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.
We’re back for part 2, this time with Lowest of Men in the driving seat, covering:
- Denver 40K Fight Club January Open 2025
- Guild War I
- The Brawl GT – Beachhead Warm Up!
- North Sea Slam IRONMAN 2025
- Warpstorm
Part 1 on Wednesday looked at:
- The Nottingham 40k Super-Major
- Winter War Grand Tournament
- Red Dragon GT – January 40k
- GT QUALIFIER MODENA – GT Italiano 2025
- We Have LVO at Home GT
- Grand Clash – Warhammer 40k Tournament – 2 Day GT
Part 3 tomorrow will cover:
- Exterminatus X Big Ben 10
- A Grimdark New Years, SGA Finals
- NYKO 2025
- Hawaii “War on the Shore” Charity GT 2025
- Fight for the Fallen GT
Good luck to everyone participating in the LVO, which kicks off in a few hours – can’t wait to see what rises to the top!
Denver 40K Fight Club January Open 2025
86-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Denver, CO, US on January 11 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
The Showdown
Terraform – Stalwarts – Crucible of Battle
Nicholas Rosasco – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager) CHARACTER 1x Archon (85 pts) 1x Archon (100 pts) 7x Beastmaster (120 pts) 7x Beastmaster (120 pts) 1x Troupe Master (55 pts) BATTLELINE 10x Kabalite Warriors (110 pts) 10x Kabalite Warriors (110 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 4x Court of the Archon (95 pts) 4x Court of the Archon (95 pts) 5x Mandrakes (70 pts) 5x Mandrakes (70 pts) 5x Scourges (130 pts) 5x Scourges (130 pts) 11x Troupe (165 pts) 1x Cronos (50 pts) 1x Cronos (50 pts) 1x Cronos (50 pts) 2x Talos (160 pts) 1x Voidraven Bomber (235 pts)
Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Aeldari – Drukhari
+ DETACHMENT: Reaper’s Wager
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Archon
+ ENHANCEMENT: Webway walker (on Char2: Archon)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 19
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (5×2) – Assassination: 5 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Huskblade
• 1x Blast Pistol
• Warlord
• 1x Huskblade
• 1x Blast Pistol
• Webway walker (+15 pts)
• 1x Beastmaster
• 1x Agoniser
• 1x Splinter pods
• 1x Clawed Fiend
• 1x Clawed Fiend fists
• 2x Khymerae
• 2x Khymerae talons
• 3x Razorwing Flock
• 3x Razorwing feathers
• 1x Beastmaster
• 1x Agoniser
• 1x Splinter pods
• 1x Clawed Fiend
• 1x Clawed Fiend fists
• 2x Khymerae
• 2x Khymerae talons
• 3x Razorwing Flock
• 3x Razorwing feathers
• 1x Troupe Master’s Blade
• 1x Fusion Pistol
• 5x Kabalite Warrior
• 5x Close Combat Weapon
• 5x Splinter rifle
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Blaster
• 1x Blaster
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Dark Lance
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Dark lance
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Shredder
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Shredder
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Splinter Cannon
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Sybarite
• 1x Sybarite Weapon
• 1x Splinter Rifle
• Phantasm Grenade Launcher
• 5x Kabalite Warrior
• 5x Close Combat Weapon
• 5x Splinter rifle
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Blaster
• 1x Blaster
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Dark Lance
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Dark lance
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Shredder
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Shredder
• 1x Kabalite Warrior with Splinter Cannon
• 1x Close Combat Weapon
• 1x Splinter cannon
• 1x Sybarite
• 1x Sybarite Weapon
• 1x Splinter Rifle
• Phantasm Grenade Launcher
• 1x Lhamaean
• 1x Shaimeshi Blade
• 1x Medusae
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Eyeburst
• 1x Sslyth
• 1x Shardcarbine
• 1x Splinter pistol
• 1x Sslyth battle-blade
• 1x Ur-ghul
• 1x Ur-ghul Talons
• 1x Lhamaean
• 1x Shaimeshi Blade
• 1x Medusae
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Eyeburst
• 1x Sslyth
• 1x Shardcarbine
• 1x Splinter pistol
• 1x Sslyth battle-blade
• 1x Ur-ghul
• 1x Ur-ghul Talons
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
• 4x Glimmersteel Blade
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
• 1x Glimmersteel Blade
• 4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
• 4x Glimmersteel Blade
• 1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
• 1x Glimmersteel Blade
• 4x Scourge with Heavy Weapon
• 4x Close combat weapon
• 4x Dark Lance
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Solarite Weapon
• 1x Shardcarbine
• 4x Scourge with Heavy Weapon
• 4x Close combat weapon
• 4x Dark Lance
• 1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Solarite Weapon
• 1x Shardcarbine
• 1x Lead Player
• 1x Aeldari power sword
• 1x Fusion Pistol
• 3x Player with Fusion Pistol
• 3x Fusion Pistol
• 3x Harlequin’s Special Weapon
• 7x Player with Harlequin’s Special Weapon
• 7x Harlequin’s Special Weapon
• 7x Shuriken Pistol
• 1x Cronos
• 1x Spirit Syphon
• 1x Spirit Vortex
• 1x Spirit-leech Tentacles
• 1x Cronos
• 1x Spirit Syphon
• 1x Spirit Vortex
• 1x Spirit-leech Tentacles
• 1x Cronos
• 1x Spirit Syphon
• 1x Spirit Vortex
• 1x Spirit-leech Tentacles
• 2x Talos
• 2x Twin Liquifier Gun
• 2x Talos Gauntlet
• 2x Twin Haywire Blasters
• 1x Bladed wings
• 1x Voidraven Missiles
• 1x 2 Dark Scythes
vs.
Joel Davis – Orks (Green Tide) Orks CHARACTERS Boss Snikrot (95 points) Ghazghkull Thraka (235 points) Painboy (80 points) Painboy (80 points) Painboy (80 points) Warboss (90 points) Warboss (75 points) Warboss (75 points) Weirdboy (65 points) BATTLELINE Boyz (160 points) Boyz (160 points) Boyz (160 points) Boyz (80 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (65 points) Trukk (65 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Flash Gitz (160 points) Flash Gitz (160 points) Gretchin (40 points) Meganobz (70 points) Exported with App Version: v1.24.0 (64), Data Version: v525
Army List - Click to Expand
Enter Army Name (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Green Tide
• 1x Mork’s Teeth
1x Slugga
• 1x Ghazghkull Thraka
• Warlord
• 1x Gork’s Klaw
1x Mork’s Roar
• 1x Makari
• 1x Makari’s stabba
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• Enhancement: Bloodthirsty Belligerence
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Weirdboy staff
1x ‘Eadbanger
• 19x Boy
• 17x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Rokkit launcha
17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 19x Boy
• 17x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Rokkit launcha
17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 19x Boy
• 17x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Rokkit launcha
17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 9x Boy
• 8x Choppa
1x Close combat weapon
1x Rokkit launcha
8x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
• 9x Choppa
9x Snazzgun
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
• 9x Choppa
9x Snazzgun
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga
• 2x Meganob
• 2x Twin killsaws
Thoughts
A very finely poised showdown here, as the resurgent Orks face off against the newly endowed Drukharlequins. I’ve played this match up a bunch and it is deceptively fair Warhammer- the Drukhari pack an awful lot of splinter fire and good volume damage pieces for helping them cleave through Greenskins. The Court of the Archons especially do a number on Ork profiles, and the battleshocks built in via the Medusae can catch out efforts to use stratagems and push back. Talos and Voidraven respectively can help cut through the more armoured Ork targets, and there is plenty of reach and punch for threatening to make the Tide go backwards, something it absolutely doesn’t want to do.
In return, the Orks have plenty going for them themselves. Bringing shooting back in is crucial, and the big slabs of Flash Gitz here are ideal for creating control lanes and hoovering up any elves that stray into the open. Painboy Ork boy bricks will be durable enough in the Waaagh turn to buy time and threaten primary dominance, and Ghaz is a very frightening prospect as well. I suspect this one would hinge on the mid game engagements, and who is able to break through for a crucial pip of primary / secondary control. In the event, the Orks squeaked a hard earned win in what was doubtless a very tough showdown worth of a final! Well done both.
Result
Orks (Green Tide) Victory – 95 – 80
Joel Davis – Orks (Green Tide) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Orks CHARACTERS Boss Snikrot (95 points) Ghazghkull Thraka (235 points) Painboy (80 points) Painboy (80 points) Painboy (80 points) Warboss (90 points) Warboss (75 points) Warboss (75 points) Weirdboy (65 points) BATTLELINE Boyz (160 points) Boyz (160 points) Boyz (160 points) Boyz (80 points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (65 points) Trukk (65 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Flash Gitz (160 points) Flash Gitz (160 points) Gretchin (40 points) Meganobz (70 points) Exported with App Version: v1.24.0 (64), Data Version: v525
Enter Army Name (1995 points)
Strike Force (2000 points)
Green Tide
• 1x Mork’s Teeth
1x Slugga
• 1x Ghazghkull Thraka
• Warlord
• 1x Gork’s Klaw
1x Mork’s Roar
• 1x Makari
• 1x Makari’s stabba
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe
• 1x Grot Orderly
1x Power klaw
1x ‘Urty syringe
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• Enhancement: Bloodthirsty Belligerence
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Attack squig
1x Kombi-weapon
1x Power klaw
1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Weirdboy staff
1x ‘Eadbanger
• 19x Boy
• 17x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Rokkit launcha
17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 19x Boy
• 17x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Rokkit launcha
17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 19x Boy
• 17x Choppa
2x Close combat weapon
2x Rokkit launcha
17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 9x Boy
• 8x Choppa
1x Close combat weapon
1x Rokkit launcha
8x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
1x Slugga
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
1x Spiked wheels
1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
• 9x Choppa
9x Snazzgun
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
• 1x Choppa
1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
• 9x Choppa
9x Snazzgun
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Runtherd tools
1x Slugga
• 2x Meganob
• 2x Twin killsaws
Archetype
Green Tide
Thoughts
It’s good to be green. Orks hit back hard after the recent changes to the Waaagh, and the release of the Taktikal Brigade. This Green Tide version presents a body skew in an era of elite mech armies teching for each other, which is a very canny choice. Plenty of the usual suspects here but the added mini game of some 60 5+++ toting Boyz does a lot of work into the field right now! Really well done on the event win.
Michael Mann – Orks (Taktikal Brigade) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Orks CHARACTERS Big Mek in Mega Armour (125 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (65 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (65 Points) Warboss (75 Points) Warboss (75 Points) Warboss (75 Points) BATTLELINE Stormboyz (65 Points) Stormboyz (65 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Burna Boyz (60 Points) Burna Boyz (60 Points) Flash Gitz (160 Points) Flash Gitz (80 Points) Gretchin (40 Points) Gretchin (40 Points) Lootas (100 Points) Lootas (100 Points) Lootas (100 Points) Nobz (105 Points) Nobz (105 Points) Nobz (105 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (2), Data Version: v538
Taktikal time (2000 Points)
Taktikal Brigade
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Grot Oiler
• 1x Kustom Force Field
• 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 1x Power klaw
• Enhancements: Mek Kaptin
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancements: Gob Boomer
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Twin sluggas
• 4x Stormboy
◦ 4x Choppa
◦ 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
◦ 4x Choppa
◦ 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Spanner
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 4x Burna Boy
◦ 4x Burna
◦ 4x Cuttin’ flames
• 1x Spanner
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 4x Burna Boy
◦ 4x Burna
◦ 4x Cuttin’ flames
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Kaptin
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Snazzgun
• 1x Kaptin
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Snazzgun
• 4x Flash Git
◦ 4x Choppa
◦ 4x Snazzgun
• 10x Gretchin
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
◦ 1x Runtherd tools
◦ 1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
◦ 1x Runtherd tools
◦ 1x Slugga
• 2x Spanner
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Kustom mega-blasta
• 8x Loota
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Deffgun
• 2x Spanner
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Kustom mega-blasta
• 8x Loota
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Deffgun
• 2x Spanner
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Kustom mega-blasta
• 8x Loota
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Deffgun
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
◦ 4x Power klaw
◦ 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
◦ 4x Power klaw
◦ 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
◦ 4x Power klaw
◦ 4x Slugga
Archetype
LOOT LOOT Taktikal Brigade
Thoughts
Taktikal Brigade looks like an early winner from Grotmas, and this list highlights some of it’s power. Legions of Orks with access to Stealth and Cover is a real problem for a lot of armies, and crucially Taktikal can be more patient with the Waagh, and isn’t dependant on it to win games. Lootas with Shokk gunz shoot phenomenally hard with rerolls on objectives, Flash Gitz are revitalised in this detachment, and there is enough left over to ensure a brutal combat punch too. Note the baby squads of Burna Boyz – excellent skirmish and bait pieces – unlike a lot of the other Ork builds, Taktikal often has to lure the opponent out first, so you’d best have a way of doing that! Really well done on the placing.
Brandon Roddy – Raven Guard (Vanguard Spearhead) – 3rd Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Space Marines CHARACTERS Chaplain with Jump Pack (100 Points) Kayvaan Shrike (100 Points) Librarian in Phobos Armour (90 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Razorback (95 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (160 Points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points) Centurion Devastator Squad (370 Points) Devastator Squad (120 Points) Inceptor Squad (120 Points) Inceptor Squad (240 Points) Inceptor Squad (120 Points) Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) Infiltrator Squad (100 Points) ALLIED UNITS Callidus Assassin (100 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.24.0 (1), Data Version: v525
Shrike Force (1995 Points)
Raven Guard
Vanguard Spearhead
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Crozius arcanum
• Enhancements: The Blade Driven Deep
• Warlord
• 1x Blackout
• 1x The Raven’s Talons
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Smite
• Enhancements: Execute and Redeploy
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Twin lascannon
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
◦ 9x Astartes chainsword
◦ 7x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 2x Plasma pistol
• 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
• 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
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant
◦ 1x Centurion fists
◦ 1x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 1x Twin lascannon
• 5x Devastator Centurion
◦ 5x Centurion fists
◦ 5x Centurion missile launcher
◦ 5x Twin lascannon
• 1x Devastator Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Grav-pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Devastator
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Grav-cannon
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma exterminators
• 2x Inceptor
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Plasma exterminators
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma exterminators
• 5x Inceptor
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Plasma exterminators
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma exterminators
• 2x Inceptor
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Plasma exterminators
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Helix Gauntlet
◦ 1x Infiltrator Comms Array
◦ 4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 1x Infiltrator Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Marksman bolt carbine
• 4x Infiltrator
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Helix Gauntlet
◦ 1x Infiltrator Comms Array
◦ 4x Marksman bolt carbine
• 1x Neural shredder
• 1x Phase sword and poison blades
Archetype
Raven Guard are SO back
Thoughts
My heart sings at the emergence of these Shrike lists, and I want to personally shout out every Raven Guard fan making them work at the moment when Ultramarines are RIGHT THERE. You guys are heroes. Shrike is a great little character, giving a decent combat unit Lone Op, and he is a great melee blender with the new Oaths on his Twin-Linked claws. Otherwise this is business as usual Vanguard Marines, but it’s really very good. Excellent work!
Tom Cohen – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) – 4th Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand Char0: 1x Imotekh the Stormlord (100 pts): Warlord, Gauntlet of Fire, Staff of the Destroyer 10x Necron Warriors (90 pts): 10 with Close combat weapon, Gauss reaper 5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Necrons
+ DETACHMENT: Starshatter Arsenal
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 0pts
+
+ ENHANCEMENT:
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 17
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char0: 1x Catacomb Command Barge (150 pts): Resurrection orb, Gauss cannon, Overlord’s blade
Enhancement: Dread Majesty (+30 pts)
Char0: 1x Hexmark Destroyer (85 pts): Close combat weapon, Enmitic disintegrator pistols
Enhancement: Demanding Leader (+10 pts)
Char0: 1x Lokhust Lord (95 pts): Resurrection orb, Lord’s blade
Enhancement: Minaturised Nebuloscope (+15 pts)
5x Flayed Ones (60 pts): 5 with Flayer claws
3x Ophydian Destroyers (80 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Ophydian hyperphase weapons
3x Ophydian Destroyers (80 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Ophydian hyperphase weapons
3x Ophydian Destroyers (80 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Ophydian hyperphase weapons
3x Skorpekh Destroyers (90 pts): Plasmacyte, 3 with Skorpekh hyperphase weapons
6x Lokhust Destroyers (180 pts): 6 with Close combat weapon, Gauss cannon
3x Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (165 pts): 3 with Close combat weapon, Enmitic exterminator
1x Doomsday Ark (190 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array
1x Doomsday Ark (190 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array
1x Doomsday Ark (190 pts): Armoured bulk, Doomsday cannon, 2x Gauss flayer array
1x Ghost Ark (115 pts): Armoured bulk, 2x Gauss flayer array
Archetype
Starshatter Goodstuff
Thoughts
Starshatter is also here! I think the go-wide Destroyer melee ahead of the guns is the absolute way to play it, and this list leaves the SK at home in favour of a Command Barge to get in even more stuff. Flexible, effective, and deadly! Who doesn’t love a cheeky Ghost Ark. Well done on the placing.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 5-1 records. They were:
- 5th – Patrick Love – Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Glorious Tzeentch nonsense with Kairos, two big birds and lots of utility.
- 6th – Nicholas Rosasco – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager): The Reaper’s Wager build from the showdown.
- 7th – Cael Titus – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension): Host GSC with Neo bricks, lots of Flacos and a big Aberrant slab.
- 8th – Ken Purvis – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Old school Skysplinter with some Talos plugged in.
- 9th – Gabe Perez – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): The usual chonky Nid monsters.
Guild War I
48-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Stoughton, WI, United States on January 11 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Jordan Nach – T’au Empire (Mont’ka) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand T’au Empire CHARACTERS Cadre Fireblade (50 Points) Cadre Fireblade (50 Points) Cadre Fireblade (50 Points) Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (100 Points) BATTLELINE Breacher Team (100 Points) Breacher Team (100 Points) Breacher Team (100 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Devilfish (85 Points) Devilfish (85 Points) Devilfish (85 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Broadside Battlesuits (180 Points) Crisis Starscythe Battlesuits (110 Points) Hammerhead Gunship (145 Points) Hammerhead Gunship (145 Points) Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) Pathfinder Team (90 Points) Piranhas (60 Points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 Points) Sky Ray Gunship (140 Points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 Points) Stealth Battlesuits (60 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.24.0 (1), Data Version: v525
Montka Tau (2000 Points)
Mont’ka
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Fireblade pulse rifle
• 2x Gun Drone
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Fireblade pulse rifle
• 2x Gun Drone
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Fireblade pulse rifle
• 2x Gun Drone
• Warlord
• 1x Battlesuit fists
• 2x Shield Drone
• 1x T’au flamer
• 3x T’au flamer
• Enhancements: Coordinated Exploitation
• 1x Support turret
• 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Guardian Drone
◦ 1x Marker Drone
◦ 1x Pulse blaster
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
• 9x Breacher Fire Warrior
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Pulse blaster
◦ 9x Pulse pistol
• 1x Support turret
• 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Guardian Drone
◦ 1x Marker Drone
◦ 1x Pulse blaster
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
• 9x Breacher Fire Warrior
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Pulse blaster
◦ 9x Pulse pistol
• 1x Support turret
• 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas’ui
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Guardian Drone
◦ 1x Marker Drone
◦ 1x Pulse blaster
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
• 9x Breacher Fire Warrior
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Pulse blaster
◦ 9x Pulse pistol
• 1x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Smart missile system
• 1x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Smart missile system
• 1x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Smart missile system
• 1x Broadside Shas’vre
◦ 1x Crushing bulk
◦ 1x Heavy rail rifle
◦ 2x Missile Drone
◦ 1x Twin plasma rifle
◦ 1x Weapon Support System
• 1x Broadside Shas’ui
◦ 1x Crushing bulk
◦ 1x Heavy rail rifle
◦ 2x Missile Drone
◦ 1x Twin plasma rifle
◦ 1x Weapon Support System
• 1x Crisis Starscythe Shas’vre
◦ 1x Battlesuit fists
◦ 1x Gun Drone
◦ 1x Shield Drone
◦ 2x T’au flamer
• 2x Crisis Starscythe Shas’ui
◦ 2x Battlesuit fists
◦ 2x Gun Drone
◦ 1x Marker Drone
◦ 1x Shield Drone
◦ 4x T’au flamer
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Railgun
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Ion cannon
• 2x Seeker missile
• 1x Long-quill
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kroot pistol
◦ 1x Kroot rifle
• 9x Kroot Carnivore
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 9x Kroot rifle
• 1x Pathfinder Shas’ui
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Gun Drone
◦ 1x Marker Drone
◦ 1x Pulse carbine
◦ 1x Pulse pistol
◦ 1x Recon Drone
◦ 1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
• 9x Pathfinder
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Ion rifle
◦ 6x Pulse carbine
◦ 9x Pulse pistol
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Piranha fusion blaster
• 2x Seeker missile
• 2x Twin pulse carbine
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Seeker missile rack
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Seeker missile rack
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
◦ 1x Battlesuit Support System
◦ 1x Battlesuit fists
◦ 1x Fusion blaster
◦ 1x Homing Beacon
◦ 1x Marker Drone
◦ 1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
◦ 2x Battlesuit fists
◦ 2x Burst cannon
• 1x Stealth Shas’vre
◦ 1x Battlesuit Support System
◦ 1x Battlesuit fists
◦ 1x Fusion blaster
◦ 1x Homing Beacon
◦ 1x Marker Drone
◦ 1x Shield Drone
• 2x Stealth Shas’ui
◦ 2x Battlesuit fists
◦ 2x Burst cannon
Archetype
Mont’ka Pressure
Thoughts
The Tau slap back with a glorious return to forward pressure Mont’ka. There are a fair few armies in the meta that don’t want to be pushed back assertively by a wall of gun, and Mont’ka gives you some fantastic tools for doing that. Tau can go-wide with both anti-tank and anti-infantry shooting that outshines their competitors, it’s just about making sure the blows land. If the Skyrays and Hammerheads can do work for multiple turns, it’s usually game over. Really well done on the event win!
Wesley St.Hines – Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)
The List
Army List - Click to Expand The UNSC 42nd Infantry Regiment “Captain Jacob Keyes”: Death Korps Marshal (60 pts): Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol “Commander Miranda Keyes”: Death Korps Marshal (60 pts): Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol “Command Team Alpha”: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (95 pts) “Command Team Bravo”: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 pts) “Command Team Eagle”: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 pts) “Alpha Nine”: Gaunt’s Ghosts (110 pts) “Valkyrie One”: Ursula Creed (55 pts): Duty and Vengeance, Power Weapon “Lone Wolf” Sly Marbo (65 pts): Envenomed Blade, Ripper Pistol “Zulu Company” 10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 pts) “Autumn Guard” 20x Death Korps of Krieg (130 pts) “Foxtrot Battalion” 20x Death Korps of Krieg (130 pts) “Fireteam Alpha” 10x Tempestus Scions (120 pts) “Fireteam Bravo” 10x Tempestus Scions (120 pts) “Fireteam Eagle” 10x Tempestus Scions (120 pts) “Fallen Dawn” 10x Tempestus Scions (120 pts) “Jericho Vanguard” 5x Tempestus Scions (60 pts) “Skyhammers” 3x Heavy Weapons Squad (50 pts): 3 with Close Combat Weapon, Las Small Arms, Mortar “Wraith Breakers” 3x Heavy Weapons Squad (50 pts): 3 with Close Combat Weapon, Las Small Arms, Mortar “Arcadia Fire” 3x Heavy Weapons Squad (50 pts): 3 with Close Combat Weapon, Las Small Arms, Mortar “The Crimson Rain” 10x Kasrkin (110 pts) “Skyfall Brigade” 10x Tempestus Aquilons (110 pts) “Makgoro Mgalekgolo” Armoured Sentinels (65 pts): Close Combat Weapon, Hunter-killer Missile, Sentinel Chainsaw, Lascannon “Maccabeus” Ogryn Bodyguard (40 pts): Close Combat Weapon, Bullgryn Maul, Brute Shield
“It’s bad ok, it’s bad, it’s like the Dark Eldar detachment… this sucks, this just sucks” – Theory Hammer
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Astra Militarum
+ DETACHMENT: Bridgehead Strike
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char5: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad
+ ENHANCEMENT: Bombast-class Vox-array (on Char4: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad – Tempestor Prime)
& Shroud Projector (on Char5: Militarum Tempestus Command Squad – Tempestor Prime)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 24
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (1×2) – Assassination: 9 Characters – Cull The Horde: 2×5
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Noble Team”: Platoon Command Squad (60 pts)
“Jorge-052” with Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol, Meltagun
“Jun-A266” with Master Vox, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun, Laspistol
“Spartan-B312” Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol, Plasma Gun
“Cater-A259” with Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol, Lasgun, Regimental Standard
“Emile-A239” Cadian Commander: Plasma Pistol, Power Fist
• 4x Tempestus Scion
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Medi-Pack
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volley Gun
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Master Vox, Hot-shot Laspistol
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
• 1x Tempestor Prime: Command Rod, Tempestus Dagger, Warlord
Enhancement: Bombast-class Vox-array (+25 pts)
• 4x Tempestus Scion
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Medi-Pack
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volley Gun
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
• 1x Tempestor Prime: Command Rod, Tempestus Dagger
Enhancement: Shroud Projector (+15 pts)
• 4x Tempestus Scion
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Medi-Pack
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volley Gun
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
• 1x Tempestor Prime: Command Rod, Tempestus Dagger
“Spartan Taylor “Dutch” Miles” with Bragg’s autocannon, Straight Silver Knife
“Spartan Michael “Mickey” Crespo” with Corbec’s Hot-shot Lascarbine, Straight Silver Knife
“Spartan Kojo “Romeo” Agu” with Larkin’s Long-las, Straight Silver Knife
“Lance Corporal Jonathan “Rookie” Doherty” with Lascarbine, Mkoll’s Straight Silver Knife
“Spartan Edward Buck” with Rawne’s Lascarbine, Straight Silver Knife
“Captain Veronica Dare” Ibram Gaunt: Bolt Pistol, Gaunt’s Chainsword
• 9x Jungle Fighter
6 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Flamer
1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun
• 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant: Close Combat Weapon, Laspistol
• 18x Death Korps Trooper
11 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun
1 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
• 2x Death Korps Watchmaster: 2 with Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol
• 18x Death Korps Trooper
11 with Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun
1 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Grenade Launcher
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
• 2x Death Korps Watchmaster: 2 with Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol
• 9x Tempestus Scion
4 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Volleygun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol
• 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol
• 9x Tempestus Scion
4 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol
• 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol
• 9x Tempestus Scion
4 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol
• 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol
• 9x Tempestus Scion
4 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol
• 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol
• 4x Tempestus Scion
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol
• 1x Tempestor: Power Fist, Plasma Pistol
• 9x Kasrkin Trooper
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Lasgun
1 with Melta mine, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Marksman Rifle
1 with Vox-caster, Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Meltagun
2 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma Gun
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power Weapon, Plasma Pistol
• 9x Tempestus Aquilon
7 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot lascarbine
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot long las
1 with Close Combat Weapon, Plasma carbine
• 1x Tempestor Aquilon: Close Combat Weapon, Hot-shot Laspistol, Power Weapon, Sentry hot-shot volleygun
Archetype
Guard Infantry Carpet
Thoughts
Another podium for Bridgehead infantry bodies – a lot of livingly named units here, so well done for that. Cheeky Ogryn Bodyguard adds durability, the Armoured Sentinel screens and provides a little bit of additional solidity, and the masses of bodies get the job done. So much OC and output here! Well done on the top placing.
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 3rd – Kevin Leonard – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): Slaanesh Daemons with two Keepers, a lot of Fiends and some Seekers!
- 4th – Gary Frank – Adeptus Custodes (Shield Host): Golden slabs with triple Blade Champ, Wardens and Venatarii.
- 5th – Cameron Piñeiro – Aeldari (Battle Host): Avatar / Wraithknight Aeldari.
- 6th – John Miller – Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Mixed arms Custodes with Caladius, bikes and infantry.
- 7th – Orin Kosobucki – Death Guard (Plague Company): Mortarion leads a mass of Plague Marines and tanks to war.
The Brawl GT – Beachhead Warm Up!
38-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Poole, England, GB on January 11 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Joshua Cowlard – Orks (War Horde) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHARACTER 2x Ghazghkull Thraka (235 pts) 1x Beastboss (80 pts) 1x Beastboss (80 pts) 1x Warboss (100 pts) 1x Warboss (75 pts) 1x Warboss (75 pts) BATTLELINE 10x Beast Snagga Boyz (95 pts) 10x Beast Snagga Boyz (95 pts) OTHER DATASHEETS 6x Breaka Boyz (140 pts) 5x Burna Boyz (60 pts) 11x Gretchin (40 pts) 11x Gretchin (40 pts) 11x Gretchin (40 pts) 2x Meganobz (70 pts) 5x Nobz (105 pts) 5x Nobz (105 pts) 6x Tankbustas (120 pts) 6x Tankbustas (120 pts) 1x Trukk (65 pts) 1x Trukk (65 pts) 1x Trukk (65 pts) 1x Trukk (65 pts) 1x Trukk (65 pts)
Kill teams are good and healthy for the game
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos – Orks
+ DETACHMENT: War Horde
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char1: Ghazghkull Thraka
+ ENHANCEMENT: Follow Me Ladz (on Char3: Warboss)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 23
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (5×2) – Assassination: 6 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
• 1x Ghazghkull Thraka
• 1x Gork’s Klaw
• 1x Mork’s Roar
• 1x Makari
• 1x Makari’s stabba
• Warlord
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
• 1x Beastchoppa
• 1x Shoota
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
• 1x Beastchoppa
• 1x Shoota
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Twin slugga
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Power klaw
• Follow Me Ladz (+25 pts)
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Twin slugga
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Twin slugga
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
• 1x Power snappa
• 1x Slugga
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
• 9x Choppa
• 9x Slugga
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
• 1x Power snappa
• 1x Slugga
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
• 9x Choppa
• 9x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
• 1x Rokkit pistol
• 1x Smash hammer
• 5x Breaka Boy
• 4x Smash hammer
• 1x Tankhammer
• 4x Burna Boy
• 4x Burna
• 4x Cuttin’ flames
• 1x Spanner
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
• 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Grot-smacka
• 1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
• 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Grot-smacka
• 1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
• 10x Close combat weapon
• 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
• 1x Grot-smacka
• 1x Slugga
• 2x Meganob
• 2x Kustom shoota
• 2x Power klaw
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
• 4x Power klaw
• 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
• 4x Power klaw
• 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
• 2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
• 5x Rokkit launcha
• 1x Boss Nob
• 1x Choppa
• 2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
• 5x Close combat weapon
• 5x Rokkit launcha
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
Archetype
War Horde with TANKBUSTAS
Thoughts
Newly announced England squad hero Josh takes names with his beloved Orks. Plugging the nasty shooting of Tankbustas into the brutal forward pressure of War Horde seems to be a winning recipe, and he jams Trukks, lads and Ghaz into the mix to keep the opponent on the back foot until they have no hope of a winning score. Fantastic work mate!
The Best of the Rest
There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Mark Davies – World Eaters (Vessels of Wrath): A tasty mix of Eightbound, Terminators and Berzerkers in Vessels.
- 3rd – Mark Vickery – Aeldari (Battle Host): Delicious go-wide Aspects with Jain-Zar, Karandras and Eldrad in tow.
- 4th – Peter Balchin – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): A grab-bag of IF monsters with two squads of Zoanthropes.
- 5th – David Bannister – Ynnari (Battle Host): Brutal triple Fire Prism Ynnari.
- 6th – Dom Finnis – Black Templars (Righteous Crusaders): Epic double Land Raider Templars. Double Infiltrators for those pesky drop armies.
North Sea Slam IRONMAN 2025
37-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Den Haag, ZH, Nederland on January 11 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Justin Jansen – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand CHARACTERS Daemon Prince of Chaos with Wings (180 points) Keeper of Secrets (290 points) Keeper of Secrets (320 points) BATTLELINE Daemonettes (100 points) Daemonettes (100 points) Daemonettes (100 points) Daemonettes (100 points) Nurglings (40 points) Plaguebearers (110 points) OTHER DATASHEETS Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) Beasts of Nurgle (65 points) Fiends (105 points) Fiends (210 points) Fiends (210 points) Exported with App Version: v1.24.0 (64), Data Version: v525
Chaos Daemons (1995 points)
Legion of Excess
• Daemonic Allegiance: Slaanesh
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• 1x Phantasmagoria
1x Shining Aegis
1x Snapping claws
1x Witstealer sword
• 1x Phantasmagoria
1x Shining Aegis
1x Snapping claws
1x Witstealer sword
Enhancement: False Majesty
• 1x Alluress
• 1x Slashing claws
• 9x Daemonette
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Slashing claws
• 1x Alluress
• 1x Slashing claws
• 9x Daemonette
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Slashing claws
• 1x Alluress
• 1x Slashing claws
• 9x Daemonette
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Slashing claws
• 1x Alluress
• 1x Slashing claws
• 9x Daemonette
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Slashing claws
• 3x Nurgling Swarm
• 3x Diseased claws and teeth
• 1x Plagueridden
• 1x Plaguesword
• 9x Plaguebearer
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Plaguesword
• 1x Putrid appendages
• 1x Putrid appendages
• 1x Blissbringer
• 1x Barbed tail and dissecting claws
• 2x Fiend
• 2x Barbed tail and dissecting claws
• 1x Blissbringer
• 1x Barbed tail and dissecting claws
• 5x Fiend
• 5x Barbed tail and dissecting claws
• 1x Blissbringer
• 1x Barbed tail and dissecting claws
• 5x Fiend
• 5x Barbed tail and dissecting claws
Archetype
Slaanesh Infantry Horde.
Thoughts
Slaanesh are taking no prisoners at the start of the Grotmas meta, with their no-sell stratagems and brutal output taking them to new heights. I like the non-god specific compromises here – having sticky objectives is simply too good to pass up, so Plaguebearers remain everyone’s best mate. A couple of Keepers and plenty of the cheaper pieces is emerging as a key blueprint for the detachment. Really well done on the event win!
The Best of the Rest
There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Ruud Steenbakkers – Imperial Agents (Imperialis Fleet): A delightfully janky IA build with triple Deathwatch Kill team and lots of Navy Breachers.
- 3rd – Dino Kho – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Broodsurge goodstuff with plenty of MSU infantry.
- 4th – Ruben Stapel – Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Huron Blackheart and Terminators in Creations, I LOVE it.
-
5th – Sjors Meijer – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Massed Sang Guard and Death Company in LAG.
Warpstorm
30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Cloughmills, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom on January 11 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.
Mark Morrow – Orks (Taktikal Brigade) – 1st Place
The List
Army List - Click to Expand “I Fink, Therefore I Krump” Orks CHARACTERS Beastboss (80 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (100 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (75 Points) Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun (65 Points) Warboss (75 Points) Warboss (75 Points) Warboss (75 Points) BATTLELINE Beast Snagga Boyz (95 Points) Stormboyz (65 Points) DEDICATED TRANSPORTS Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) Trukk (65 Points) OTHER DATASHEETS Breaka Boyz (140 Points) Breaka Boyz (140 Points) Burna Boyz (60 Points) Flash Gitz (160 Points) Gretchin (40 Points) Gretchin (40 Points) Lootas (100 Points) Nobz (105 Points) Tankbustas (120 Points) Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (2), Data Version: v538
Taktikal Brigade
Strike Force (2000 Points)
• 1x Beast Snagga klaw
• 1x Beastchoppa
• 1x Shoota
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancements: Mek Kaptin
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• Enhancements: Gob Boomer
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Grot Assistant
• 1x Shokk attack gun
• Warlord
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Twin sluggas
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Twin sluggas
• 9x Beast Snagga Boy
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Slugga
• 1x Beast Snagga Nob
◦ 1x Power snappa
◦ 1x Slugga
• 4x Stormboy
◦ 4x Choppa
◦ 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels
• 1x Wreckin’ ball
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Rokkit pistol
◦ 1x Smash hammer
• 5x Breaka Boy
◦ 1x Knucklebustas
◦ 3x Smash hammer
◦ 1x Tankhammer
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Rokkit pistol
◦ 1x Smash hammer
• 5x Breaka Boy
◦ 4x Smash hammer
◦ 1x Tankhammer
• 1x Spanner
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Kustom mega-blasta
• 4x Burna Boy
◦ 4x Burna
◦ 4x Cuttin’ flames
• 1x Kaptin
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Snazzgun
• 9x Flash Git
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Snazzgun
• 10x Gretchin
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
◦ 1x Runtherd tools
◦ 1x Slugga
• 10x Gretchin
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Grot blasta
• 1x Runtherd
◦ 1x Runtherd tools
◦ 1x Slugga
• 2x Spanner
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Kustom mega-blasta
• 8x Loota
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 8x Deffgun
• 1x Ammo Runt
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga
• 4x Nob
◦ 4x Power klaw
◦ 4x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Rokkit pistol
◦ 1x Smash hammer
• 5x Tankbusta
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Rokkit launcha
Archetype
Taktikal Brigade Mixed Arms
Thoughts
Another win for Taktikal highlighting the range of plug ins you now have at your disposal – Breaka Boyz provide long-bemoaned Damage 3, and the blend of shooting and combat here means it can stay or go as required. Orks are eating well, and as more people hobby up Tankbustas and Breaks, I expect we will see even more of them! Very well done on the event win.
The Best of the Rest
There were 2 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
- 2nd – Aidan “GULLMAN” Lee – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force): An Astraeus and Sternguard in amongst the Kill Teams, yikes!
- 3rd – Michael McConkey – Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Two big combat bricks in Metamorphs and Melee Acos alongside the Broodsurge MSU.
Wrap Up
There we are folks! The meta is in full swing- it looks like Orks and Slaanesh are creeping up to claim the crown of biggest Grotmas winners, and the recent nerfs to Starshatter probably only compound this. Tonnes of armies being tried out though – imagine Shrike being a legit take in 2025, I am SO chuffed. Have a great time out there and keep on exploring all the exciting options! See you again next time.
Lowest of Men, out.
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