important part of this, but the Wolf Scouts feel like they're key to bringing it together; they're much nastier than almost any other baseline Infiltrate unit out there, and combining that with Scout lets you put massive threat on the foe from the moment the game starts. This build keeps right on trucking in the new metagame, even picking up 20 bonus points from the two Dreadnoughts. Not super sure what it does with that, but it can't hurt, and although Victrix took the list out in the final, Matthew picked up a win against them in round 5, so it's clearly not an insurmountable matchup. Great work Matthew.

The Best of the Rest

There was 4 more players undefeated after the Swiss, who were:

5th - Brett Smith - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Stealth Suit-free hull/Riptide spam, maxing out on Pathfinders instead, which seems solid as a post-slate plan.
6th - Will B - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): 18 Victrix and Redemptors.
7th - Kian Tan - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Herohammer Martyrs with a screen of Arco-flagellants.
8th - Greg Chamberlain - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Four Phoenix Aeldari with a big Banshee squad and Asurmen.

Merry Slaaneshmass 2025

86-player, 7-round Major in Ocean Shores, WA, US on December 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Nicholas Krakauer - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith) - 1st Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adepta Sororitas + DETACHMENT: Champions of Faith (Righteous Purpose) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Morvenn Vahl + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 17 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (9x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Morvenn Vahl (170 pts) 1 with Fidelis, Lance of Illumination, Paragon missile launcher • Warlord

Char2: 1x Hospitaller (50 pts) 1 with Bolt pistol, Chirugeon's tools

Char3: 1x Hospitaller (50 pts) 1 with Bolt pistol, Chirugeon's tools

Char4: 1x Hospitaller (50 pts) 1 with Bolt pistol, Chirugeon's tools

BATTLELINE

10x Battle Sisters Squad (105 pts) • 1x Sister Superior 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Chainsword, Boltgun • Battle Sister • 9x Battle Sister 6 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon • Battle Sister 1 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon • Simulacrum Imperialis, Battle Sister 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Multi-melta • Battle Sister 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Meltagun • Battle Sister

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior 1 with Spear of the Faithful, Inferno pistol • Celestian Sacresant • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace) 9 with Bolt pistol, Hallowed Mace • Celestian Sacresant

10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior 1 with Spear of the Faithful, Inferno pistol • Celestian Sacresant • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace) 9 with Bolt pistol, Hallowed Mace • Celestian Sacresant

10x Celestian Sacresants (130 pts) • 1x Sacresant Superior 1 with Spear of the Faithful, Inferno pistol • Celestian Sacresant • 9x Celestian Sacresant (Hallowed Mace) 9 with Bolt pistol, Hallowed Mace • Celestian Sacresant

10x Dominion Squad (115 pts) • 1x Dominion Superior 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Power weapon, Inferno pistol • Dominion Superior • 9x Dominion 4 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon • Dominion 1 with Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Close combat weapon • Simulacrum Imperialis, Dominion 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Meltagun • Dominion

1x Castigator (160 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, 3x Heavy bolter, Castigator autocannons, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

1x Castigator (160 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, 3x Heavy bolter, Castigator autocannons, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

1x Castigator (160 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, 3x Heavy bolter, Castigator autocannons, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

3x Paragon Warsuits (210 pts) • 1x Paragon Superior 1 with Bolt pistol, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade, Multi-melta • Paragon Superior • 2x Paragon Warsuit 2 with Bolt pistol, Paragon Grenade Launchers, Paragon War Blade, Multi-melta • Paragon Warsuit

1x Immolator (115 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta

1x Immolator (115 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Heavy Bolter, Hunter-Killer Missile, Twin Multi-melta

1x Sororitas Rhino (75 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

1x Sororitas Rhino (75 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Hunter-Killer Missile, Storm bolter

Archetype

Sacresant Shieldwall and Hulls

Thoughts

Another of the Dataslate's targets takes the trophy here, with Nicholas unleashing the might of the Hallowed Martyrs. In line with how the season has gone for the Sisters, this build isn't quite the same as any of the ones we've seen before - we've seen hull spam, we've seen Sacresant shieldwall, but combining the two is new, and clearly very effective. Makes sense as to why - having hulls behind the wall reduces the chance that your foe can just profitably shoot past it, making these even better at out-grinding the foe than normal. In terms of Dataslate changes, this build gets whacked for 80pts of increases, but that's considerably less than the versions that have 15 Retributors behind the wall, so if anything I think we'll see more of lists like this rather than less. You can probably just drop a Sacresant unit down to something cheaper and manage with two, and there are plenty of other ways to tinker. Congratulations to Nicholas on the win.

Timothy Grant - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Ultramarines Cato Sicarius. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Um, akshuly space mawines r a weally hard army to play and wequire aloooot of skill

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Blade of Ultramar + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Marneus Calgar + ENHANCEMENT: Armour of Antoninus (on Char1: Lieutenant with Combi-weapon) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 13 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char1: 1x Captain Sicarius (85 pts): Artisan Plasma Pistol, Talassarian Tempest Blade Char2: 3x Marneus Calgar (200 pts): Warlord • 1x Marneus Calgar: Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard: 2 with Victrix Power Sword Char3: 1x Uriel Ventris (95 pts): Bolt pistol, Invictus, Sword of Idaeus Char4: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (80 pts): Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades Enhancement: Armour of Antoninus (+10 pts)

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

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 1x Scout: Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy Bolter • 3x Scouts: 3 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Combat Knife 6x Victrix Honour Guard (210 pts): 6 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted Power Weapon 6x Victrix Honour Guard (210 pts) • 5x Victrix Honour Guard 1 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted Power Weapon 4 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Chapter Ancient: Banner of Macragge, Master-crafted Power Weapon 6x Victrix Honour Guard (210 pts) • 1x Chapter Champion: Blades of Honour • 5x Victrix Honour Guard: 5 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted Power Weapon 1x Redemptor Dreadnought (195 pts): Icarus Rocket Pod, Redemptor Fist, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Twin Storm Bolter 1x Redemptor Dreadnought (195 pts): Icarus Rocket Pod, Redemptor Fist, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Twin Storm Bolter 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 Ultramar Victrix

Thoughts

18 more Victrix guard here, this timegoing extra shooty by running Blade instead of Gladius, and packing Vindicators instead of Ballistus Dreads. Sure, seems plausible since Vindicators have been good as Ultramarines all edition, but they're also probably the easiest thing to harvest some spare points on in this build, meaning they could be for the chop if 15+ Victrix need to stay. I guess we'll find out in the new year once events get properly rolling. For now, congratulations to Timothy.

Joshua Howard - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 3rd Place

Cadian Castellan. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I must not fear the Castellan.

Castellans are not a list-killer. A Castellan is the the Sustained Hits that bring total obliteration. I will face the Castellan. I will permit it to be in my list and thus on the table. And when the event has gone past I will turn it into a video to see its path. Where the Castellan has gone there will be nothing.

Only I will remain. (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Arms

CHARACTERS

Cadian Castellan (55 points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

Cadian Castellan (55 points) • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist

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

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

Ogryn Bodyguard (40 points) • 1x Brute Shield 1x Close combat weapon 1x Ripper gun

Ogryn Bodyguard (40 points) • 1x Brute Shield 1x Close combat weapon 1x Ripper gun

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 points) • Warlord • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (120 points) • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Sergeant's autogun • 18x Shock Trooper • 18x Close combat weapon 14x Lasgun 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 2x Vox-caster

Cadian Shock Troops (120 points) • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Sergeant's autogun • 18x Shock Trooper • 18x Close combat weapon 14x Lasgun 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 2x Vox-caster

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chimera (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

Chimera (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lasgun array

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (120 points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Hunting lance 1x Lasgun 1x Laspistol 1x Steed's hooves • 9x Rough Rider • 9x Hunting lance 9x Lasgun 9x Laspistol 9x Steed's hooves

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

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

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

Scout Sentinels (55 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 1x Sentinel chainsaw

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Cadian Combined Arms

Thoughts

Guard next, who have been on a bit of a tear in the last few weeks, and this build is packing some hot new tech to help deal with big bricks, specifically full Cadian blocks with Castellans and Command Squads. When these shoot they shoot - I've run into blocks like this in Recon Element before, and been alarmed at how much damage they do to Canoptek Wraiths, so goodness knows what they do to anything else with Born Soldiers on top. They replace additional tanks in this version, and I think that's probably a better call for the metagame we have, and clearly worked well for Joshua, as he only lost a narrow round 6 game to the winning Sisters, carving through nasty foes (including Victrix) on the way.

Ken Bush - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 4th Place

Be'lakor - Credit: RichyP

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Braincell Vacation (2000 Points)

Chaos Daemons Daemonic Incursion Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Be'lakor (375 Points) • Warlord • 1x Betraying Shades • 1x The Blade of Shadows

Great Unclean One (295 Points) • 1x Bilesword • 1x Plague flail • 1x Putrid vomit • Enhancements: The Endless Gift

Lord of Change (285 Points) • 1x Bolt of Change • 1x Rod of sorcery • 1x Staff of Tzeentch • Enhancements: The Everstave

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

Skarbrand (305 Points) • 1x Bellow of endless fury • 1x Slaughter and Carnage

BATTLELINE

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

Plaguebearers (110 Points) • 1x Plagueridden ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer ◦ 1x Daemonic Icon ◦ 1x Instrument of Chaos ◦ 9x Plaguesword

Plaguebearers (110 Points) • 1x Plagueridden ◦ 1x Plaguesword • 9x Plaguebearer ◦ 1x Daemonic Icon ◦ 1x Instrument of Chaos ◦ 9x Plaguesword

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flesh Hounds (75 Points) • 1x Gore Hound ◦ 1x Burning roar ◦ 1x Collar of Khorne ◦ 1x Gore-drenched fangs • 4x Flesh Hound ◦ 4x Collar of Khorne ◦ 4x Gore-drenched fangs

Flesh Hounds (75 Points) • 1x Gore Hound ◦ 1x Burning roar ◦ 1x Collar of Khorne ◦ 1x Gore-drenched fangs • 4x Flesh Hound ◦ 4x Collar of Khorne ◦ 4x Gore-drenched fangs

Screamers (80 Points) • 3x Screamer ◦ 3x Lamprey bite

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Monster Mash

Thoughts

Big Daemon Monster mash - it's good. The Dataslate giveth and taketh away on this one - losing the 4+ Feel No Pain Gift is certainly a blow to it, but damage three Everstave bird whips, and does a good amount for the list's output into many foes - though crucially not Victrix Guard. Losing the ultimate anvil piece probably does hurt somewhat there, but at least you've got Skarbrand to punt them into oblivion if they do manage to kill the GUO, and I don't expect Daemons are going anywhere. Well done Ken.

The Best of the Rest

There was 10 more player on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Joel Rodgers - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): 12 Victrix with some hulls.
6th - Caleb Smith - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Dorn, lots of Kasrkin, one big Krieg brick.
7th - Gareth Hunt - Orks (War Horde): Double big Boyz unit (one with Ghaz) and maximum Gitz.
8th - Nicholas Fromme - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Four Phoenix with the Avatar, which is definitely one of the things you can try post Dataslate.
9th - Nicolas Ohlsen - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Extreme monster mash with a few Plaguebearers in support. Sad about the change to the Gift, but the Everstave Big Bird becomes even more lit.
10th - Justin Francis - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): 12 Victrix with Vindicators and Guilliman.
11th - Adrian James - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Quad bigs with some very heavy hitters. Presumably very excited about the Aeldari changes.
12th - Harry Gieringer - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers): Vulkan's home for neglected smallmarines in full effect here, using a mix of Devastators, Tacticals and VanVets to get things done.
13th - Ryan Cherewich - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): All-melee Spectacle that goes extra hard on Wyches.
14th - Lukas Troller - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Prince Coterie with lots of Infractors.

Iron Cage: Winter Whammy

54-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Bedford, TX, US on December 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Kit Smith Hanna - Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead) - 1st Place

The Lion. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Ironstorm is Dead, Long Live Ironstorm (2000 points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Ironstorm Spearhead

CHARACTERS

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

Captain in Gravis Armour (90 points) • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet 1x Power fist 1x Relic fist • Enhancement: The Flesh Is Weak

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

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

Techmarine (90 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: Adept of the Omnissiah

Techmarine (75 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: Master of Machine War

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

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

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

Land Speeder Vengeance (120 points) • 1x Assault cannon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma storm battery

Land Speeder Vengeance (120 points) • 1x Assault cannon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma storm battery

Land Speeder Vengeance (120 points) • 1x Assault cannon 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma storm battery

Ravenwing Darkshroud (100 points) • 1x Assault cannon 1x Close combat weapon

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

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

Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (150 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Stormfury missiles 1x Thunderstrike las-talon 1x Twin Icarus rocket pod

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Ironstorm Dark Angels

Thoughts

The Land Speeder Vengeance is on a bit of a tour through all the Marine detachments at the moment, showing off how cool having damage three is. It's certainly pretty cool here, lining up with the Ironstrom Detachment and a bunch of Dreadnoughts and herohammer pieces to outdamage most foes. Dark Angels are almost untouched in the slate (just +10pts on Azrael here) and benefit from having some great anti-Victrix and AdMech tools, so should be in a solid spot going forward. What at they going to do, Blood Surge into the Lion? If they've chipped even a single wound off him, he'll pop Unbowed Conviction and slice 'em. God that would feel good as hell. Not for the Ultramarine player obviously, but this isn't about them. Anyway congratulations Kit.

The Best of the Rest

There were 9 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Justin Moore - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Combined Arms Liberator with lots of VanVets and two RepExes full of Assault Intercessors.
3rd - Cameron Hardin - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Mont'ka with Triptide, Fireknifes and Sky Rays.
4th - Jensen Simmons - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): Big units of Plague Marines and Deathshroud backed by blight launcher Drones. Death Guard in general do decently well just by skating through the Dataslate untouched, so expect to see more of these in future.
5th - Brian Ellis - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Prince Coterie with an added Maulerfiend.
6th - NATHANIEL BJORGE - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Raveners and Leapers galore to go fast, plus a Zoanthrope unit to blast things and a herohammer core of the Swarmlord and Trygon Prime.
7th - Peyton Beard - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights and Purifiers.
8th - Cody Maher - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon): Infantry Shadowmark dialing back some of the shooting for an Infiltrating Terminator Assault squad. Obviously the detachment takes a hit, but that specific piece seems a lot more exciting now!
9th - Erik Brody - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Wrath with some extra shooting from two Centurion Devastator squads and a Sternguard brick for Azrael.
10th - Tyler Prothro - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): 18 Victrix and Dreadnoughts.

FIGHT BEFORE XMAS 25

44-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand on December 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Matt van Wijk - World Eaters (Goretrack Onslaught) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I've moved through walls before - I'll move through walls again. (2000 points)

World Eaters Strike Force (2000 points) Goretrack Onslaught

CHARACTERS

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

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

Master of Executions (60 points) • Warlord • 1x Axe of dismemberment 1x Bolt pistol

Slaughterbound (95 points) • 1x Lacerator and daemonic claw • Enhancement: Unleash Hell

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Chaos Terminators (175 points) • 1x World Eaters Terminator Champion • 1x Accursed weapon 1x Combi-bolter • 4x World Eaters Terminator • 1x Chainfist 3x Combi-bolter 3x Power fist 1x Reaper autocannon

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Pressure Goretrack

Thoughts

Goretrack gets an outing here, letting World Eaters dump tremendous amounts of pressure on foes across multiple fronts, and also unleash some incredibly far-reaching turn one plays with the Aggressive Deployment squad if the situation calls for it (and if they can punch into an enemy deployment zone, chop up one thing and then Surge into another, it might well be). This looks like a blast to play, getting Lance on go turns helps ensure you can still punch out heavy targets, and the list has a lot more backbone than some World Eaters armies, which helps capitalise on the pressure it can unleash. Great to see non-Berzerker Warband builds get the odd outing, and the only shame is that finding the extra five points needed to keep the Slaughterbound (I'm assuming you just drop the Enhancement) is surprisingly annoying here. Well done to Matt.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Courtney Thomson - Ultramarines (Stormlance Task Force): Stormlance Stormraven, but also there are Victrix now.
3rd - Karris Fleming - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Deathshroud-heavy goodstuff.
4th - John McLachlan - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Subterranean with big dakka bugs.
5th - Michael Stewart - Raven Guard (Shadowmark Talon): Infantry Shadowmark.
6th - Liam Howe - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Big Warrior unit, double Monolith, no brakes.
7th - Aaron Wilson - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Daemon Engine and Noise Marine Raiders with Vashtorr in charge.
8th - Sam Whitt - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Double Prince Coterie with a Land Raider full of Flawless Blades.

The Vault Reforged: Anniversary Grand Tournament

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Clarksville, TN, United States on December 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Francesco Lionetti - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) - 1st Place

Trajann Valoris. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Do Custodes Have Meat Sweats? (1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (145 points) • 1x Vaultswords • Enhancement: Superior Creation

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (160 points) • 1x Interceptor lance 1x Salvo launcher • Enhancement: Admonimortis

Trajann Valoris (140 points) • Warlord • 1x Eagle's Scream 1x Watcher's Axe

BATTLELINE

Custodian Guard (160 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (160 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

Custodian Guard (160 points) • 4x Custodian Guard • 3x Guardian spear 1x Misericordia 1x Praesidium Shield 1x Vexilla

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

Vertus Praetors (150 points) • 2x Vertus Praetor • 2x Interceptor lance 2x Salvo launcher

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

ALLIED UNITS

Inquisitor (55 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Force weapon 1x Psychic Gifts 1x Psychic Shock Wave

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

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (104), Data Version: v715

Archetype

All-rounder Lions

Thoughts

A win for the classic four Infantry/two tank Custodes build next, this version adding some bikes for a bit of additional firepower and roving threat. Solid all-rounder plan, and the list picks up 35 extra points in the slate (and already had 5 spare), which gives it quite a few angles for tinkering, and a high floor of just investing in bulking Kyria's squad up to a full five models to get even more value from a shoot twice pop-off. As we see here, Custodes players have done well already out of leaning into getting a few extra tools in by picking cheaper Guard, and that's clearly only going to increase in the new metagame. Well done Francesco.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Michele Forgione - Salamanders (Firestorm Assault Force): Double Infernus drive-by Salamanders, with some Razorback-riding Devastators as well.
3rd - Levi Hummon - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): A bow wave of Genestealers with Zoanthropes and Tyrannofex behind them.
4th - Trent Bannerman - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Herohammer, MSUs, and one big ThunderCav squad.
5th - Brandon Walley - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Monster mash Subterranean, going for double Norn and lots of other big bugs.
6th - Blake Clotfelter - Aeldari (Spirit Conclave): Lots of Wraithblades and Wraithlords, plus one unit each of the Wraithguard flavours. Stocks on this are up pretty much by default, so go wild.

FA CUP 2025 Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament - Winter 2025

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Kowloon, HK on December 05 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Gabriel Leung - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 1st Place

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank. Credit: Scott Horras "Heresy"

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Emperor's True Finest (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Combined Arms Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Cadian Castellan (55 Points) • Warlord • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist

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

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

Ogryn Bodyguard (40 Points) • 1x Brute Shield • 1x Bullgryn maul • 1x Close combat weapon

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

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

BATTLELINE

Cadian Shock Troops (120 Points) • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Sergeant's autogun • 18x Shock Trooper ◦ 18x Close combat weapon ◦ 14x Lasgun ◦ 2x Meltagun ◦ 2x Plasma gun ◦ 2x Vox-caster

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.44.0 (2), Data Version: v715

Archetype

Bullgryn Combined Arms

Thoughts

More Guard, and again a Cadian Castellan stack is on show, albeit only one this time. Instead, this version invests in two full Bullgryn units, which continue excellent, and like most durability-based units they improve when the most lethal lists in the metagame get de-fanged. This build also looks like a prime candidate to try out a swap to the new Grizzled Company (who doesn't want Ordered Bullgryn?), and maybe we'll see Gabriel back soon with a new set of Detachment rules in play.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Parson Cheung - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus-free Grand Coven that sticks to lots of Enlightened and Mutaliths to support Rubricae.
3rd - Eric 'Corazon' Yu - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Standard three Phoenix host with one big Hawk squad.
4th - Terence Tsui - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Hull and Retributor-heavy Martyrs.
5th - Brian Wong - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Twelve Victrix with RepEx rides.

Bulwark Events x CGC GT: Victors 50th Crusade!

28-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Atlanta, GA, United States on December 06 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

David Purсelll - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 1st Place

Cadian Shock Troops. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Combined Arms (Lethal Hits) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 19 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 8 Characters - Cull The Horde: 2x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Inspired by WTC

CHARACTER

1x Cadian Castellan (55 pts) • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol

1x Cadian Castellan (55 pts) • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol

5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 1x Cadian Commander • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • Cadian Commander • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 4x Close combat weapon • 2x Plasma gun • 1x Plasma pistol • 2x Lasgun • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Master vox, Medi-pack

5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 1x Cadian Commander • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • Cadian Commander • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 4x Close combat weapon • 2x Plasma gun • 1x Plasma pistol • 2x Lasgun • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Master vox, Medi-pack

1x Ogryn Bodyguard (40 pts) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Ripper gun • Brute shield

1x Ogryn Bodyguard (40 pts) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Ripper gun • Brute shield

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

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

BATTLELINE

20x Cadian Shock Troops (120 pts) • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Chainsword • 2x Shock Trooper • 18x Shock Trooper • 18x Close combat weapon • 14x Lasgun • 2x Meltagun • 2x Plasma gun • 18x Shock Trooper, 2x Vox-caster

20x Cadian Shock Troops (120 pts) • 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Chainsword • 2x Shock Trooper • 18x Shock Trooper • 18x Close combat weapon • 14x Lasgun • 2x Meltagun • 2x Plasma gun • 18x Shock Trooper, 2x Vox-caster

10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 pts) • 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Laspistol • Catachan Jungle Fighter • 9x Jungle Fighter • 9x Close combat weapon • 7x Lasgun • 2x Flamer • 9x Catachan Jungle Fighter, Vox-caster

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Chainsword • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • Kasrkin • 9x Kasrkin Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon • 3x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle • 2x Meltagun • 2x Plasma gun • 9x Kasrkin, Melta mine, Vox-caster

10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Chainsword • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • Kasrkin • 9x Kasrkin Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon • 3x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle • 2x Meltagun • 2x Plasma gun • 9x Kasrkin, Melta mine, Vox-caster

10x Kasrkin (110 pts) • 1x Kasrkin Sergeant • 1x Chainsword • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • Kasrkin • 9x Kasrkin Trooper • 9x Close combat weapon • 3x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • 1x Hot-shot marksman rifle • 2x Meltagun • 2x Plasma gun • 9x Kasrkin, Melta mine, Vox-caster

10x Attilan Rough Riders (120 pts) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Lasgun • 1x Laspistol • 1x Steed's hooves • 1x Hunting lance • Attilan Rough Rider • 9x Rough Rider • 9x Hunting lance • 9x Lasgun • 9x Laspistol • 9x Steed's hooves • 9x Attilan Rough Rider

10x Attilan Rough Riders (120 pts) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant • 1x Lasgun • 1x Laspistol • 1x Steed's hooves • 1x Hunting lance • Attilan Rough Rider • 9x Rough Rider • 9x Hunting lance • 9x Lasgun • 9x Laspistol • 9x Steed's hooves • 9x Attilan Rough Rider

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

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

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

Archetype

Castellan Combined Arms

Thoughts

Sorry David, you have experienced the ultimate misfortune that you have a cool new thing out, but two other people at bigger events did it too so I've run out of things to say. Cadian Castellans - clearly the place to be, and congratulations to today's last big winner!

The Best of the Rest

There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Christian Harless - Adepta Sororitas (Bringers of Flame): Hull and Retributor spam, also packing max flamer Seraphim MSUs.
3rd - Walter Langendorf - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Silent King, Doomsdays, a unit of Wraiths to hold the line, and lots of Skorpekh/Lord MSUs.

Wrap Up

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: The Night Before Grotmas pt.1

THE LEICESTER 40K SUPER MAJOR

The Showdown

Purge the Foe - Crucible of Battle

Thoughts

Result

Nassim Fouchane - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Clement Tournade - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Mani Cheema - Aeldari (Aspect Host) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Matthew McCurdy - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Merry Slaaneshmass 2025

Nicholas Krakauer - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Timothy Grant - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Joshua Howard - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Ken Bush - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Iron Cage: Winter Whammy

Kit Smith Hanna - Dark Angels (Ironstorm Spearhead) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

FIGHT BEFORE XMAS 25

Matt van Wijk - World Eaters (Goretrack Onslaught) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

The Vault Reforged: Anniversary Grand Tournament

Francesco Lionetti - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

FA CUP 2025 Warhammer 40,000 Grand Tournament - Winter 2025

Gabriel Leung - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Bulwark Events x CGC GT: Victors 50th Crusade!

David Purсelll - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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