Player Profiles: The Goonhammer Authors at LVO 2025

This weekend marks the largest Warhammer 40k tournament in the world, with nearly 1,100 players meeting at the Las Vegas Open to determine a winner over 9 rounds. As we head into this year’s event, we thought we’d do a quick set or profiles on some of our favorite people playing in this year’s event, both so you can get to know them and so you have someone you can root for and follow along at home.

If you want to watch the event this year, there are a whopping three different streams you can watch for Warhammer 40k:

I can tell you right now that at least one of these guys is going to play on one or more of those streams over the next three days. So without further ado, let’s talk about some guys, what they’re bringing to the event, what they’re hoping to do, and show off their lists.

Innes Wilson

ITC Rank: 1

Team: Stat Check

Army: Blood(less) Angels

The current #1 player in the world by ITC measurements, and while you might think Innes has the shortcut to success by virtue of playing in the UK where there’s a super-major every week, he’s also won quite a few of those. Innes’ most recent 2nd place finish at the Nottingham Super-major last week helped push him even further into the lead and a very strong showing at LVO will net him the ITC crown for the 2024 season.

List Note: Innes is running a “Bloodless Angels” list, i.e. he’s running a Space Marines army using a Blood Angels Detachment, but with no Blood Angels units. This means he still gets the bonus for running basic marines, i.e. +1 to wound against his Oaths target.

Innes' List - Click to Expand

nottingham desolation marines v3 – I can’t even remember the last time I plunged (1995 points)

Space Marines
Blood Angels
Strike Force (2000 points)
Liberator Assault Group

CHARACTERS

Captain (95 points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Gift of Foresight

Captain (105 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Neo-volkite pistol
1x Power fist
• Enhancement: Rage-fuelled Warrior

Librarian in Phobos Armour (70 points)
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Force weapon
1x Smite

BATTLELINE

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

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

Reiver Squad (80 points)
• 1x Reiver Sergeant
• 1x Combat knife
1x Grapnel Launcher
1x Reiver Grav-chute
1x Special issue bolt pistol
• 4x Reiver
• 4x Combat knife
4x Grapnel Launcher
4x Reiver Grav-chute
4x Special issue bolt pistol

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 Missile launcher
1x Scout sniper rifle

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

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

What’s the story behind your list? What made you decide on a Blood(less) Angels list?

I took a variation of this army to Nottingham last weekend and managed to make the finals, which showed that my novel idea for Liberator/Oath++ worked fairly well and had the legs I needed for a deep run at the event. I like playing armies with a lot of units to enable me to answer many different kinds of problems, and I have a strong combination of strong marine shooting backed by very powerful point for point melee units to punch up into anything.

How do you feel about your chances? What’s a good showing for you look like this year?

I feel very solid about my chances. There’s nothing I think I can’t play, but that always opens up the fact that there’s lots of things I can lose to if I mismanage my flexibility (see the Nottingham Finals). Ultimately I’ll be disappointed with not winning the ITC season, which mostly means staying ahead of Nassim Fouchane and Josh Roberts in the final run. We put a 2/3/4 finish at Nottingham on the books to stay neck-and-neck; I can’t see LVO being any less brutal. That means a strong showing means better than those two, and each of them have a pretty decent shot of meaning making the finals.

Are there any matchups you’re afraid of? Why?

I’m not necessarily worried about anything. Blood Angels mirror matches where my opponent has stronger baseline units might be a little awkward (something like Jack Harpster’s Angelic Inheritors), and I’ve had some sketchy games into shooty armies in Purge the Foe.

How do you feel about the meta generally going into this year’s event?

The meta feels very flexible, where players have a tonne of agency to bring whatever they want as long as it’s not actively terrible. We’re not seeing top players homogenizing on anything which is always a good sign when people feel like they can lean on faction mastery to carry the day.

This is the largest LVO in history. How does this event compare to past years and the WCW?

The top end of the room is as always, a great and powerful range of players, but an event like Warmasters or WCW filters out a lot of the “here for a good time” crowd. I think a lot of an event of this size is who you play not what you play and there’s always a chance somebody has the run from hell which can be a bit of a feels bad compared to events with higher average skill levels. Pity the person that plays someone you’re interviewing for this in round 2, 4 and 5 v the person who doesn’t until the Shadow Round.

Nassim Fouchane

ITC Rank: 3

Team/Org: Warmasters

Army: Astra Militarum

Speaking of Fouchane, “Nas” had a breakout year in 2024, finally closing the gap on the top 5 in the ITC thanks to a tremendous run capped off with #1 finishes at Battlefield Birmingham 23 and The Coventry’s 3-Day 40k super-major. Nas switch from T’au to Astra Militarum early last year and has been playing guard most of the time since. The gap between Nas and Innes is only 12 points coming into this event, so if he can finish higher than both of them, he could walk home with the crown, provided Kyle Grundy doesn’t finish much higher than any of them.

Nassim's List - Click to Expand

Astra Militarum
Bridgehead Strike
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (95 Points)
• 1x Tempestor Prime
• Warlord
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Tempestus dagger
◦ Enhancements: Bombast-class Vox-array
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot volley gun
◦ 1x Master Vox
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (70 Points)
• 1x Tempestor Prime
◦ 1x Command Rod
◦ 1x Tempestus dagger
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot volley gun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun

Tank Commander (225 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Demolisher battle cannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Multi-melta

Ursula Creed (55 Points)
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
• 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

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

Infantry Squad (60 Points)
• 1x Sergeant
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power weapon
• 7x Guardsman
◦ 7x Close combat weapon
◦ 6x Lasgun
◦ 1x Plasma gun
• 1x Heavy Weapons Team
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Laspistol
◦ 1x Mortar

Tempestus Scions (120 Points)
• 1x Tempestor
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x Tempestus Scion
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot volley gun
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (120 Points)
• 1x Tempestor
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x Tempestus Scion
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox (65 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Twin autocannon

Taurox Prime (90 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Taurox gatling cannon
• 1x Twin Taurox hot-shot volley gun

OTHER DATASHEETS

Field Ordnance Battery (100 Points)
• 2x Ordnance Team
◦ 2x Battery close combat weapons
◦ 2x Bombast field gun
◦ 2x Lasgun
◦ 2x Laspistol

Heavy Weapons Squad (50 Points)
• 3x Heavy Weapon Team
◦ 3x Las small arms
◦ 3x Mortar
◦ 3x Weapons team close combat weapons

Ogryn Squad (60 Points)
• 1x Ogryn Bone ’ead
◦ 1x Ripper gun
• 2x Ogryn
◦ 2x Ripper gun

Tempestus Aquilons (110 Points)
• 1x Tempestor Aquilon
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lascarbine
◦ 1x Sentry flamer
• 8x Tempestus Aquilon
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 6x Hot-shot lascarbine
◦ 1x Hot‐shot long‐las
◦ 1x Plasma carbine
• 1x Gunfighter
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lascarbine

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

Why are you bringing that army to LVO?

I’ve been playing Guard all year and the new Bridgehead Detachment opens up the ability to punish and score more consistency due to the reliability of Scions/Rerolls and the flexibility of Uppy Downy and 6” deep strike to hit anything on the board without much retaliation. This gives me the agency to pick my own engagements and finish the game turn 3.

How do you feel about your chances? What’s a good showing for you look like this year?

I feel like I have a good shot at making the event, but honestly as long as I end higher than Josh Roberts and Innes Wilson I’m happy.

Are there any matchups you’re afraid of? Why?
Solar Spearhead can be a little sketchy, as can lists with double infiltrators.

How do you feel about the meta generally going into this year’s event?

I think every army has play and can lose to anything out there at the moment, but the meta feels like it’s in a good place at the moment.

This is the largest LVO in history. How does this event compare to past years and the WCW?

I came to LVO 2 years ago and went to WCW 2 years ago too, size-wise it’s huge so you never know what type of game you’ll get. I do like the fact they incorporated GW terrain rather than the PPT nonsense, so that’s a good change.

Ben Jurek

ITC Rank: 32

Team/Org: Art of War

Army: Astra Militarum

Ben is almost certainly the best player to somehow not end up with a Golden ticket invite to the WCW this past year, despite first-place finishes at multiple GTs and Majors. Coming into LVO this year Ben’s sitting at 32 but likely to move into the top 20 with a good finish. Ben’s known for being a longtime Ork player but in tenth edition has taken a more mercenary approach, and is currently on Astra Militarum.

Ben's Army - Click to Expand

55 burgers 55 fries 55 scions 55 guys (1990 Points)

Astra Militarum
Bridgehead Strike
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (95 Points)
• 1x Tempestor Prime
• Warlord
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Tempestus dagger
◦ Enhancements: Bombast-class Vox-array
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 2x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Master Vox
◦ 1x Medi-pack
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 Points)
• 1x Tempestor Prime
◦ 1x Command Rod
◦ 1x Tempestus dagger
◦ Enhancements: Shroud Projector
• 4x Tempestus Scion
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Hot-shot volley gun
◦ 1x Medi-pack
◦ 1x Meltagun
◦ 1x Plasma gun

Tank Commander (225 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Demolisher battle cannon
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Hunter-killer missile
• 1x Lascannon
• 2x Multi-melta

Ursula Creed (55 Points)
• 1x Duty and Vengeance
• 1x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

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

Tempestus Scions (120 Points)
• 1x Tempestor
◦ 1x Chainsword
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
• 9x Tempestus Scion
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun
◦ 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (120 Points)
• 1x Tempestor
◦ 1x Chainsword
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
• 9x Tempestus Scion
◦ 9x Close combat weapon
◦ 5x Hot-shot lasgun
◦ 2x Meltagun
◦ 2x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Taurox (65 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Twin autocannon

Taurox Prime (90 Points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Taurox gatling cannon
• 1x Twin Taurox hot-shot volley gun

OTHER DATASHEETS

Attilan Rough Riders (120 Points)
• 1x Rough Rider Sergeant
◦ 1x Hunting lance
◦ 1x Lasgun
◦ 1x Laspistol
◦ 1x Power sabre
◦ 1x Steed’s hooves
• 9x Rough Rider
◦ 9x Hunting lance
◦ 9x Lasgun
◦ 9x Laspistol
◦ 9x Steed’s hooves

Tempestus Aquilons (110 Points)
• 1x Tempestor Aquilon
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lascarbine
◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol
◦ 1x Sentry flamer
• 8x Tempestus Aquilon
◦ 8x Close combat weapon
◦ 6x Hot-shot lascarbine
◦ 1x Hot‐shot long‐las
◦ 1x Melta carbine
• 1x Gunfighter
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Hot-shot lascarbine

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

Every time I see you’re not on Orks, I die a little. Why the decision to bring Guard?

Guard is an S-tier faction and happens to be one of my teams armies for some upcoming events.

How do you feel about your chances? What’s a good showing for you look like this year?

I feel fairly confident I’ll have a great performance. I would like to make the shadow round this year since I have never done that at LVO.

Are there any matchups you’re afraid of? Why?

Orks is truly terrifying.

How do you feel about the meta generally going into this year’s event?

10.5 is fresh, new, and fun

This is the largest LVO in history. How does this event compare to past years and the WCW?

This year I think has better players overall but it doesn’t nearly have the depth an invite-only event like WCW has.

Jeremy “Curie” Atkinson

ITC Rank: 200

Team: Stat Check

Army: Space Marines

Jeremy is the mastermind behind Stat Check and a frequent judge at Games Workshop events. He’s a frequent contributor on codex reviews here and often lends a hand answering some of the most complex (read: dumbest) rules questions our team can come up with. He’s also one of the best players in the world and one of the top players in Canada.

Jeremy's List - Click to Expand

Are we the baddies? (1990 points)

Space Marines
Ultramarines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Ironstorm Spearhead

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (90 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Paired combat blades
• Enhancement: Master of Machine War

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 Bolt pistol
1x Bolt rifle
1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
• 1x Astartes grenade launcher
4x Bolt pistol
4x Bolt rifle
4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You’re normally a Dark Angels player. Why bring Ultras to LVO?

[It] started as a bad joke – if GW thought that buffing Ultramarines to the nines along with other codex-compliant marines was a good idea I decided that converting Guilliman into a DA character would be funny and giving Calgar a hood might be fun. Roboutestorm is a solid army that’s fairly forgiving and Mercy is Weakness is a cracked stratagem so I’m gonna have some fun pasting people for a few rounds.

How do you feel about your chances? What’s a good showing for you look like this year?

It’s been a rough six months for my play – I haven’t had a really good tournament run since July, so my goal here is to play six fun games of Warhammer that my opponent enjoys. If I can win four of those I’ll be very happy. Back at LVO ‘23 that’s what I achieved when I was in a significantly better place competitively, so matching it would be awesome.

Are there any matchups you’re afraid of? Why?

Starshatter on an open board as I can lose that shooting match; probably Legion of Excess because it can just scam me on activations. Bridgehead is probably going to be an upward climb but I think it’s winnable.

How do you feel about the meta generally going into this year’s event?

It’s definitely a wild meta out there. Bridgehead, Starshatter, and Legion of Excess are up-ending the meta and I expect to see quite a few of those in attendance.

This is the largest LVO in history. How does this event compare to past years and the WCW?

WCW is one of my favourite events of the year – it’s a great celebration of the hobby and quite well run. LVO isn’t nearly as competitive and I expect a softer meta, but I expect it’ll also be more fun as there’ll be a more chill crowd present.

Noah Beddome

ITC Rank: 230

Team/Org: Aegis Games

Army: Green Tide Orks

I finally met Noah in person by complete accident at the 2024 US Open in Tacoma where we had an accidental heated moment out of a hilarious misunderstanding which then led to a fun reconciliation and the inevitable moment we were matched up in the top 32. Noah’s a very solid player who won the Laughing Dragon GT and Storm of Silence GT with Orks and snagged an invite to the World Championships.

Noah's List - Click to Expand

Group swim (2000 Points)

Orks
Green Tide
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Painboy (80 Points)
• 1x Grot Orderly
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x ’Urty syringe

Warboss (100 Points)
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Twin sluggas
• Enhancements: Brutal But Kunnin’

Warboss (85 Points)
• 1x Attack squig
• 1x Kombi-weapon
• 1x Power klaw
• 1x Twin sluggas
• Enhancements: Ferocious Show Off

Weirdboy (65 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Weirdboy staff
• 1x ’Eadbanger

BATTLELINE

Boyz (160 Points)
• 19x Boy
◦ 17x Choppa
◦ 2x Close combat weapon
◦ 2x Rokkit launcha
◦ 17x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga

Boyz (80 Points)
• 9x Boy
◦ 9x Choppa
◦ 9x Slugga
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Power klaw
◦ 1x Slugga

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Trukk (65 Points)
• 1x Big shoota
• 1x Spiked wheels

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Lootas (50 Points)
• 1x Spanner
◦ 1x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Rokkit launcha
• 4x Loota
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
◦ 4x Deffgun

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

Tankbustas (120 Points)
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 1x Rokkit pistol
◦ 1x Smash hammer
• 5x Tankbusta
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Pulsa Rokkit
◦ 5x Rokkit launcha

Tankbustas (120 Points)
• 1x Boss Nob
◦ 1x Choppa
◦ 2x Rokkit pistol
• 5x Tankbusta
◦ 5x Close combat weapon
◦ 1x Pulsa Rokkit
◦ 5x Rokkit launcha

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

I wasn’t expecting Green Tide. What was behind that decision?

I have a lot of reps with them and generally think Iv got a chance into most things. Also the LVO missions are very friendly to battle line. The other factor is in the early stages the stat check of green tide will some times hand you free wins.

How do you feel about your chances? What’s a good showing for you look like this year?

My goal this year is to make the shadow round then get a hole stomped in my chest immediately afterward.

Are there any matchups you’re afraid of? Why?

The New GK detachment is probably my worst match up.

How do you feel about the meta generally going into this year’s event?

It seems pretty balanced. And I know I have decent games into most of the boogie men of the meta.

This is the largest LVO in history. How does this event compare to past years and the WCW?

I think LVO is probably the most diluted event. Even after 3 rounds there will still be a super major’s worth of undefeated players so the quality of match up is absolutely all over the place. That is the big stand out for me. You could hit Nick round 1 or spend 5 rounds playing against players who usually break even at events.

Thomas “Goatboy” Reidy

ITC Rank: 1,419

Team/Org: Goonhammer

Army: World Eaters

You may remember Goatboy from his work on Bell of Lost Souls, where he’s their Chaos/art guy. Thomas is a longtime veteran of the scene and knows pretty much everybody who’s anybody running things and drops in occasionally to write about Chaos updates.

Goatboy's List - Click to Expand

LVO WE Balanced (1960 Points)

World Eaters
Berzerker Warband
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

BATTLELINE

Jakhals (65 Points)
• 1x Jakhal Pack Leader
◦ 1x Autopistol
◦ 1x Jakhal chainblades
• 1x Dishonoured
◦ 1x Dishonoured chainblades
• 8x Jakhal
◦ 8x Autopistol
◦ 8x Jakhal chainblades

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

Exalted Eightbound (310 Points)
• 1x Exalted Eightbound Champion
◦ 1x Paired Eightbound chainfists
• 5x Exalted Eightbound
◦ 5x Eightbound chainfist
◦ 5x Eightbound eviscerator

World Eaters Forgefiend (145 Points)
• 2x Ectoplasma cannon
• 1x Ectoplasma cannon
• 1x Forgefiend claws

World Eaters Terminator Squad (360 Points)
• 1x World Eaters Terminator Champion
◦ 1x Combi-weapon
◦ 1x Power fist
• 9x World Eaters Terminator
◦ 2x Chainfist
◦ 5x Combi-bolter
◦ 2x Paired accursed weapons
◦ 5x Power fist
◦ 2x Reaper autocannon

Why are you bringing that army to LVO?

World Eaters without Angron

How do you feel about your chances? What’s a good showing for you look like this year?

A good showing for me is usually win more than lose. World Eaters are an army I’ve played at my last seven events so I feel I know it enough to try and win any game. A good showing would be 4-2.

Are there any matchups you’re afraid of? Why?
Playing on an open board against a heavy shooting list.

How do you feel about the meta generally going into this year’s event?

I think it’s pretty wide open with player skill matter more than just pure army power. There are some better lists out there and I expect a lot of AM lists piloted by some of the best to come out wrecking things. Really the game is in a pretty interesting place and while we do have better lists a lot of armies can win which is a good thing.

This is the largest LVO in history. How does this event compare to past years and the WCW?

I didn’t get a chance to make the WCW this past year and comparing it to the year before I think it’s really gonna be an interesting event. So much of the game can come down to match ups and if you get lucky in your road to the finals you could have an easy time – or you could just end up playing vs the same army a bunch of times. Will just have to see how it rolls out this year with so many dice being thrown and the nerf to really get all the points you can each round.

Nick Nanavati

ITC Rank: 1,975

Team/Org: Art of War

Army: Genestealer Cults

A man who needs no introduction, Nick Nanavati has been the face of Games Workshop’s events streams for three years now, helping provide insightful commentary on games. A former all-time great, Nick has been steadily building his game back up, though his ITC score doesn’t reflect that at the moment, in part because the Art of War Team has been doing more teams events.

Nick's List - Click to Expand

Final day (1995 Points)

Genestealer Cults
Final Day
Strike Force (2000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Abominant (115 Points)
• 1x Power sledgehammer
• Enhancements: Inhuman Integration

Biophagus (50 Points)
• 1x Alchemicus Familiar
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Chemical vials
• 1x Injector goad

Clamavus (50 Points)
• 1x Autopistol
• 1x Close combat weapon

Patriarch (85 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Patriarch’s claws
• Enhancements: Enraptured Damnation

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

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 Grenade launcher
◦ 5x Hybrid firearm
◦ 1x Mining laser
◦ 1x Seismic cannon
◦ 1x Webber

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Goliath Truck (85 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Demolition charge cache
• 1x Heavy stubber
• 1x Twin autocannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aberrants (135 Points)
• 1x Aberrant Hypermorph
◦ 1x Aberrant weapons
• 4x Aberrant
◦ 4x Aberrant weapons

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

Achilles Ridgerunners (170 Points)
• 2x Achilles Ridgerunner
◦ 2x Armoured hull
◦ 2x Heavy mining laser
◦ 2x Spotter
◦ 2x Twin heavy stubber

Hybrid Metamorphs (80 Points)
• 1x Metamorph Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 4x Hybrid Metamorph
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 3x Hand flamer
◦ 4x Metamorph mutations

Hybrid Metamorphs (160 Points)
• 1x Metamorph Leader
◦ 1x Hand flamer
◦ 1x Leader’s cult weapons
• 9x Hybrid Metamorph
◦ 1x Cult Icon
◦ 8x Hand flamer
◦ 9x Metamorph mutations

Purestrain Genestealers (150 Points)
• 10x Purestrain Genestealer
◦ 10x Cult claws and talons

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

ALLIED UNITS

Deathleaper (80 Points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons

Gargoyles (85 Points)
• 10x Gargoyle
◦ 10x Blinding venom
◦ 10x Fleshborer

Lictor (60 Points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons

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

Oh hell yeah, I am absolutely here for a Final Day list. What made you go that route?

I love my four armed friends and I think with the added tech of Gargoyles and Lictors my mission play is supreme.

How do you feel about your chances? What’s a good showing for you look like this year?

My chances are about as good as anyone can reasonably hope when it comes to LVO. I wish I had a bit more practice, but I have ~10 reps with my army. I will be happy if I make the top eight.

Are there any matchups you’re afraid of? Why?

Grey Knight Dreadknights with Purgation Squads in the new Warpbane Task Force Detachment would be very brutal. Also any elite army on a round with the Purge the Foe Primary Objective.

How do you feel about the meta generally going into this year’s event?

It’s all over the place and very exciting! I genuinely don’t know what to expect. Vehicles and drop guard seem quite good and popular.

This is the largest LVO in history. How does this event compare to past years and the WCW?

I think the size doesn’t necessarily translate to quality. WCW is a curated set of literally the best players in the world. LVO is much more of an Open event. But of course it has some hard hitters as well. The path to victory in pairings will matter a lot here.

Final Thoughts

Seven players, seven lists, and a decent shot all seven could make the top eight, though we expect some to drop in the shadow round. While we’re rooting for all of them, there’s definitely going to be some fun drama at the top with Innes and Nas. The other players to watch of course are Josh Roberts and Kyle Grundy, who rank 2nd and 4th in the ITC, respectively, and are both in attendance. Josh is running Ultramarines with Calgar and Guilliman and Kyle is running Retaliation Cadre T’au, going heavy on battlesuits. Both players have a good chance to win the 2024 ITC season with a strong enough showing. Derek Apsche is also a potential outside threat, currently sitting at 7th and running his Chaos Cults, but at nearly 70 points back from Innes coming into the event he needs a lot of help to jump everyone else.

It’s sure to be a great weekend for Warhammer and we’ll be following along and doing an update going into Sunday, plus some follow-up interviews next week. Stay tuned.

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Player Profiles: The Goonhammer Authors at LVO 2025

Innes Wilson

Nassim Fouchane

Ben Jurek

Jeremy “Curie” Atkinson

Noah Beddome

Thomas “Goatboy” Reidy

Nick Nanavati

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Player Profiles: The Goonhammer Authors at LVO 2025

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