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.

Another year, another LVO in the books, with a 10th Edition classic facing off against the new hotness for the trophy. That’s what you’re here for, and exactly what we like to see, and we’ll dig into it in just a moment.

First up, two housekeeping items:

1. Tickets are available for the Goonhammer Open UK, so if you fancy winning a Golden Ticket and making a splash on the world stage (or playing a host of other games), come to Leicester on 22nd/23rd March. More details below

The Goonhammer Open UK

2. If you want to hear the Competitive Innovations team talk about 40K rather than just reading our words, you can check out last night’s 6+++ show, where I joined Lowest of Men to break down the LVO results and more.

The meta is wide open and the playing field is the most level it’s been in a good while (the highest win rate from GT+ events this weekend was a mere 53.5%), so it’s a great time to be following the game, which we’re going to do by covering the following today:

LVO 2025 Warhammer 40k Champs
Dutch Masters finale GT
Loch ‘n Load GT 1
1 GT MOGUER IBERIAN OPE
Burn & Learn Vol.10

On Friday Lowest of Men will look at:

HAMBURG MAJOR 2025 40k
First Assault!
DA GITHAMMER WAAAGH WEEKEND!!!! GT
Cross-Swords Vigil of Peace
Abyss Bonne année, Grand Nez 40k GT

As one of our patrons put it, LVO has superdelegates, so only the Showdowns for part 2 got voted on this week. As a result, we’ll be looking at:

Black Spear Deathwatch vs. Vanguard Ultramarines at the LVO
Classic World Eaters vs. Ynnari at Da Githammer Waaagh Weekend.

LVO 2025 Warhammer 40k Champs

1051-player, 10-round Supermajor in Las Vegas, NV, United States on January 16 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold – Prepared Positions – Hammer and Anvil

Mark Hertel – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force)
Army List - Click to Expand

Deathwatch is back on the menu! (2000 Points)

Space Marines
Deathwatch
Black Spear Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain in Gravis Armour (110 Points)
• 1x Master-crafted heavy bolt rifle
• 1x Master-crafted power weapon
• Enhancements: The Tome of Ectoclades

Judiciar (95 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
• 1x Executioner relic blade
• Enhancements: Thief of Secrets

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

Watch Master (105 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Vigil spear

BATTLELINE

Deathwatch Veterans (100 Points)
• 1x Watch Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes shield
◦ 1x Xenophase blade
• 4x Deathwatch Veterans
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Deathwatch thunder hammer
◦ 1x Frag cannon
◦ 1x Infernus heavy bolter

Deathwatch Veterans (200 Points)
• 1x Watch Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes shield
◦ 1x Xenophase blade
• 9x Deathwatch Veterans
◦ 1x Astartes shield
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Deathwatch thunder hammer
◦ 2x Frag cannon
◦ 2x Infernus heavy bolter
◦ 1x Power weapon

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Rhino (75 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathwatch Terminator Squad (180 Points)
• 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant
◦ 1x Power fist
◦ 1x Storm bolter
• 4x Deathwatch Terminator
◦ 3x Cyclone missile launcher
◦ 4x Power fist
◦ 4x Storm bolter

Indomitor Kill Team (270 Points)
• 4x Kill Team Heavy Intercessors
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle
◦ 2x Deathwatch heavy bolter
• 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with power fists
◦ 3x Flamestorm gauntlets
◦ 3x Twin power fists
• 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with melta rifle
◦ 3x Bolt pistol
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Melta rifle
◦ 1x Multi-melta

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

Talonstrike Kill Team (290 Points)
• 1x Kill Team Sergeant with Jump Pack
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Kill Team Intercessor with Jump Pack
◦ 4x Astartes chainsword
◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 2x Plasma pistol
• 5x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with Jump Pack
◦ 5x Assault bolters
◦ 5x Close combat weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (2), Data Version: v538

vs.

Ben Neal – Space Marines (Astartes) (Vanguard Spearhead)
Army List - Click to Expand

Swiggity Swooty where is Robooty (1985 points)

Space Marines
Ultramarines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Vanguard Spearhead

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Ghostweave Cloak

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (100 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• Enhancement: Shadow War Veteran

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield Dome

OTHER DATASHEETS

Centurion Devastator Squad (370 points)
• 1x Devastator Centurion Sergeant
• 1x Centurion fists
1x Centurion missile launcher
1x Twin lascannon
• 5x Devastator Centurion
• 5x Centurion fists
5x Centurion missile launcher
5x Twin lascannon

Company Heroes (95 points)
• 1x Ancient
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Company Champion
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 2x Company Veteran
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Master-crafted bolt rifle
1x Master-crafted heavy bolter

Eradicator Squad (100 points)
• 1x Eradicator Sergeant
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
• 2x Eradicator
• 2x Bolt pistol
2x Close combat weapon
1x Melta rifle
1x Multi-melta

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

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.24.0 (64), Data Version: v525

Thoughts

Well well well, Space Marines is it? The poster boys of 40k throw down on the toppest table of all, both packing builds with ultra-potent redeploys as a key centrepiece. The Ultramarine Centurion Vanguard build is a tried and tested favourite, but recent incarnations have generally included Bobby G, which Ben has eschewed here. Instead, he’s used the points freed up by that and also by not buying an “alpha” bodyguard for Calgar to invest in going a bit wider, adding some extra Eradicators to shore up killing power against heavier hitting foes. It’s worth saying that there’s two definite trends in the best performing Marines lists (these two and Jack Harpster’s), which is that they have a bit more ground coverage than most, and at least one big uppy-downy shooty unit.

Both of those are on display in Mark’s build as well – two Deathwatch Terminator units help fill space, while also cracking off some extra missiles, and the terrifying Talonstrike bomb threatens to melt anything that looks at you funny via concentrated bolter hell. You’ve also got a few more close assault pressure pieces from the Veterans, and the ultra-solid all-rounder of the Indomitor team. Scary stuff, but definitely notable that unlike a lot of Deathwatch builds you have the Terminators instead of doubling up on the big bricks, and I think that’s a major contributor to why Mark did so well, especially on GW terrain where extra durable space fillers are valuable.

So who wins when these two face off? Hilariously given the combatants, Hammer and Anvil goes some way to minimising the power of redeploys, as it’s generally one of the easier maps to sustain screening on, especially since both builds have that extra coverage. That ends up hurting Ben more since a higher proportion of his points are invested in such toys, whereas the Deathwatch can throw more hands in melee, especially without Bobby G to worry about. The Inceptors add a bit more of a way for the Ultramarines to find an angle, but the fact they can be largely bounced by Armour of Contempt on the Terminators is an issue, and Deathwatch getting some discount Stratagems off the mission rule is extra gravy there.

I think, fundamentally, the dynamics of this game are going to gradually force the two armies to the brink of a massive engagement, and when that triggers the superior brawling ability of the Deathwatch (plus having some much tougher “expendable” units to bait with in the Terminators) gives them the edge. That said, the Ultramarines are likely better placed to punish any sort of mistakes from the Deathwatch, and both armies can potentailly leverage the second turn to play ultra conservatively and try and force a low point win if they’re worried. Given the final scores, I’d guess the Deathwatch didn’t give the Ultramarines any openings to take advantage of, and triumphed when the inevitable clash finally detonated.

Result

Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) Victory – 88 – 56

Mark Hertel – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) – 1st Place

Deathwatch veteran Isak Al’Tah. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Deathwatch is back on the menu! (2000 Points)

Space Marines
Deathwatch
Black Spear Task Force
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain in Gravis Armour (110 Points)
• 1x Master-crafted heavy bolt rifle
• 1x Master-crafted power weapon
• Enhancements: The Tome of Ectoclades

Judiciar (95 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
• 1x Executioner relic blade
• Enhancements: Thief of Secrets

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

Watch Master (105 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Vigil spear

BATTLELINE

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Rhino (75 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (2), Data Version: v538

Archetype

Go-Wide Deathwatch

Thoughts

Mark has featured in this column on many occasions, most recently sporting a hilarious Land Raider spam build, and it’s great seeing him take the big trophy here. I love his list, and I think the Terminator MSUs are the real X-factor that pushes it over the top via the extra positioning flexability. Fantastic stuff, huge congratulations!

Ben Neal – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) – 2nd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Swiggity Swooty where is Robooty (1985 points)

Space Marines
Ultramarines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Vanguard Spearhead

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Ghostweave Cloak

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (100 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• Enhancement: Shadow War Veteran

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Impulsor (80 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
2x Fragstorm grenade launcher
1x Ironhail heavy stubber
1x Shield Dome

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.24.0 (64), Data Version: v525

Archetype

Ultra Vanguard

Thoughts

All covered in the Showdown, and really notable that Ben’s choice to break away from the herd and prioritise board coverage over Bobby G paid off. I do also really like the use of both Ventris and a Shadow War Veteran Lone Op to really punish foes who want to lean on stratagems. Ben is also no stranger to this column (and his team name makes me smile every time it comes up), so huge congratulations to him as well!

Jack Harpster – Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors) – 3rd Place

Primaris Chapter Master Dante. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

(2000 Points)

Space Marines
Blood Angels
Angelic Inheritors
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Captain with Jump Pack (85 Points)
• 1x Hand flamer
• 1x Relic weapon

Commander Dante (130 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Perdition Pistol
• 1x The Axe Mortalis

Librarian (65 Points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
• 1x Force weapon
• 1x Smite

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (95 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
• Enhancements: Ordained Sacrifice

The Sanguinor (140 Points)
• 1x Encarmine broadsword

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

Devastator Squad (120 Points)
• 1x Devastator Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Combi-weapon
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Devastator
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Lascannon

Inceptor Squad (240 Points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Plasma exterminators
• 5x Inceptor
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Plasma exterminators

Inceptor Squad (120 Points)
• 1x Inceptor Sergeant
◦ 1x Assault bolters
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
• 2x Inceptor
◦ 2x Assault bolters
◦ 2x Close combat weapon

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

Sanguinary Guard (130 Points)
• 3x Sanguinary Guard
◦ 2x Angelus boltgun
◦ 3x Encarmine blade
◦ 1x Inferno pistol
◦ 1x Sanguinary Banner

Vindicator (175 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Demolisher cannon
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (2), Data Version: v538

Archetype

Go-wide Inheritors

Thoughts

In third place we’ve got the Art of War’s Jack Harpster running a very cool new go-wide Angelic Inheritors build. This puts lots of small but punchy mobile threats onto the table, and uses the tools of Inheritors to load up some nastier shooting than you might see in Liberator. Stacking Instant of Grace and Strike Now For Glory lets you throw an exceptionally brutal punch with the big Plasma Inceptor unit, and you can then reload them with Unto The Burning Skies if they need to be scooted across the table. You also get a more static, but still powerful, threat from the Devastators – being able to use In the Shadow of Great Wings means they can just stand in the open while blasting away at the foe, and they also have great synergy with Strike Now for Glory and the build in re-rolls they’ll have from their Leader and the Detachment rule. Finally, being able to stick a revival Enhancement on the Lone Op Lieutenant is really good, as it gives you a sticky way to contest an objective in an emergency.

All this comes together to something that’s notably more versatile than Liberator (at the cost of not having any melee hammers of the same magnitude), and particularly on the very diverse GW terrain layouts that seems to have been a great bet from Jack. Congratulations for taking third place and showing off what this can do!

Floof Cox – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Trans rights are human rights (2000 points)

Genestealer Cults
Strike Force (2000 points)
Host of Ascension

CHARACTERS

Benefictus (85 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Psionic Cascade
• Enhancement: Assassination Edict

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

Primus (100 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Cult bonesword
1x Scoped needle pistol
1x Toxin injector claw
• Enhancement: A Chink In Their Armour

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

BATTLELINE

Acolyte Hybrids with Autopistols (65 points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
1x Cult claws and knife
3x Heavy mining tool

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (70 points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 4x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
4x Cult claws and knife
3x Hand flamer

Acolyte Hybrids with Hand Flamers (140 points)
• 1x Acolyte Leader
• 1x Hand flamer
1x Leader’s bio-weapons
• 9x Acolyte Hybrid
• 1x Cult Icon
9x Cult claws and knife
8x Hand flamer

Neophyte Hybrids (130 points)
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
2x Grenade launcher
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Mining laser
2x Seismic cannon
2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (130 points)
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 19x Neophyte Hybrid
• 19x Autopistol
19x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
2x Flamer
2x Heavy stubber
11x Hybrid firearm
2x Seismic cannon
2x Webber

Neophyte Hybrids (65 points)
• 1x Neophyte Leader
• 1x Autopistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Hybrid firearm
• 9x Neophyte Hybrid
• 9x Autopistol
9x Close combat weapon
1x Cult Icon
1x Flamer
1x Heavy stubber
5x Hybrid firearm
1x Seismic cannon
1x Webber

OTHER DATASHEETS

Achilles Ridgerunners (85 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Heavy mortar
1x Survey Augur
1x Twin heavy stubber

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

Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (65), Data Version: v538

Archetype

Horde Host

Thoughts

Hell yeah! A breakout performance from Floof here, bringing back the classic horde-style Genestealer Cults and taking it all the way to the semi-finals. This list trades on the classic Cult attribute of being incredibly overwhelming to face, unleashing wave after wave of nasty shooting threats, and having ample scoring units to lock in Secondaries. The army has been tuned up for the modern environment with a few changes – adding a couple of Benefictus gives you more ability to punch up in an emergency (and being able to protect and reload them with Back to the Shadows makes that appealing), and the list construction leans into how the new version of Cult Ambush works. Rather than having to take lots of small supporting Acolytes, Floof has nearly maxed out Neophytes for maximum overwhelming threat, and is presumably planning on reviving one big brick and two Acolyte squads pretty much every game. That keeps the pressure super high, and having multiple Ridgerunners also ensures everyone operates at peak potential. Huge congratulations to Floof for an impressive uprising!

The Best of the Rest

I am including:

Everyone who made it to the Shadow round.
Everyone who was undefeated after the Swiss.

That gives us 14 more players, who were:

5th – Ridvan Martinez – Drukhari (Skysplinter Assault): Shooty, transport-light Skysplinter with a Talos unit, a Raider to fill with ramming Wracks, various Infantry MSUs, Scourges, and a Voidraven to top it all off.
6th – Josh Roberts – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): The Bobby G Vindicator/Ballistus gun club, swapping out one Ballistus for a Gladiator Reaper to diversify the output a bit.
7th – Jay Eggett – Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): A surprise showing for a shooty Pactbound hull spam build, cramming in lots of Vindicators, Destructors, Helbrutes and Venomcrawlers as Nurgle, plus a couple of Slaanesh Maulerfiends for counterpunch.
8th – Derek Apsche – Chaos Space Marines (Chaos Cult): The latest version of the cultist horde that Derek has been rocking all year.
9th – Don Hooson – Death Guard (Plague Company): Hull-heavy Death Guard, with Mortarion leading a cavalcade of Daemon Engines into battle.
10th – TJ Lanigan – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Double Mutalith, lots of Characters, and some extra cheap space fillers, a build that no power on earth seems able to pry out of TJ’s hands.
11th – Conan Jennings – Ultramarines (Ironstorm Spearhead): Down-the line Bobby G gun club.
12th – Jeffrey Stenquist – Death Guard (Plague Company): Pretty much the opposite end of the Death Guard spectrum, going for lots of Plague Marines in Rhinos, leaders and a scattering of cheaper hulls and support pieces.
13th – Adam Tricola – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): A more all-rounder Bobby G Gladius list, keeping some of the shooty hulls but adding the roving threat of a full Jump Intercessor unit and a full Sternguard squad to Deep Strike via Ventris.
14th – Hans Lieber – Death Guard (Plague Company): Another heavy Death Guard build loaded with Mortarion and Engines, though sneaks one Plague Marine Rhino in, technically making it the all-rounder version I guess?
15th – Brian Daugherty – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Classic World Eaters with all the hits you’d expect.
16th – Matt Evans – Tyranids (Assimilation Swarm): Double Tyrant Guard brick board control Swarm, with a Neurotyrant/Zoanthrope unit for heavy lifting.
17th – Kevin Leonard – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess): The double Keeper/max Fiend version of Slaanesh Daemons, including a Epitome wound battery.
18th – Durante Bozzini – T’au Empire (Kauyon): Hull-heavy Triptide Kauyon. Say it with me kids – Triptide is inevitable, Triptide is eternal.

Dutch Masters finale GT

70-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Amersfoort, UT, NL on January 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Mark Krijntjes – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

WAAAAAAAAAGH (2000 points)

Chaos Daemons
Strike Force (2000 points)
Legion of Excess

6 characters, 3×4 BiD

CHARACTERS

Contorted Epitome (80 points)
• 1x Coiled tentacles
1x Ravaging claws

Keeper of Secrets (290 points)
• 1x Phantasmagoria
1x Shining Aegis
1x Snapping claws
1x Witstealer sword

The Masque of Slaanesh (85 points)
• 1x Serrated claws

Tormentbringer on Exalted Seeker Chariot (170 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Exalted Seeker tongues
1x Lashes of torment
1x Ravaging claws
• Enhancement: False Majesty (Aura)

BATTLELINE

Daemonettes (100 points)
• 1x Alluress
• 1x Slashing claws
• 9x Daemonette
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Slashing claws

OTHER DATASHEETS

Fiends (210 points)
• 1x Blissbringer
• 1x Barbed tail and dissecting claws
• 5x Fiend
• 5x Barbed tail and dissecting claws

Seeker Chariot (65 points)
• 1x Lashes of torment
1x Seeker tongues
1x Slashing claws

Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (65), Data Version: v538

Archetype

Heavy Excess

Thoughts

Goodness, that fits does it? Welp. Fiends and Keepers of Secrets were already some of the best Daemon datasheets available, so it’s not hugely surprising that maxing out on those in the powerful new detachment is a very compelling prospect, particularly as you can fit a surprising amount of spice in the remaining 500pts. The Tormentbringer boosts the Fiends and adds Fight on Death action, while the Epitome unit ensures that if you simply don’t want your fiends to die for a bit, they don’t have to. What results is a build that’s an absolute nightmare for anything on a melee plan to deal with (and there’s lots of that out there), while having the speed and threat from the re-rolls to lunge out and clear hull-heavy builds like the Bobby G gun club. Slick and effective, and I expect this to basically be the starting point for the detachment going forward, well done Mark!

Chris Clayton – Death Guard (Flyblown Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

termie pox (1995 points)

Death Guard
Strike Force (2000 points)
Flyblown Host

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (75 points)
• 1x Hyper blight grenades
1x Injector pistol
1x Plague knives
• Enhancement: Plagueveil

Death Guard Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (70 points)
• 1x Curse of the Leper
1x Force weapon
1x Plague combi-bolter

Death Guard Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (90 points)
• 1x Curse of the Leper
1x Force weapon
1x Plague combi-bolter
• Enhancement: Insectile Murmuration

Foul Blightspawn (60 points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plague sprayer

Mortarion (300 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Rotwind
1x Silence
1x The Lantern

Typhus (80 points)
• 1x Master-crafted manreaper

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (180 points)
• 1x Plague Champion
• 1x Heavy plague weapon
1x Plasma gun
• 9x Plague Marine
• 3x Bubotic weapons
4x Heavy plague weapon
9x Plague knives
2x Plague spewer

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathshroud Terminators (220 points)
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 5x Deathshroud Terminator
• 5x Manreaper
5x Plaguespurt gauntlet

Foetid Bloat-Drone (90 points)
• 1x Plague probe
2x Plaguespitter

Myphitic Blight-Haulers (90 points)
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta

Poxwalkers (100 points)
• 20x Poxwalker
• 20x Improvised weapon

ALLIED UNITS

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

Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (65), Data Version: v538

Archetype

Flyblown Pox Horde

Thoughts

Drown them in Poxwalkers. Simple. Flyblown Host has struggled a little to find its feet compared to the classic Plague Company, but it does have a few neat things going on, which this list leans into. Scouting forward with lots of Poxwalkers and Terminators is going to be pretty intimidating out the gate, and if they connect it’ll be very hard for opponents to push their way back into the game. Poxwalkers can get surprisingly crunchy here, and can become rough for foes who have teched for tanks to handle, and can chip through most stuff thanks to Mortal tricks. You also get some great spike shooting from the Terminator Sorcerors with access to full hit re-rolls, which can be a nasty surprise for foes. Finally, although the list can be a little one-dimensional in terms of its damage output, Mortarion papers that over substantially via his ignore modifiers aura, helping ensure that even the sturdiest foes eventually wither away. My blunt opinion is that Plague Company is still a strong enough detachment that you don’t need this, but I’m always happy to see someone showing how to make a different toolset really work, a great undefeated finish from Chris.

Cees Jan Stam – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager) – 3rd Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+ FACTION KEYWORD: Aeldari – Drukhari
+ DETACHMENT: Reaper’s Wager
+ TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+
+ WARLORD: Char3: Archon
+ ENHANCEMENT: Archraider (on Char1: Archon)
& Conductor of Torment (on Char2: Succubus)
+ NUMBER OF UNITS: 22
+ SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (11×2) – Assassination: 4 Characters
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

1x Lelith Hesperax (95 pts)
•⁠ ⁠1x Lelith’s blades

1x Urien Rakarth (80 pts)
•⁠ ⁠1x Casket of Flensing
•⁠ ⁠1x Haemonculus tools and scissorhands

1x Archon (100 pts)
•⁠ ⁠1x Huskblade
•⁠ ⁠1x Blast Pistol
•⁠ ⁠Warlord
•⁠ ⁠Archraider (+15 pts)

1x Succubus (65 pts)
•⁠ ⁠1x Succubus weapons
•⁠ ⁠1x Blast Pistol
•⁠ ⁠Conductor of Torment (+20 pts)

BATTLELINE

10x Kabalite Warriors (110 pts)
•⁠ ⁠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 Blast Pistol
• Phantasm Grenade Launcher

5x Wracks (55 pts)
•⁠ ⁠1x Acothyst
• 1x Wrack blades
•⁠ ⁠1x Wrack with Hexrifle
• 1x Hexrifle
• 1x Wrack blades
•⁠ ⁠1x Wrack with Liquifier Gun
• 1x Liquifier gun
• 1x Wrack blades
•⁠ ⁠1x Wrack with Ossefactor
• 1x Ossefactor
• 1x Wrack blades
•⁠ ⁠1x Wrack with Stinger Pistol
• 1x Stinger pistol
• 1x Wrack blades

10x Wyches (90 pts)
•⁠ ⁠1x Hekatrix
• 1x Hekatarii Blade
• 1x Blast Pistol
• Phantasm Grenade Launcher
•⁠ ⁠9x Wych
• 9x Hekatarii Blade
• 9x Splinter Pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

4x Court of the Archon (95 pts)
•⁠ ⁠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

5x Mandrakes (70 pts)
•⁠ ⁠4x Mandrake
• 4x Baleblast
• 4x Glimmersteel Blade
•⁠ ⁠1x Nightfiend
• 1x Baleblast
• 1x Glimmersteel Blade

5x Scourges (130 pts)
•⁠ ⁠4x Scourge with Heavy Weapon
• 4x Close combat weapon
• 4x Drukhari Haywire Blaster
•⁠ ⁠1x Solarite
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Solarite Weapon
• 1x Shardcarbine

1x Cronos (50 pts)
•⁠ ⁠1x Cronos
• 1x Spirit Syphon
• 1x Spirit Vortex
• 1x Spirit-leech Tentacles

2x Talos (160 pts)
•⁠ ⁠2x Talos
• 2x Twin Liquifier Gun
• 2x Talos Gauntlet
• 2x Twin Haywire Blasters

1x Ravager (110 pts)
•⁠ ⁠1x Bladevanes
•⁠ ⁠3x Dark Lance

1x Raider (80 pts)
•⁠ ⁠1x Bladevanes
•⁠ ⁠1x Dark Lance

1x Venom (70 pts)
•⁠ ⁠1x Bladevanes
•⁠ ⁠1x Splinter Cannon
•⁠ ⁠1x Splinter Cannon

Archetype

No Harlie Wager

Thoughts

OK this is just a sick joke – no Harlequins in the Harlequin-ally detachment. Drukhari do like sick jokes, I guess, and the success of this build shows just how great the Stratagems in Wager are for a wide variety of Drukhari units. Cees’ build does also have a plan to squeeze value out of the Detachment rule via including Conductor of Torment, which I guess does give you a kind of pseudo-Oaths as long as you’re doing plenty of shooting, and get the ordering right. The army is definitely shootier than some versions to take maximum advantage of that, and it’s nice to get a bit of extra reliability in a crunchy metagame. While I would definitely loved to see more Harlequins included, tt’s undeniably a smart use of the tools, so well done Cees.

JC van der Lee – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) – 4th Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

There once lived a boy with a Warhammer army that he loved. The army was cruelly taken from him and the boy was sad. One frosty winter day the Grotmas Gits came and gave the boy his army back.The boy was overjoyed. Thank you Grotmas Gits. Theme song: Bleed it Out – Linkin Park (1995 points)

Space Marines
Deathwatch
Strike Force (2000 points)
Black Spear Task Force

CHARACTERS
Captain in Gravis Armour (105 points)
• 1x Boltstorm gauntlet
1x Power fist
1x Relic chainsword
• Enhancement: Thief of Secrets

Judiciar (95 points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
1x Executioner relic blade
• Enhancement: Beacon Angelis

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

Watch Master (135 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Vigil spear
• Enhancement: The Tome of Ectoclades

BATTLELINE
Deathwatch Veterans (200 points)
• 1x Watch Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shield
1x Xenophase blade
• 9x Deathwatch Veterans
• 1x Black Shield blades
4x Close combat weapon
4x Deathwatch thunder hammer
2x Frag cannon
2x Infernus heavy bolter

Deathwatch Veterans (200 points)
• 1x Watch Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shield
1x Xenophase blade
• 9x Deathwatch Veterans
• 1x Black Shield blades
4x Close combat weapon
4x Deathwatch thunder hammer
2x Frag cannon
2x Infernus heavy bolter

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

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

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

Indomitor Kill Team (270 points)
• 4x Kill Team Heavy Intercessors
• 4x Bolt pistol
4x Close combat weapon
2x Deathwatch heavy bolt rifle
2x Deathwatch heavy bolter
• 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with power fists
• 3x Auto boltstorm gauntlets
3x Fragstorm grenade launcher
3x Twin power fists
• 3x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with melta rifle
• 3x Bolt pistol
3x Close combat weapon
2x Melta rifle
1x Multi-melta

Talonstrike Kill Team (290 points)
• 1x Kill Team Sergeant with Jump Pack
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Kill Team Intercessor with Jump Pack
• 4x Astartes chainsword
2x Heavy bolt pistol
2x Plasma pistol
• 5x Kill Team Heavy Intercessor with Jump Pack
• 5x Assault bolters
5x Close combat weapon

Archetype

Big Brick Deathwatch

Thoughts

More Deathwatch to round out this top four, leaning a bit more into their ability to build terrifying monster bricks by adding a second large Indomitor team and big Veteran unit. The result is incredibly intimidating, and you’ve still got some great mobility via the Teleport Stratagem and the Beacon Angelis for the Judiciar Veteran unit, allowing it to be wedged wherever it will be most annoying for melee foes. You do get a little less board coverage than the more go-wide variants, but the threat of the Talonstrike team out of Deep Strike is so huge that the opponent may well not be able to take as much advantage of that as they’d like, and like any good Space Marine list you get Infiltrators to screen out your home. Another spicy showing for the Black Spear boys, great stuff JC.

The Best of the Rest

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

5th – Guillaume “Razorix” Buchkremer – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): A termagant horde with some big bugs behind.
6th – Ron Eliyahoo – Tyranids (Assimilation Swarm): Assimilation monster mash, with one of each Norn and various medium-large friends.
7th – Christian Domburg – Astra Militarum (Bridgehead Strike): Double Tank Commander Bridgehead.
8th – Fokke Dijkstra – Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Ultra-Character focused Hypercrypt, with double C’tan, the Silent King and a fully tooled Immortal unit.
9th – Rob Goossens – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King, a couple of Doomsdays, and various sizes of melee threat, including full Wraith and Lychguard units.
10th – Simon Borgers – Chaos Daemons (Plague Legion): Bilepipers and Plaguebearers galore to confuse and Battle-shock the foe, a GUO and Rotigus as tarpits, and three Brigands to blast away while the foe figures out what’s going on.
11th – Kjell Lutz – Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): A versatile all-rounder Spearhead build, taking a Character Telemon and a couple of Vendreads, but supporting them with a broader range of toys like Warden/Blade Champion units, a three-bike squad and some Venatari.
12th – Johri van Eerd – Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): A similarly all-rounder build that also has Draxus and some Custodians.

Loch ‘n Load GT 1

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in North Kessock, Scotland, United Kingdom on January 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dean Brannen – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) – 1st Place

Catacomb Command Barge. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Cheese Starshatters my arse (2000 Points)

Necrons
Starshatter Arsenal
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (150 Points)
• 1x Gauss cannon
• 1x Resurrection Orb
• 1x Staff of light
• Enhancements: Dread Majesty (Aura)

C’tan Shard of the Nightbringer (305 Points)
• 1x Gaze of death
• 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

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

Plasmancer (75 Points)
• 1x Plasmic lance
• Enhancements: Miniaturised Nebuloscope

The Silent King (420 Points)
• 1x Szarekh
• Warlord
◦ 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory
◦ 1x Staff of Stars
◦ 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch
• 2x Triarchal Menhir
◦ 2x Annihilator beam
◦ 2x Armoured bulk

BATTLELINE

Immortals (150 Points)
• 10x Immortal
◦ 10x Close combat weapon
◦ 10x Gauss blaster

OTHER DATASHEETS

Doomsday Ark (190 Points)
• 1x Armoured bulk
• 1x Doomsday cannon
• 2x Gauss flayer array

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

Lokhust Destroyers (35 Points)
• 1x Close combat weapon
• 1x Gauss cannon

Tomb Blades (75 Points)
• 3x Tomb Blade
◦ 3x Close combat weapon
◦ 3x Shadowloom
◦ 3x Twin gauss blaster

Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (2), Data Version: v538

Archetype

Heavy Starshatter

Thoughts

Doomsday Arks go brrr. Bringing in the Catacomb Command Barge alongside them lets you keep up Szarkeh’s Ignore Modifiers aura without re-rolls, creating a situation where there’s almost nothing they can’t chip through, and it also makes the Nightbringer extra deadly up close. Having access to the Immortals is also a great asset for Necrons right now, as they help you adapt to the need to carve through hordes as well as just heavy hitters. The biggest question going forward is whether you can still afford to run without Imotekh in a world where some of the good Stratagems are extra expensive, and we’re definitely going to see a bit of re-tinkering to find the best builds. The hard skew towards pure murder that this build demonstrates is still the killiest you can make Necrons even after the changes and that’ll certainly count for something – well done to Dean for crafting and unleashing this engine of destruction.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Duncan Brown – Space Marines (Ironstorm Spearhead): Tanks galore, throwing down triple RepEx like it’s 2019 all over again.
3rd – Rich Dovey – Space Wolves (Champions of Russ): Melee-heavy Champions, taking two full ThunderCav bricks and supporting them with Wulfen and other smaller threat packages.
4th – David Jack – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Deathwing GTF with the Lion.
5th – Adam Spicer – Tyranids (Invasion Fleet): Exocrines and Maleceptors with a bit more Infantry support than usual, using a mix of Hormagaunts and Genestealers.
6th – Garron Owen – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Bobby G gun club with a Reaper.

1 GT MOGUER IBERIAN OPEN

34-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Moguer, AN, España on January 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Jose Luis Barragan Mateos – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Watermelon smoothie (2000 Points)

World Eaters
Berzerker Warband
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Angron (435 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Samni’arius and Spinegrinder

Lord Invocatus (140 Points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Coward’s Bane
• 1x Juggernaut’s bladed horn

World Eaters Master of Executions (135 Points)
• 1x Axe of dismemberment
• 1x Bolt pistol
• Enhancements: Berzerker Glaive

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (65 Points)
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Jakhal chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
◦ 1x Skullsmasher
• 8x Jakhal
◦ 8x Autopistol
◦ 1x Icon of Khorne
◦ 7x Jakhal chainblades
◦ 1x Mauler chainblade

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

World Eaters Rhino (75 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Combi-bolter
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Eightbound (140 Points)
• 1x Eightbound Champion
◦ 1x Lacerators
• 2x Eightbound
◦ 2x Eightbound eviscerators

Exalted Eightbound (155 Points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
◦ 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 2x Exalted Eightbound
◦ 2x Eightbound chainfist
◦ 2x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Chaos Spawn (70 Points)
• 2x Chaos Spawn
◦ 2x Hideous mutations

Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (2), Data Version: v538

Archetype

Eightbound MSU Spam

Thoughts

Legion of Excess has created a fairly hostile environment for melee builds by positioning itself as a top Fight Phase predator, but appropriately the Berzerker Warbands of the World Eaters are just shrugging, screaming, and getting on with it. The ability to hit like an absolute tonne of bricks, at speed, backed by a respawning hellbeast is apparently never going out of fashion. This build does make some tweaks from the norm though – in line with some other successful builds this week, it emphasises going wide rather than tall, going all-MSU on the Eightbound and cutting out a Fight First Berzerker brick in favour of lots of Jakhals. It gives you a bit more ability to manage trades against other melee armies, and press on a wide front against something like the Bobby G gun club, all of which helps in the very diverse metagame. Although the win rates are pleasingly flat this week, World Eaters are one of the top few factions on that metric, and it’s definitely Berzerker Warband driving that, with Jose one of the players at the forefront – congratulations.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Ricardo Sambruno – Astra Militarum (Combined Regiment): Resisting the new Bridgehead hotness for a classic all-rounder double Dorn Regiment build.
3rd – Luis El Humilde – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): King, Doomsdays, Nightbringer, melee Destroyer MSUs.
4th – Capi 🦁 – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): King, Doomsdays, an Enmitic Lokhust/Lord unit and a few small melee threats.
5th – Adri Bispe – Imperial Knights (Noble Lance): Canis and his many squires.
6th – JUANMA MUÑOZ LÓPEZ – Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force): Extremely Character-light Deathwing GTF, using the extra points to take Vindicators.

Burn & Learn Vol.10

29-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, GB on January 18 2025. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Oliver Gaisford – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place

Cobalt Scions Ballistus Dreadnought. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Ultra Blood Angels (1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

Roboute Guilliman (345 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Emperor’s Sword
1x Hand of Dominion

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

Aggressor Squad (240 points)
• 1x Aggressor Sergeant
• 1x Flamestorm gauntlets
1x Twin power fists
• 5x Aggressor
• 5x Flamestorm gauntlets
5x Twin power fists

Ballistus Dreadnought (130 points)
• 1x Armoured feet
1x Ballistus lascannon
1x Ballistus missile launcher
1x Twin storm bolter

Predator Annihilator (130 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
2x Lascannon
1x Predator twin lascannon
1x Storm bolter

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

Vindicator (175 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter

Exported with App Version: v1.25.0 (65), Data Version: v538

Archetype

Bobby G Gun Club

Thoughts

Bobby G continues to have shooters here, this time with the addition of a big brick of Flamer Aggressors for Calgar to stomp around with. Love that for him. If you’re worried about Orks or a newly emboldened Cult horde (of whatever flavour) it’s fairly interesting, so I guess worth keeping an eye on as the impact of this weekend sinks into the metagame. Nice work from Oliver.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd – Chippy Wesemael – Leagues of Votann (Oathband): Beserk-heavy Votann, unleashing two full squads from Land Fortresses.
3rd – John McCarthy – Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Two Reiver Squads with Lieutenents? In this economy? (It’s go-wide no-Datasheet Liberator as we saw from Innes last week, but with more Reivers).
4th – Struan Robertson – Thousand Sons (Cult of Magic): Characters, Rubricae and a Mutalith.

Wrap Up

Have any questions or feedback? Drop us a note in the comments below or email us at contact@goonhammer.com. Want articles like this linked in your inbox every Monday morning? Sign up for our newsletter. And don’t forget that you can support us on Patreon for backer rewards like early video content, Administratum access, an ad-free experience on our website and more.

[40k] Competitive Innovations in 10th: Holding Space (Marines) pt.1

LVO 2025 Warhammer 40k Champs

The Showdown

Take and Hold – Prepared Positions – Hammer and Anvil

Thoughts

Result

Mark Hertel – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Ben Neal – Ultramarines (Vanguard Spearhead) – 2nd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Jack Harpster – Blood Angels (Angelic Inheritors) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Floof Cox – Genestealer Cult (Host of Ascension) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Dutch Masters finale GT

Mark Krijntjes – Chaos Daemons (Legion of Excess) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Chris Clayton – Death Guard (Flyblown Host) – 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Cees Jan Stam – Drukhari (Reaper’s Wager) – 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

JC van der Lee – Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) – 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Loch ‘n Load GT 1

Dean Brannen – Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

1 GT MOGUER IBERIAN OPEN

Jose Luis Barragan Mateos – World Eaters (Berzerker Warband) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Burn & Learn Vol.10

Oliver Gaisford – Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) – 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

Related

Share this:

Related