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.

Part 2 on Friday:

Celtic Cup Grand Tournament 2025
Alba GT 2025
The Gravel Pit #4
Cross-Sword War At The Westward IX
Minsk Eternal GT III
Mugu Games 40k store championship

Part 1 on Wednesday:

Fantasia Fanatic XLVIII 40K
Canes Belli War
The Standoff 2025
Hive City Rumble GT
Luxembourg Open
The Outriders : MK 40k Grand Tournament #1

Part 3 on Saturday:

RenegadeOpen2025 - 40K GT
21st Legion Presents: The 4th Hammer Down Breast Cancer 40k GT
The Hobart GT 2025
6° TCC
GT Polar 2025

Celtic Cup Grand Tournament 2025

99-player, 6-round Major in Scotland, GB on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Innes Wilson - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Ultramarines Lieutenant with Combi-Weapon. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

For the 2026 Season I promise to just play what Josh tells me (1995 points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

Roboute Guilliman (340 points) • Warlord • 1x Emperor's Sword 1x Hand of Dominion

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

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Incursor Squad (80 points) • 1x Incursor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Occulus bolt carbine 1x Paired combat blades • 4x Incursor • 4x Bolt pistol 1x Haywire Mine 4x Occulus bolt carbine 4x Paired combat blades

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher 1x Melta destroyer

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hammerstrike missile launcher 2x Krakstorm grenade launcher 1x Melta destroyer

Victrix Honour Guard (210 points) • 1x Chapter Champion • 1x Blades of honour • 5x Victrix Honour Guard • 5x Master-crafted bolt carbine 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Victrix Honour Guard (210 points) • 1x Chapter Ancient • 1x Banner of Macragge 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 5x Victrix Honour Guard • 5x Master-crafted bolt carbine 5x Master-crafted power weapon

Vindicator (185 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Vindicator (185 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Demolisher cannon 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

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

Archetype

Victrix Gladius

Thoughts

As always when Innes wins events, we've been able to squeeze some vital strategic information out of him, as follows.

Innes: Victrix Honour Guard bring a whole new type of dynamism to Ultramarines lists and it's hard to overstate how powerful that flexibility is. With the ability to both Blood Surge, and Reactive Move, any turn that involves being near Victrix brings inherent risks to the opponent that a canny player can leverage to punish pushing into the other powerful pieces in an Ultramarines list. Forcing people to engage with the unit to score secondaries in the middle objectives, or reach the angle to shoot back at your Vindicators (who are still as wonderful as ever with +1 Oath) proved to be a challenge that the metagame is still working out how to play around / through.

There's also the fact that Ultramarines finally have a strong delivery unit for Uriel Ventris and his Vect Aura, which also benefits from the good old "our turn" mechanics of Victrix Honour Guard and doesn't feel as punished for his lack of strong leader ability due to their own suite of every rule in the game except grenades (Real fans will know how much that pains me)

I'll cite an interaction from the finals against Scott and his guard as emblematic of the problems with the unit: Scott drew two secondaries which forced engagement on the center objective which was fully covered by Calgar+Victrix's 9" reactive zone - at which point I reactived fully into the open, knowing that Scott's Rogal Dorn couldn't justify shooting me to do medium damage through Armour of Contempt, but also losing his screen/move block, his secondary points, and also give me 5 primary for the privilege.

Overall, a brand new and very powerful unit for an archetype that's never really been bad.

Scott McCutcheon - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 2nd Place

Rogal Dorn. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Combined Arms (Lethal Hits) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Cadian Commander + ENHANCEMENT: Death Mask of Ollanius (on Char2: Cadian Command Squad - Cadian Commander) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Cadian Castellan (55 pts) 1 with Power fist, Plasma pistol • Warlord

Char2: 5x Cadian Command Squad (75 pts) • 1x Cadian Commander 1 with Power fist, Plasma pistol • Cadian Commander Enhancement: Death Mask of Ollanius (+10 pts) • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun, Bolt pistol • Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun • Master vox, Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun • Medi-pack, Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • Cadian Veteran Guardsman

Char3: 5x Catachan Command Squad (65 pts) • 1x Catachan Commander 1 with Close combat weapon, Laspistol • Catachan Commander • 4x Veteran Guardsman 4 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Laspistol • Veteran Guardsman

Char4: 1x Ogryn Bodyguard (40 pts) 1 with Close combat weapon, Ripper gun • Brute shield

Char5: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Heavy stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon

Char6: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Heavy stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

6x Bullgryn Squad (200 pts) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead 1 with Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul • Brute shield, Bullgryn Squad • 5x Bullgryn 5 with Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul • Brute shield, Bullgryn Squad

6x Bullgryn Squad (200 pts) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead 1 with Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul • Brute shield, Bullgryn Squad • 5x Bullgryn 5 with Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul • Brute shield, Bullgryn Squad

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

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Grind Them Down

Thoughts

I've had the pleasure of playing Scotland international Scott before, and he is an excellent grindy and attritional player. This Combined list serves those needs like a dream - all the greatest hits with the Bullgryn wall, Dorn support, and a big slab of Cadians with an Ogryn Bodyguard, which is the latest Guard initiative to find additional tarpits that elves and the likes can drown in. A powerful build that harnesses more or less everything going for current Astra Militarum. Very well done on the top placing.

Martin Sloan - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

High Marshal Helbrecht. Credit: Saint

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Player name:Marty Sloan

Faction :Space Marines Black Templars Army points (2000) Army Enhancement : N/A Detachment name:Gladius TaskForce

CHARACTERS

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

Lieutenant (65 points) • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Neo-volkite pistol 1x Storm Shield

Lieutenant (65 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Master-crafted bolter

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

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

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

BATTLELINE

Crusader Squad (310 points) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Pyre pistol • 11x Initiate • 7x Astartes chainsword 11x Bolt pistol 11x Close combat weapon 11x Heavy bolt pistol 4x Power fist • 8x Neophyte • 8x Astartes chainsword 8x Bolt pistol

Crusader Squad (310 points) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Pyre pistol • 11x Initiate • 7x Astartes chainsword 11x Bolt pistol 11x Close combat weapon 11x Heavy bolt pistol 4x Power fist • 8x Neophyte • 8x Astartes chainsword 8x Bolt pistol

Crusader Squad (310 points) • 1x Sword Brother • 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Pyre pistol • 11x Initiate • 7x Astartes chainsword 11x Bolt pistol 11x Close combat weapon 11x Heavy bolt pistol 4x Power fist • 8x Neophyte • 8x Astartes chainsword 8x 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

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 • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Combat knife 1x Heavy bolter 1x Scout sniper rifle

Exported with App Version: v1.43.1 (103), Data Version: v708

Archetype

Black Templars Crusader Bricks

Thoughts

An intriguing take on Templars that slams in two big bricks of Crusaders- a meta menace of yesteryear, people have been quite lukewarm on these in the new book, so it's very cool to see a double Crusader brick build take a podium place! Generally this list, which also packs the obligatory double Repulsor Executioners, does what Templars do best - take exceptional damage dealing datasheets, and apply the best detachment in the game to them for maximum flexibility. Brilliant work.

Haydn Dempster - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - World Eaters + DETACHMENT: Berzerker Warband (Relentless Rage) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Khârn the Betrayer + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 14 + SECONDARY: - Assassination: 4 Characters - Cull The Horde: 2x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Khârn the Betrayer (100 pts) 1 with Gorechild, Plasma pistol • Warlord

Char2: 1x Lord on Juggernaut (90 pts) 1 with Bladed horn, Exalted chainblade, Plasma pistol

Char3: 1x Lord on Juggernaut (90 pts) 1 with Bladed horn, Exalted chainblade, Plasma pistol

Char4: 1x Slaughterbound (85 pts) 1 with Lacerator and daemonic claw

BATTLELINE

20x Khorne Berzerkers (360 pts) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion 1 with Chainblade, Bolt pistol • Icon of Khorne, Khorne Berzerker • 19x Khorne Berzerker 11 with Bolt pistol, Chainblade 4 with Chainblade, Plasma pistol 4 with Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator

10x Khorne Berzerkers (180 pts) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion 1 with Chainblade, Bolt pistol • Icon of Khorne, Khorne Berzerker • 9x Khorne Berzerker 5 with Bolt pistol, Chainblade 2 with Chainblade, Plasma pistol 2 with Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator

20x Khorne Berzerkers (360 pts) • 1x Khorne Berzerker Champion 1 with Chainblade, Bolt pistol • Icon of Khorne, Khorne Berzerker • 19x Khorne Berzerker 11 with Bolt pistol, Chainblade 4 with Chainblade, Plasma pistol 4 with Bolt pistol, Khornate eviscerator

OTHER DATASHEETS

3x Eightbound (135 pts) • 1x Eightbound Champion 1 with Chainblades • 2x Eightbound 2 with Chainblades

3x Eightbound (135 pts) • 1x Eightbound Champion 1 with Chainblades • 2x Eightbound 2 with Chainblades

3x Eightbound (135 pts) • 1x Eightbound Champion 1 with Chainblades • 2x Eightbound 2 with Chainblades

8x Goremongers (85 pts) • 1x Blood Herald 1 with Autopistol, Chainblade, Close combat weapon • 7x Goremonger 6 with Autopistol, Chainblade, Close combat weapon 1 with Autopistol, Blood harpoon, Close combat weapon

10x Jakhals (65 pts) • 1x Jakhal Pack Leader 1 with Autopistol, Chainblades • 1x Dishonoured 1 with Skullsmasher and mangler • 8x Jakhal 7 with Autopistol, Chainblades 1 with Autopistol, Mauler chainblade • Icon of Khorne

2x Chaos Spawn (90 pts) • 2x Chaos Spawn 2 with Hideous Mutations

2x Chaos Spawn (90 pts) • 2x Chaos Spawn 2 with Hideous Mutations

Archetype

50 Angry Men

Thoughts

Berzerkers eh. They seem so small, so feisty, so manageable. Then one brick puts a crater where your army was and has all ya primary. I like these all-in WE builds that cut a little down on bricks to get more trading in, controlling when they make their plays a bit more. At it's heart though, it lives and dies by whether opponents can answer a 20 man in their face. Great work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Chris Chung - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blades of Ultramar): The new Ultramarines sally forth with Desolators, Inceptors, and a big squad of Aggressors.
6th - Bruce Duffy - Emperor's Children (Coteries of the Conceited): Double Daemon Prince / Flawless Blade squad Coteries.
7th - Ross McCarroll - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): A casual 30 Terminators in Phalanx- incredible.
8th - Luke Daly - Aeldari (War Host): The usual Wave Serpent Fuegan brick / Jain / Lykhis complimented with an Autarch and more Banshees.
9th - Josh Reilly - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Stormlance Thunderwolves with Bjorn, Headtakers and Terminators in tow.
10th - Christopher Abbott - Leagues of Votann (Brandfast Oathband): Double Carrier, double Land Fort Brandfast.
11th - Dave Murray - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): 50 Berzerker / Melee MSU WE.
12th - Liam Horrobin - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Anti-elf Aspect Host with triple Tempest Launcher Reapers.

Alba GT 2025

74-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Székesfehérvár, Magyarország on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Marek Vlnka - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 1st Place

Maleceptor. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + NAME: MAREK VLNKA (Nomster) + TEAM: SK-ONE + FACTION: Xenos - Tyranids + DETACHMENT: Invasion Fleet + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1990 pts + WARLORD: Hive Tyrant + ENHANCEMENT: none + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (8x2) - Assassination: 3 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

invasion fleet (1990 points)

Tyranids Strike Force (2000 points) Invasion Fleet

CHARACTERS

Broodlord (80 points) • 1x Broodlord claws and talons

Hive Tyrant (195 points) • Warlord • 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip 1x Monstrous scything talons

Neurotyrant (105 points) • 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes 1x Psychic scream

BATTLELINE

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

Hormagaunts (65 points) • 10x Hormagaunt • 10x Hormagaunt talons

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

Genestealers (140 points) • 10x Genestealer • 10x Genestealers claws and talons

Maleceptor (170 points) • 1x Massive scything talons 1x Psychic overload

Maleceptor (170 points) • 1x Massive scything talons 1x Psychic overload

Maleceptor (170 points) • 1x Massive scything talons 1x Psychic overload

Neurolictor (70 points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

Neurolictor (70 points) • 1x Piercing claws and talons

Zoanthropes (200 points) • 1x Neurothrope • 1x Chitinous claws and teeth 1x Warp Blast • 5x Zoanthrope • 5x Chitinous claws and teeth 5x Warp Blast

Archetype

Invasion Fleet Goodstuff

Thoughts

A very old, but effective archetype here, as Invasion Fleet with loads of gun bugs, and smaller bugs in support wins another event. Tyranids have had a quietly solid few months, picking up event wins despite feeling both outside and inside the faction like they're up against it at times. At the end of the day, the mission play toolkit and the occasional sucker punch power of Shadows is capable of catching anybody out. In an increasingly elite-infantry heavy meta, IF seems well poised to march forth once again. Fantastic work on the event win!

Patrik Bajnóci - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Super Heavy Hamma of da Emprah (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Arms

CHARACTERS

Cadian Command Squad (65 points) • 1x Cadian Commander • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power fist • 1x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Flamer 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 Flamer

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

Lord Solar Leontus (130 points) • Warlord • 1x Conquest 1x Konstantin's hooves 1x Sol's Righteous Gaze

BATTLELINE

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

Catachan Jungle Fighters (120 points) • 2x Jungle Fighter Sergeant • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Laspistol • 18x Jungle Fighter • 18x Close combat weapon 4x Flamer 14x Lasgun 2x Vox-caster

Death Korps of Krieg (145 points) • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster • 2x Plasma pistol 2x Power weapon • 18x Death Korps Trooper • 18x Close combat weapon 2x Death Korps Medi-pack 14x Lasgun 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bullgryn Squad (200 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 4x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon 1x Slabshield

Bullgryn Squad (200 points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead • 1x Brute Shield 1x Bullgryn maul 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn • 4x Brute Shield 5x Bullgryn maul 5x Close combat weapon 1x Slabshield

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

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.43.1 (103), Data Version: v708

Archetype

Horde Combined

Thoughts

Another Guard horde build here, that once again combos Bullgryn with big slabs of 20 infantry - certain armies hate the overcommitment that these force, and one of the 20s returning late game via Reinforcements can blow games wide open. Otherwise it's the usual suspects in Dorns, Kasrkin and Leman Russ. It's great to see a bit of creative life being breather into Guard at the moment - can changes bring non-Combined lists back to relevance?!

Leonardo Vertuš - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 3rd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Cult of time (2000 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Grand Coven

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with Wings (170 points) • 1x Dark Blessing 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 points) • 1x Arcane Fire 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Prosperine khopesh • Enhancement: Incandaeum

Infernal Master (130 points) • 1x Fires of the Abyss 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol • Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E'Taph

Magnus the Red (435 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade of Magnus 1x Gaze of Magnus 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm

Sorcerer (85 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Pandaemonic Delusion 1x Prosperine khopesh

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (105 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Gaze of Hate 1x Inferno combi-bolter • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (105 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (105 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (90 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 2x Inferno combi-bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (65 points) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous mutations

Mutalith Vortex Beast (175 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Scarab Occult Terminators (360 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 (60 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Fatecaster greatbow

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

Archetype

Grand Coven Scarabs.

Thoughts

Scarab Occult Terminators appear to be at the heart of placing Tsons lists at the moment, and this very much resembles the 'Magnus and ten stompy bois' lists of old. They give you solidity, some melee and a more considerable ranged activation, as well as a game-ending Crystal teleport if the opponent gives you an in. Amazing work on the top placing, it ain't easy out there for Thousand Sons!

Gergő Hruskó - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) - 4th Place

Blade Champion. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

MSU Custodes is a good idea, trust me, a 150pt trading piece is completely worth it (1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

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

Knight-Centura (55 points) • 1x Executioner greatblade

Shield-Captain in Allarus Terminator Armour (140 points) • Warlord • 1x Balistus grenade launcher 1x Castellan axe • Enhancement: Admonimortis

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (150 points) • 1x Interceptor lance 1x Salvo launcher

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Allarus Custodians (180 points) • 3x Allarus Custodian • 3x Balistus grenade launcher 1x Castellan axe 2x Guardian spear

Allarus Custodians (120 points) • 2x Allarus Custodian • 2x Balistus grenade launcher 1x Castellan axe 1x Guardian spear

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

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

Venatari Custodians (165 points) • 3x Venatari Custodian • 3x Venatari lance

Venatari Custodians (165 points) • 3x Venatari Custodian • 3x Venatari lance

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

Vigilators (65 points) • 1x Vigilator Sister Superior • 1x Executioner greatblade • 4x Vigilator • 4x Executioner greatblade

ALLIED UNITS

Callidus Assassin (100 points) • 1x Neural shredder 1x Phase sword and poison blades

Exported with App Version: v1.43.1 (103), Data Version: v708

Archetype

Mixed Arms Lions

Thoughts

A real grab bag of Custodes units here- another faction that had dropped off a little but is still quietly picking up top placings. Praetors with movement tricks keep lanes honest, the Venatarii can threaten a sudden overload push, and the Guard and Caladius provide raw output. Lions gets all these units hitting unreasonably hard when they decide to go it solo - think early career Robbie Williams. Excellent job on the to placing!

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Botond Blasovszky - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): All-in Spite with loads of Wyches and Hellions and minimal guns behind them. A ten brick of Mandrakes guards the rear.
6th - Roland Soós - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): Classic Stormlance Wulfen and Thunderwolves.
7th - Filip Jakob Pogacnik - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Daemon Prince Coteries.
8th - Mate Csaszar - Adeptus Mechanicus (Skitarii Hunter Cohort): 9 Hunter Cohort Chickens, and lots of idiots alongside them.
9th - Anže Horvat - Orks (War Horde): A sensational War Horde list with Mozrog and multiple Beastbosses running about solo as well as Ghaz and plenty of Boyz.
10th - Alexander Khrulkov - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Aspect Host with two Wave Serpents and a Falcon, incorporating a ten brick of Reapers and an Autarch with the usual elements.
11th - Thomas Faulkner - Aeldari (Spirit Conclave): Massed Wraithblades and Wraith Lords with some Warlocks accompanying. Very cool!
12th - Krisztián Kásádi - Aeldari (Aspect Host): A Baharroth brick sneaks in alongside Fuegan and the Reaper brick. Sick.
13th - Stefan Pazderka - Aeldari (Aspect Host): Asurman / Feugan Aspect with an Autarch in addition.
14th - Fábián Dénes - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Mont'ka pressure with Triptide and Breacherfish.

The Gravel Pit #4

49-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Stockport, England, United Kingdom on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Aiden Smalley - Death Guard (Tallyband Summoners) - 1st Place

Heavy Blight Launcher Bloat-drone Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Tallybongus (2000 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Tallyband Summoners

CHARACTERS

Lord of Contagion (130 points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancement: Fell Harvester

Lord of Virulence (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Power fist 1x Twin plague spewer • Enhancement: Beckoning Blight

Malignant Plaguecaster (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind

Malignant Plaguecaster (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind

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

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (95 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Boltgun 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Meltagun 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Deathshroud Terminators (160 points) • 1x Deathshroud Champion • 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 1x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet • 2x Deathshroud Terminator • 2x Manreaper 2x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Deathshroud Terminators (160 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 (100 points) • 1x Fleshmower 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points) • 1x Heavy blight launcher 1x Plague probe

Nurglings (70 points) • 6x Nurgling Swarm • 6x Diseased claws and teeth

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

Poxwalkers (65 points) • 10x Poxwalker • 10x Improvised weapon

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

Archetype

Tallyband Mixed Arms

Thoughts

Death Guard specialist Aiden finds the Tallyband secret sauce, by blending in many of the usual Virulent elements (Gun Drones, Plague Marines, Deathshroud) alongside Nurgle Daemons. This gives you quite unique angles of attack (even more 6 inch deep striking, for one!), and there are massive damage output boosts available when you get in close too. Tallyband has always had a lot of raw power bubbling away beneath, like some green goopy plague cauldron. Maybe now we are going to start to see it bloom... Very well done Aiden mate!

Rory Andrew - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Adeptus Custodes Caladius Grav-Tank. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

LIONS (My Way) (1995 Points)

Adeptus Custodes Lions of the Emperor Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Blade Champion (145 Points) • 1x Vaultswords • Enhancements: Superior Creation

Shield-Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike (160 Points) • 1x Interceptor lance • 1x Vertus hurricane bolter • Enhancements: 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 Vertus hurricane bolter

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

Archetype

Lions Mixed Arms

Thoughts

Another Lions top placing! Lots more Guard here- these hit exceptionally hard, and can just hoover an opponent off of mid-board at a key moment in Lions. Business as usual in the other units - double Inquisitors really sing here where they can sneakily syphon off some double shooting goodness. Elves hate this one simple trick! Brilliant work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Shanto Asfi - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): An Atropos, two Despoilers, and a slew of Daemons and War Dogs.
4th - Josie Cartwright - World Eaters (Cult of Blood): Josie doing Josie things, with an incredible Angron / Jakhal horde list.
5th - Josh Bevington - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Warrior brick / Destroyer MSU Awakened.
6th - Jack Ferguson - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Ravener / Zoanthrope one-two punch Sub Assault.
7th - Markus Hinson - Space Marines (Astartes) (Shadowmark Talon): RG Goodstuff.
8th - Tom Hamshire - Drukhari (Reaper's Wager): Hellion / Mandrake brick Reaper's Wager.
9th - James McGlough - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): DWK Spam.

Cross-Sword War At The Westward IX

40-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Lee Mill Bridge, England, United Kingdom on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown - Orks (War Horde) versus T'au Empire (Mont'ka)

Take and Hold - Search and Destroy

Tom Godfrey - Orks (War Horde)

Army List - Click to Expand

Weapons of Ghaz Destruction (2000 points)

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) War Horde

CHARACTERS

Beastboss (95 points) • 1x Beast Snagga klaw 1x Beastchoppa 1x Shoota • Enhancement: Kunnin' but Brutal

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

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

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

Warboss (75 points) • 1x Attack squig 1x Kombi-weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin sluggas

Warboss (75 points) • 1x Attack squig 1x Kombi-weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin sluggas

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kommandos (120 points) • 1x Bomb Squig 1x Distraction Grot • 9x Kommando • 1x Breacha ram 1x Burna 6x Choppa 2x Close combat weapon 1x Rokkit launcha 6x Slugga • 1x Boss Nob • 1x Power klaw 1x Slugga

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

Exported with App Version: v1.43.1 (103), Data Version: v708

vs.

James Mclean - T'au Empire (Mont'ka)

Army List - Click to Expand

To quote Ricky Bobby “yup i'm flying through the air this is not good” (2000 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (105 Points) • Warlord • 1x Battlesuit fists • 1x Marker Drone • 1x Missile pod • 3x Missile pod • 1x Shield Drone • Enhancements: Strike Swiftly

Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (95 Points) • 1x Battlesuit fists • 1x Marker Drone • 1x Missile pod • 3x Missile pod • 1x Shield Drone • Enhancements: Strategic Conqueror

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Devilfish (85 Points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Smart missile system

OTHER DATASHEETS

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (120 Points) • 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 2x Missile pod ◦ 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui ◦ 2x Battlesuit fists ◦ 2x Gun Drone ◦ 4x Missile pod ◦ 2x Shield Drone

Crisis Fireknife Battlesuits (120 Points) • 1x Crisis Fireknife Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 2x Missile pod ◦ 1x Shield Drone • 2x Crisis Fireknife Shas'ui ◦ 2x Battlesuit fists ◦ 2x Gun Drone ◦ 4x Missile pod ◦ 2x Shield Drone

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

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

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

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

Pathfinder Team (90 Points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Grav-inhibitor Drone ◦ 1x Marker Drone ◦ 1x Pulse carbine ◦ 1x Pulse pistol ◦ 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Ion rifle ◦ 6x Pulse carbine ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

Pathfinder Team (90 Points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Grav-inhibitor Drone ◦ 1x Marker Drone ◦ 1x Pulse carbine ◦ 1x Pulse pistol ◦ 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Ion rifle ◦ 6x Pulse carbine ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

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 smart missile system

Riptide Battlesuit (190 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin smart missile system

Riptide Battlesuit (190 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin smart missile system

Stealth Battlesuits (110 Points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 1x Burst cannon ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Marker Drone ◦ 1x Pulse pistol • 4x Stealth Shas'ui ◦ 4x Battlesuit fists ◦ 2x Burst cannon ◦ 2x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Homing Beacon

Stealth Battlesuits (110 Points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 1x Burst cannon ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Marker Drone ◦ 1x Pulse pistol • 4x Stealth Shas'ui ◦ 4x Battlesuit fists ◦ 2x Burst cannon ◦ 2x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Homing Beacon

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

Thoughts

I've seen this match up played many times, and for reasons of... physics, the Greenskins just always seem to have the T'au on the ropes almost immediately. A big Waaagh turn is a T'au armies worst nightmare - mass casualties, tagging, and most of the T'au army forced back to try and clear their lines. A strategic -1 to wound can completely throw off a portion of the fight back for the T'au, and if they get pushed back twice it is usually curtains. Ork units like Breakas and Beastbosses absolutely love slapping up suits as well - all in all, it is not at all easy for a list like Mont'ka, that wants to go to exactly where the Orks would like them to be, to navigate this match up if the terrain allows decent hiding and staging. In the end, it went the usual way here once again!

Result

Orks (War Horde) Victory - 98 - 49

Tom Godfrey - Orks (War Horde) - 1st Place

Ork Beastboss by Crab-stuffed Mushrooms

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Simply Messing About in Trukks

Thoughts

War Horde endures. A formula that is now years old, with great go-turns out of Trukks by heroic, lightly armoured but very punchy units, careful use of charge boosting, and fight on death to navigate through combat match ups, it remains just as potent as ever. Any opponent who slips in their management of the Waagh turn dies, and dies hard. Even if they do stagger the engagement enough to buy time, the mission suppression doing so creates can leave them too far behind. I love this detachment- it feels like they finally captured the raw explosiveness, and innate Kunning of the Orks. Great work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Scott Lockie - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Brutal triple Norn Invasion Fleet.
3rd - Mikey Rzasa - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Lovely Mikey takes a podium with his Castigator castle of Hallowed Martyrs. Great work buddy.
4th - Ricky Callan - Astra Militarum (Hammer of the Emperor): A bunch of Rogal Dorns with Ogryn as support.
5th - Matt Humphreys - Space Marines (Astartes) (Ironstorm Spearhead): Massed Ironstorm Predators and Gladiators- old school!!
6th - James Mclean - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): The Mont'ka / Crisis Suit combo from the final.
7th - Cameron Giles - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Coteries Goodstuff.
8th - Matt Vince - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Bullgryn / Infantry brick / Dorn Combined Arms.

Minsk Eternal GT III

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Minsk, Minsk Region, Belarus on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Marat "Mayor" Kustenko - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) - 1st Place

Deathwatch Terminators by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Player name: Maratik Army name: Privet Pr1est Factions used: Space Marines-Deathwatch-Black Spear Task Force Total cost: 2000 Number of Units: 14 Character Units (Models): 3 (3)

Captain in Gravis Armour (110pts): The Tome of Ectoclades, Boltstorm Gauntlet, Power Fist, Relic Fist Judiciar (95pts): Beacon Angelis Watch Master (95pts): Warlord

10x Deathwatch Veterans (190pts): 4 DTH, 3 Power weapon+AS, srg: xenophase+AS, 2 Frag 5x Deathwatch Veterans (100pts): 2 DTH, 1 Frag, 1 Infernus, srg: xenophase+AS 5х Intercessor Squad (80 pts): Power Fist, Astartes Grenade Launcher 5x Incursor Squad (80 pts): Haywire Mine 5x Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (95 pts): 5x Storm Shield

5х Deathwatch Terminator Squad (190 pts): 3x Cyclone Missile Launcher, 2x TH and SS 5х Deathwatch Terminator Squad (190 pts): 3x Cyclone Missile Launcher, 2x TH and SS

10х Indomitor Kill Team (250 pts): 2х melta rifle, multi-melta, 2х Deathwatch heavy bolter, 3х power fists & Auto boltstorm gauntlets 10х Indomitor Kill Team (250 pts): 2х melta rifle, multi-melta, 2х Deathwatch heavy bolter, 3х power fists & flamestorm gauntlets

Storm Speeder Hammerstrike (125pts) Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (150pts)

Archetype

Deathwatch Goodstuff

Thoughts

Classic Terminator / Indomitor Deathwatch here, drawing the foe out with the Terminators before unleashing hell with uppy downy kill teams. The fail cases with this list are real - protect the Kill Teams at all costs and don't get chased down. If you can apply the damage for a couple of turns, you can usually put the opponent beyond recovery. Not easy to use properly, but an enduring meta sleeper nonetheless! Incredible work on the event win.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Roman "Stingray" Selchonok - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): SK / DDA / Wraiths Starshatter.
3rd - Ewgen Ranchenko - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Nightbringer leading a more MSU Starshatter list.
4th - Yura Golikov - Space Wolves (Saga of the Beastslayer): Beastslayer with Thunderwolves, and some nerfed, but still very dangerous Iron Priest / Lancer packages.

Mugu Games 40k store championship

27-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Everett, WA, United States on November 22 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Joshua Howard - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms) - 1st Place

Death Korps of Krieg infantry squad. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Of course, we are challenging the game itself... and it hits back. It just hits back. That's all. And that's grandiose about it. And we have to accept that it is much stronger than we are.

Games Workshop always says it's full of... fun elements. I don't see it so much fun. I see it more full of obscenity. It's just- The meta here is vile and base. I wouldn't see anything fun here. I would see movement shenanigans and turn one jails... and up/down and fighting on death... and regeneration and... targeted mortal wounds.

Of course, there's a lot of misery. But it is the same misery that is all around us. The Tyranids here are in misery, and the Ork players are in misery. I don't think they Waaagh. They just scream in pain.

It's an unfinished meta. It's still pre-Q4 slate meta. The only thing that is lacking is- is the grotsmas release

It's like a curse weighing on an entire player base. And whoever... goes too deep into this... has his share of that curse. So we are cursed with what we are doing here.

It is a meta that God, if he exists, has created in anger.

It's the only meta where- where the game is unfinished yet.

Taking a close look at - at what's around us... there - there is some sort of a harmony. It is the harmony of... overwhelming and collective netlisting. And we in comparison to the articulate vileness... and baseness and obscenity... of all this netlisting - Uh, we in comparison to that enormous articulation - we only sound and look like... badly pronounced and half-finished sentences... out of a stupid beginning-of-edition... index detachment.

And we have to become humble... in front of this... overwhelming top table AdMech and... overwhelming top table Aeldari... overwhelming top table Sisters... and overwhelming lack of Agents.

Even the- the list names up here in the-in the app look like a mess. There is no harmony in the meta.

We have to get acquainted to this idea that... there is no real harmony as we have conceived it.

But when I say Strike Force (2000 points) Combined Arms

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

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

Sly Marbo (55 points) • 1x Envenomed blade 1x Ripper pistol

Ursula Creed (85 points) • Warlord • 1x Duty and Vengeance 1x Power weapon

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

Death Korps of Krieg (145 points) • 2x Death Korps Watchmaster • 2x Plasma pistol 2x Power weapon • 18x Death Korps Trooper • 18x Close combat weapon 2x Death Korps Medi-pack 14x Lasgun 2x Meltagun 2x Plasma gun 2x 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

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

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

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

Leman Russ Exterminator (180 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Exterminator autocannon 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Lascannon 2x Multi-melta

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

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

Infantry brick Combined Arms

Thoughts

These 20 slabs of guys are really, really working for the Guard this week! Another event win here, this time with a Krieg brick alongside the new hotness, and Leman Russ in the firebase behind. Astra Militarum seem almost eternal, with Combined and the wide range of datasheets in the codex always capable of finding a way through changes. Amazing work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Dean Picozzi - Aeldari (Aspect Host): The Avatar of Khaine leading the usual Aspect Host goodstuff.
3rd - Jeff Cope - Chaos Space Marines (Veterans of the Long War): VSL style Vets, with some cheeky Venomcrawlers.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! The meta rolls on. Some early warning signs of the new Ultramarines menace, but a breakthrough from the Astra Militarum in what has been quite an enduring ranged control meta of late. What will the Victrix say about that over the next few weeks? Quite a lot, i'd wager.

Lowest of Men, out!

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: Victrix at Sea pt.2

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

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Archetype

Thoughts

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Archetype

Thoughts

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Archetype

Thoughts

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Thoughts

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Archetype

Thoughts

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Archetype

Thoughts

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

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Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

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Thoughts

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The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

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Archetype

Thoughts

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