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.

My thesis that most TOs were wisely avoiding scheduling an event on Valentine's Day seems to have been borne out, because one week on we have a new record for event count, with an incredible 24 tournaments to cover.

Within them, C'tan-powered Necrons are still wildly dominant on the stats, though have a slight drop-off at the very top of the biggest events, as list design has sufficiently warped around them that the best players tend to be packing answers. There are some other fun things in the mix too, some new detachments getting their first outings, and Deathwatch appear to be rising to the top of the pile among the elite, so let's dig in without much more pre-amble, as we have masses to cover.

Event News - Goonhammer UK Teams March 2026

We have one team ticket remaining for the first Goonhammer Open UK of 2026 - which this time is going to be our first Teams tournament. Get in now if you want your chance to win Golden Tickets for your whole squad.

If you were on the fence, we are also excited to announce that at this event, we have Golden Tickets for the full winning team of five! GW have just announced that the WCW is moving to Barcelona this year, so if you want to set your whole squad up for a European Warhammer getaway, sign up now!

The event is a 5-player Team Tournament with WTC Terrain on 14th-15th March in Leicester, check out the details below:

This Week's Events

Part 1 on Wednesday:

Cherokee Open 2026 - 40k Champs
Octopoutre Solo 2026
Geekfest - Winter War - Warhammer 40K GT
Oxford Onslaught 5
Heroes in the Mid Table Winter GT 2026
Return of Nekrosor - Warhammer 40K 2-Day Tourney @ Arcanum
HWP Salty Classic GT February 2026
Battle for the Wyldlands GT - Winter 2026

Part 2 on Friday:

The MANCHESTER 40k SUPER-MAJOR
2026 Big Beef Beatdown
Milwaukee GT IV
DaBoyz Golden Sprue GT 2026 40K 1v1
II Califato Wars
La Classique d'hiver 40K 2026
Spring Mad Alpaca Warhammer 40k GT 02.21 - 02.22
The Next Chilli Event

Part 3 on Saturday:

Talvisota Grand Tournament 2026
Springs Thundercluckers February 2026 GT WCW Qualifier
Frontal Assault
Battle for the Couch 2
Winter Maelstrom GT 2026
Black Crow Gaming VS 6++ - Battle of The Ragnar
Norcal Open GT 2026 RBBR
Other Realms Hop Defender GT

Cherokee Open 2026 - 40k Champs

415-player, 7-round Supermajor in Cherokee, NC, United States on February 20 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Seth Piper - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 1st Place

Commander Farsight. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Press the Advantage (2000 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Commander Farsight (85 Points) • 1x Dawn Blade • 1x High-intensity plasma rifle

Commander Shadowsun (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Advanced Guardian Drone • 1x Battlesuit fists • 1x Command-link Drone (Aura) • 1x Flechette launcher • 2x High-energy fusion blaster • 1x Light missile pod • 1x Pulse pistol

Commander in Coldstar Battlesuit (120 Points) • 1x Battlesuit fists • 1x Fusion blaster • 3x Fusion blaster • 1x Marker Drone • 1x Shield Drone • Enhancements: Strike Swiftly

Commander in Enforcer Battlesuit (90 Points) • 1x Battlesuit fists • 1x Marker Drone • 1x Missile pod • 3x Missile pod • 1x Shield Drone • Enhancements: Exemplar of the Mont'ka

Firesight Team (60 Points) • 1x Close combat weapons • 1x Longshot pulse rifles • 1x Pulse pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (140 Points) • 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 2x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Marker Drone • 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas'ui ◦ 2x Battlesuit fists ◦ 4x Fusion blaster ◦ 2x Gun Drone ◦ 2x Shield Drone

Crisis Sunforge Battlesuits (140 Points) • 1x Crisis Sunforge Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 2x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Marker Drone • 2x Crisis Sunforge Shas'ui ◦ 2x Battlesuit fists ◦ 4x Fusion blaster ◦ 2x Gun Drone ◦ 2x Shield Drone

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System • 1x Cyclic ion raker • 1x Ghostkeel fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Ghostkeel Battlesuit (160 Points) • 1x Battlesuit Support System • 1x Cyclic ion raker • 1x Ghostkeel fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Pathfinder Team (90 Points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Marker Drone ◦ 1x Pulse carbine ◦ 1x Pulse pistol ◦ 1x Recon Drone ◦ 1x Shield Drone • 9x Pathfinder ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Pulse carbine ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

Piranhas (60 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Piranha fusion blaster • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Twin pulse carbine

Piranhas (60 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Piranha fusion blaster • 2x Seeker missile • 2x Twin pulse carbine

Riptide Battlesuit (200 Points) • 1x Ion accelerator • 2x Missile Drone • 1x Riptide fists • 1x Twin fusion blaster

Stealth Battlesuits (110 Points) • 1x Stealth Shas'vre ◦ 1x Battlesuit fists ◦ 1x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Marker Drone ◦ 1x Pulse pistol • 4x Stealth Shas'ui ◦ 4x Battlesuit fists ◦ 3x Burst cannon ◦ 1x Fusion blaster ◦ 1x Homing Beacon

Vespid Stingwings (65 Points) • 1x Vespid Strain Leader ◦ 1x Neutron blaster ◦ 1x Stingwing claws • 4x Vespid Stingwing ◦ 4x Neutron blaster ◦ 4x Stingwing claws

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Sunforge Mont'ka

Thoughts

T'au take the biggest trophy of the week with Seth at the helm, going for a build that's set up to actually confront C'tan via Rapid Ingress/Scout on Sunforge suits, plus plenty of Fireknife suits to prey on Marines. That leaves it a bit more all-in than some versions of T'au we've been seeing (as the list title suggests), but able to play an actual aggressive game against some of the top metagame predators, and that clearly paid off here. Congratulations to Seth!

Zach Point - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Captain Titus and the Wardens of Ultramar. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Jack Copied Me

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Blade of Ultramar (Mastered Doctrines) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Marneus Calgar + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired Combat Blades

Marneus Calgar (200 pts) • 1x Marneus Calgar • 1x Gauntlets of Ultramar • 2x Victrix Honour Guard • 2x Victrix Power Sword • Warlord

Uriel Ventris (95 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Invictus • 1x Sword of Idaeus

Wardens of Ultramar (90 pts) • 1x Aemelia Minervas • 1x Archeotech Laspistol • 1x Power Weapon • 1x Ancient Gadriel • 1x Bolt Rifle • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Dainal Kornelius • 1x Astropathic Blast • 1x Force Stave • 1x Gaius Silva • 1x Archeotech Laspistol • 1x Power Weapon • Refractor Field • 1x Lucia Vestha • 1x Archeotech Laspistol • 1x Close Combat Weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus • 1x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • Storm Shield

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Ballistus Dreadnought (150 pts) • 1x Armoured Feet • 1x Ballistus Lascannon • 1x Ballistus Missile Launcher • 1x Twin Storm Bolter

Company Heroes (105 pts) • 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

Repulsor Executioner (220 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array • 1x Twin Heavy Bolter • 1x Twin Icarus Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Heavy Laser Destroyer

Repulsor Executioner (220 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array • 1x Twin Heavy Bolter • 1x Twin Icarus Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Heavy Laser Destroyer

Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes Chainsword • 1x Scout • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Scout Missile Launcher • 1x Scout • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Scout Sniper Rifle • 2x Scouts • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Combat Knife

Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes Chainsword • 4x Scouts • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Combat Knife

Victrix Honour Guard (220 pts) • 1x Chapter Ancient • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • Banner of Macragge, Attached Unit • 1x Chapter Champion • 1x Blades of Honour • Attached Unit • 4x Victrix Honour Guard • 4x Master-crafted Bolt Carbine • 4x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 4x Attached Unit

Vindicator (185 pts) • 1x Armoured Tracks • 1x Demolisher Cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm Bolter

Vindicator (185 pts) • 1x Armoured Tracks • 1x Demolisher Cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Storm Bolter

ALLIED UNITS

Ministorum Priest (40 pts) • 1x Zealot's vindictor

Archetype

Calgar Hulltramarines

Thoughts

The solidly reliable killing power of the Ultramarines in (undefeated) second place here, falling back (and shooting) on the fact that there's nothing you can't kill at mid-range with this setup, and that into some builds a Calgar Company Heroes unit plus Ventris Victrix are enough pressure to roll through them. This list is just all-round quality, and very able to take all comers with the right pilot, which Zach has proven to be here!

Ronnie Kinney - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I brought 2003 Wi-Fi speed and a bad trauma response. Good luck 🙏🏻 (2000 Points)

Leagues of Votann Hearthband Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Buri Aegnirssen (95 Points) • 1x Autoch‑pattern bolt pistol • 1x Bane

Einhyr Champion (70 Points) • 1x Autoch-pattern combi-bolter • 1x Mass hammer • 1x Teleport Crest

Kâhl (90 Points) • Warlord • 1x Mass gauntlet • 1x Teleport Crest • 1x Volkanite disintegrator • Enhancements: Bastion Shield

BATTLELINE

Hearthkyn Warriors (100 Points) • 1x Theyn ◦ 1x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Theyn's melee weapon ◦ 1x Theyn's pistol ◦ 1x Weavefield crest • 9x Hearthkyn Warrior ◦ 9x Autoch-pattern bolt pistol ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x HYLas auto rifle ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 5x Ion blaster ◦ 2x Plasma knife

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Kapricus Carrier (75 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Magna-coil autocannon • 1x Smoke Launcher • 1x Twin magna‑coil autocannon

Sagitaur (90 Points) • 1x Armoured wheels • 1x MATR autocannon • 1x Twin bolt cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (160 Points) • 6x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn ◦ 6x Close combat weapon ◦ 6x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 Points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Graviton blast cannon

Brôkhyr Thunderkyn (80 Points) • 3x Brôkhyr Thunderkyn ◦ 3x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Graviton blast cannon

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk ◦ 5x Concussion maul ◦ 1x Mole grenade launcher

Cthonian Beserks (100 Points) • 5x Cthonian Beserk ◦ 5x Concussion maul ◦ 1x Mole grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (270 Points) • 1x Hesyr ◦ 1x EtaCarn plasma gun ◦ 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher ◦ 1x Graviton hammer ◦ 1x Weavefield crest • 9x Einhyr Hearthguard ◦ 9x Concussion gauntlet ◦ 9x EtaCarn plasma gun ◦ 9x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (135 Points) • 1x Hesyr ◦ 1x EtaCarn plasma gun ◦ 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher ◦ 1x Graviton hammer ◦ 1x Weavefield crest • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard ◦ 4x Concussion gauntlet ◦ 4x EtaCarn plasma gun ◦ 4x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Einhyr Hearthguard (135 Points) • 1x Hesyr ◦ 1x EtaCarn plasma gun ◦ 1x Exoarmour grenade launcher ◦ 1x Graviton hammer ◦ 1x Teleport Crest • 4x Einhyr Hearthguard ◦ 4x Concussion gauntlet ◦ 4x EtaCarn plasma gun ◦ 4x Exoarmour grenade launcher

Hernkyn Pioneers (80 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer ◦ 3x Bolt revolver ◦ 3x Bolt shotgun ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 3x Magna-coil autocannon ◦ 1x Panspectral Scanner ◦ 3x Plasma knife ◦ 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Pioneers (80 Points) • 3x Hernkyn Pioneer ◦ 3x Bolt revolver ◦ 3x Bolt shotgun ◦ 1x HYLas rotary cannon ◦ 3x Magna-coil autocannon ◦ 1x Panspectral Scanner ◦ 3x Plasma knife ◦ 1x Rollbar Searchlight

Hernkyn Yaegirs (90 Points) • 1x Yaegir Theyn ◦ 1x Bolt shotgun ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Hernkyn Yaegir ◦ 1x APM launcher ◦ 7x Bolt shotgun ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Magna-coil rifle

Ironkin Steeljacks with Heavy Volkanite Disintegrators (170 Points) • 1x Steeljack Theyn ◦ 1x Heavy volkanite disintegrator ◦ 1x Plasma knife ◦ 1x Preymark Crest • 5x Ironkin Steeljack ◦ 5x Heavy volkanite disintegrator ◦ 5x Plasma knife

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

No Fort Hearthband

Thoughts

Rounding out the undefeated podium we've got another list that's high quality across the board, this time from Votann. All the units here operate extremely effectively with fairly minimal support, the full Thunderkyn unit is a solid threat to all the heavy hitters in the metagame (as are Hearthguard in melee when they can pop +1D). Speaking of heavy hitters, this list conspicuously does not have any Land Fortresses in it, which helps deny enemy alpha threats easy routes to big value, instead forcing them to confront the wide setup of other units. This build also has a nod to the presence of enemy hordes as a potential spoiler with the big shooty Steeljack squad, which can give Orks, Kroot or Termagants conniptions in both players turns. Finally, Buri is here! Always faintly surprised not to see more of that guy. My suspicion is that he's still slightly too expensive for buils packing Forts in, but with a bit of breathing room in list construction he becomes a good bait piece to force a confrontation that the Votann will then win. Nice to see solid variety across the medal winners here, and well done to Ronnie.

Noah Neundorfer - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers) - 4th Place

Vulkan He'stan / Salamanders Praetor. Credit - Soggy

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I did not care for Adrax Agatone. He insists upon himself

Slam (1995 Points)

Space Marines Salamanders Forgefather's Seekers Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (85 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • Enhancements: Forged in Battle

Captain with Jump Pack (85 Points) • 1x Hand flamer • 1x Power fist • Enhancements: Immolator

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (90 Points) • 1x Combi-weapon • 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancements: Adamantine Mantle

Vulkan He'stan (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Gauntlet of the Forge • 1x Spear of Vulkan

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Aggressor Squad (95 Points) • 1x Aggressor Sergeant ◦ 1x Flamestorm gauntlets ◦ 1x Twin power fists • 2x Aggressor ◦ 2x Flamestorm gauntlets ◦ 2x Twin power fists

Company Heroes (105 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 (180 Points) • 1x Eradicator Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Melta rifle • 5x Eradicator ◦ 5x Bolt pistol ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Melta rifle ◦ 2x Multi-melta

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

Infernus Squad (90 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (90 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 4x Infernus Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Pyreblaster

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

Invader ATV (60 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Twin bolt rifle

Land Raider Redeemer (270 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Flamestorm cannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Twin assault cannon

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

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (200 Points) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack ◦ 1x Hand flamer ◦ 1x Vanguard Veteran weapon • 9x Vanguard Veteran with Jump Pack ◦ 9x Hand flamer ◦ 9x Vanguard Veteran weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Fiery Salamanders

Thoughts

Taking the top 6-1 slot is Noah's Salamanders build, going for a collection of fiery toys and the alarmingly lethal hand flamer VanVet squad. For those who didn't see us unpick that before, it turns out that the stacked buffs you can put in it in this detachment lets it pretty much kill a C'tan by itself, which is phenomenal from a unit that's also great into hordes and as a general mobile threat. They're backed up by a bunch of other heavy hitters (including a full Eradicator/Apothecary Biologis unit) and some good mid-field flexibility from Infernus squads in Impulsors, who can flex between drive-bys and scoring on a dime. I really like seeing this build do well, as it shows that even away from the Marine subfactions that stand out on raw datasheet power, leaning into the themes can deliver great success. Well done Noah!

The Best of the Rest

There were 20 more players on 6-1 records. They were:

5th - Sascha Alexander Edelkraut - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Mid-weight Pactbound Gunline with Abaddon and Vashtorr.
6th - Seth Oster - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double C'tan, Silent King and Doomsdays.
7th - Brian Jones - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Five bigs with Canis, double Crusader and an Atrapos/Lancer duo to follow the big dog to war.
8th - Jake Herrod - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): All-rounder Gladius with double Victrix and Calgar in charge.
9th - Dustin Hammond - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Triple Lancer, double Atrapos.
10th - Max Berlove - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): No-C'tan Starshatter on the classic Silent King, Wraiths, triple Doomsday setup.
11th - Aron Huckaba - T'au Empire (Auxiliary Cadre): Ghostkeels, Rampagers and Hammerheads, plus lots of Breachers and Carnivores to team up while skirmshing/out-scoring the foe.
12th - David Purell - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Double Dorns and lots of elite Infantry, maxing out on Kasrkin, Combat Engineers and Scion/Command drop squads.
13th - Bo Tucker - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): Crisis and Commander spam, backed by solo Broadsides and Piranhas.
14th - Junior Aflleje - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): All-rounder Needhaard with double Fort and a bit of everything.
15th - Joshua Campbell - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double C'tan Awakened Herohammer with a big Warrior block.
16th - Justin Crain - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Ultimate freestyle disco dancing, triple Discolord and triple Noise Marines in Rhinos.
17th - Joshua Kramel - Space Wolves (Saga of the Great Wolf): Many Predator Annihilators and Vindicators plus triple Wolf Guard Terminators.
18th - Malaki Fowler - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): 3x10 Scarabs with Characters and Enlightened.
19th - Frank DiSalvo - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Lots of hulls and Redemptors plus a Victrix unit.
20th - Mark Hertel - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Bobby G, Calgar and lots of Land Raiders.
21st - Larry Oliver - Tyranids (Subterranean Assault): Extra-shooty Subterranean with triple Tyrannofex and a Zoanthrope unit.
22nd - Chris Dailey - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Dorns, Russes and a big Cadian unit.
23rd - Bryan Lakor - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): All-melee Warband with Angron.
24th - Justin Mooneyham - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Maximum Ironstriders with Cawl, for when C'tan really need to die.

Octopoutre Solo 2026

97-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Teyran, Occitanie, France on February 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Yohann Teston - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) - 1st Place

Deathwatch Terminators by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Octo - BSTF - KFC shall not pass (1990 points)

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

CHARACTERS

Captain in Gravis Armour (110 points) • Warlord • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet 1x Power fist 1x Relic chainsword • Enhancement: The Tome of Ectoclades

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

Librarian in Terminator Armour (75 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Force weapon 1x Smite

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

Watch Master (120 points) • 1x Vigil spear • Enhancement: Thief of Secrets

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 (190 points) • 1x Watch Sergeant • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Xenophase blade • 9x Deathwatch Veterans • 4x Astartes shield 1x Black Shield blades 4x Deathwatch thunder hammer 4x Power weapon

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Deathwatch Terminator Squad (350 points) • 1x Deathwatch Terminator Sergeant • 1x Storm Shield 1x Thunder hammer • 9x Deathwatch Terminator • 3x Cyclone missile launcher 3x Power fist 6x Storm Shield 3x Storm bolter 6x Thunder hammer

Fortis Kill Team (180 points) • 1x Kill Team Sergeant • 1x Astartes grenade launcher 1x Bolt pistol 1x Deathwatch bolt rifle 1x Power fist • 3x Kill Team Intercessor • 1x Astartes grenade launcher 3x Bolt pistol 3x Close combat weapon 3x Deathwatch bolt rifle • 4x Kill Team Intercessor with plasma incinerator • 3x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Plasma incinerator 1x Plasma pistol • 2x Kill Team Intercessor with superfrag rocket launcher • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Castellan launcher 2x Close combat weapon 1x Superkrak rocket launcher 1x Vengor launcher

Fortis Kill Team (180 points) • 1x Kill Team Sergeant • 1x Astartes grenade launcher 1x Bolt pistol 1x Deathwatch bolt rifle 1x Power fist • 3x Kill Team Intercessor • 1x Astartes grenade launcher 3x Bolt pistol 3x Close combat weapon 3x Deathwatch bolt rifle • 4x Kill Team Intercessor with plasma incinerator • 3x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Plasma incinerator 1x Plasma pistol • 2x Kill Team Intercessor with superfrag rocket launcher • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Castellan launcher 2x Close combat weapon 1x Superkrak rocket launcher 1x Vengor launcher

Indomitor Kill Team (265 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

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Terminator/Fortis Deathwatch

Thoughts

This week cements the rise of Deathwatch as a true, locked in top metagame player. Sure, you've been able to run these lists for ages, but no one bothered because they were tired I guess. The winning combination that's fired them to the top is the full Terminator/Librarian unit, which shuts off two of their big weaknesses by itself (Tzeentch birds and Dreadknights), and the revelation that Fortis Kill teams are incredibly pushed for their 180pts price tag. Crucially, because you can take a vengor launcher and another desolator gun in each, taking two or three of these gives you enough indirect to actually meaningfully achieve something with it but without compromising on filling your list with good, efficient units, because the Fortis squad is also just high value in general. They're cheap enough that you can get in a full Fight First Veteran squad and a Indomitor team as well, giving you a massive number of powerful bodies on the board, and great adaptability via the various ammunition stratagems. This list is horrific for a lot of foes to try and handle, and it's good to see the Deathwatch finally get the respect they deserve, congratulations Yohann.

Morgan Rainbow DE CONNOR - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Rogal Dorn Tank Commander. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + PLAYER NAME: Rainbow + TEAM NAME: Les ramoneurs + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Grizzled Company (Ruthless Discipline) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char5: Rogal Dorn Commander + ENHANCEMENT: Abhuman Detail (on Char3: Commissar) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 7 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Char2: 5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun, Bolt pistol 1 with Master vox, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Medi-pack, Close combat weapon, Lasgun 1 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Regimental standard • 1x Cadian Commander: Power fist, Plasma pistol Char3: 1x Commissar (50 pts): Plasma pistol, Power weapon Enhancement: Abhuman Detail (+20 pts) Char1: 6x Gaunt's Ghosts (100 pts) • 5x Tanith Ghost 1 with Bragg's autocannon, Straight silver knife 1 with Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine, Straight silver knife 1 with Larkin's long-las, Straight silver knife 1 with Lascarbine, Mkoll's straight silver knife 1 with Rawne's lascarbine, Straight silver knife • 1x Ibram Gaunt: Bolt pistol, Gaunt's chainsword Char4: 5x Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion 1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun 1 with Close combat weapon, Grenade launcher 1 with Medi-pack, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol • 1x Tempestor Prime: Command rod, Tempestus dagger Char5: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts): Warlord, Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Heavy stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon Char6: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Heavy stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon

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

6x Bullgryn Squad (200 pts) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul • 5x Bullgryn: 5 with Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul 6x Bullgryn Squad (200 pts) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul • 5x Bullgryn: 5 with Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul 3x Bullgryn Squad (100 pts) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead: Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul • 2x Bullgryn: 2 with Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul 5x Death Riders (60 pts) • 1x Ridemaster: Death Rider lascarbine, Frag lance, Power sabre, Steed's savage claws • 4x Death Rider: 4 with Death Rider lascarbine, Frag lance, Power sabre, Steed's savage claws 1x Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 pts): Armoured tracks, Vanquisher battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy stubber 1x Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 pts): Armoured tracks, Vanquisher battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Plasma cannon, Heavy stubber 5x Tempestus Scions (70 pts) • 4x Tempestus Scion 1 with Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun 1 with Vox-caster, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol 1 with Close combat weapon, Meltagun 1 with Close combat weapon, Plasma gun • 1x Tempestor: Power fist, Plasma pistol

Char7: 1x Callidus Assassin (100 pts): Neural shredder, Phase sword and poison blades

Archetype

Bullgryn Grizzled

Thoughts

Another consistent high-performing faction in second; Grizzled has largely shrugged off the minor nerf it took and continued to put up numbers, usually with slightly more Scions than previous (only one squad here is on the low side). Morgan's version goes extra hard on Bullgryn, going even beyond the standard two squads to pack in a third smaller unit, and that creates a big speedbump for the powerful tanks behind them to blast the foe. I do think the double Bullgryn versions stand out for me right now, simply because they create the most unique problems for some foes, and it's notable that both the undefeated singles Grizzled builds this week were on two squads. Well done to Morgan for leading the charge there!

Elias Ahtitich - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)

Ultramarines Cato Sicarius. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force (Combat Doctrines) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1995pts + + WARLORD: Char3: Roboute Guilliman + ENHANCEMENT: Artificer Armour (on Char5: Lieutenant with Combi-weapon) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (4x2) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char1: 1x Captain Sicarius (85 pts) 1 with Artisan Plasma Pistol, Talassarian Tempest Blade

Char2: 1x Captain Titus (90 pts) 1 with Bolt pistol, Master-crafted Bolter, Master-crafted Chainsword

Char5: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (80 pts) 1 with Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades Enhancement: Artificer Armour (+10 pts)

Char3: 1x Roboute Guilliman (340 pts) 1 with Hand of Dominion, The Emperor's Sword, Warlord

Char4: 1x Uriel Ventris (95 pts) 1 with Bolt pistol, Invictus, Sword of Idaeus

6x Wardens of Ultramar (90 pts) • 1x Aemelia Minervas 1 with Archeotech Laspistol, Power Weapon • 1x Ancient Gadriel 1 with Bolt Rifle, Close Combat Weapon • 1x Dainal Kornelius 1 with Astropathic Blast, Force Stave • 1x Gaius Silva 1 with Archeotech Laspistol, Power Weapon, Refractor Field • 1x Lucia Vestha 1 with Archeotech Laspistol, Close Combat Weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus 1 with Heavy Bolt Pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon, Storm Shield

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

4x Company Heroes (105 pts) • 1x Ancient 1 with Bolt pistol, Bolt Rifle, Close combat weapon • 1x Company Champion 1 with Bolt pistol, Master-crafted Power Weapon • 2x Company Veteran 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Master-crafted Bolt Rifle 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Master-crafted Heavy Bolter

1x Impulsor (80 pts) 1 with Armoured Hull, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher, Shield Dome

1x Redemptor Dreadnought (195 pts) 1 with Icarus Rocket Pod, Redemptor Fist, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Twin Fragstorm Grenade Launcher

1x Redemptor Dreadnought (195 pts) 1 with Icarus Rocket Pod, Redemptor Fist, Macro Plasma Incinerator, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Twin Fragstorm Grenade Launcher

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 2x Scout 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy Bolter 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle • 2x Scouts 2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Combat Knife

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 2x Scout 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Heavy Bolter 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Scout Sniper Rifle • 2x Scouts 2 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Combat Knife

10x Sternguard Veteran Squad (200 pts) • 1x Sternguard Veteran Sergeant 1 with Close combat weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Power Fist, Sternguard Bolt Rifle • 9x Sternguard Veteran 9 with Close combat weapon, Sternguard Bolt Pistol, Sternguard Bolt Rifle

6x Victrix Honour Guard (220 pts) • 1x Chapter Ancient 1 with Master-crafted Power Weapon, Banner of Macragge, Attached Unit • 1x Chapter Champion 1 with Blades of Honour, Attached Unit • 4x Victrix Honour Guard 4 with Master-crafted Bolt Carbine, Master-crafted Power Weapon, Attached Unit

Archetype

Titus Gladius

Thoughts

Ultramarines newest herohammer piece gets a runaround here, joining some of the classics in an all-rounder Gladius build. My assumption is that the plan with Titus is to stick him with the Sternguard unit and attach the Wardens too if required, creating the kind of all-purpose re-rolling Sustained Hits doomstack that might get the foe to give up out of sheer exhaustion (and kill them with Devastating Wounds if they don't). The rest of this is a lightweight-ish implementation of the standard herohammer plan, albeit with significantly less of an ability to blast foes from across the table. Titus is well known for getting right in the foes face, of course, so presumably he's in his happy place here, and well done to Elias for using him so effectively.

Michael Girod - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 4th Place

Bullgryns for a Ratling Kill Team. Credit: NotThatHenryC

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Grizzled Company (Ruthless Discipline) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char3: Commissar + ENHANCEMENT: Abhuman Detail (on Char3: Commissar) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char2: 5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 1x Cadian Commander 1 with Power fist, Plasma pistol • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman 1 with Power fist, Plasma pistol 1 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Master vox 1 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Medi-pack 1 with Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Regimental standard

Char3: 1x Commissar (50 pts) 1 with Plasma pistol, Power weapon, Warlord Enhancement: Abhuman Detail (+20 pts)

Char1: 6x Gaunt's Ghosts (100 pts) • 1x Ibram Gaunt 1 with Bolt pistol, Gaunt's chainsword, Invulnerable Save 5+ • 5x Tanith Ghost 1 with Bragg's autocannon, Straight silver knife 1 with Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine, Straight silver knife 1 with Larkin's long-las, Straight silver knife 1 with Lascarbine, Mkoll's straight silver knife 1 with Rawne's lascarbine, Straight silver knife

Char4: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Heavy stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

5x Krieg Combat Engineers (60 pts) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster 1 with Hand flamer, Power weapon • 4x Krieg Combat Engineer 2 with Close combat weapon, Combat shotgun 1 with Close combat weapon, Flamer 1 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Remote mine

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

1x Taurox (75 pts) 1 with Armoured tracks, Twin autocannon, Storm bolter

Archetype

Double Bullgryn Grizzled

Thoughts

This isn't even the other undefeated Grizzled build I was talking about, but if you count draws as undefeated then tally up another one for the double Bullgryn plan, here sticking to Kasrkin instead of Scions or an additional Vanquisher (just one from Strategic Reserves to keep foes scared). Well done Michael.

The Best of the Rest

There were 14 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Victor Lezaud - Orks (War Horde): Pressure War Horde with a Ghaz Boyz horde, lots of Snaggas in Trukks, Flash Gitz and the Super Grots.
6th - Remi Pommier - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Mortarion and double decked-out Plague Marines.
7th - Paul Teulières - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Extra herohammery Ultramarines, with Titus joining the fray alongside the usual suspects, and a block of Sternguard to add some Devastating Wounds volume.
8th - Alex Curulla - Necrons (Canoptek Court): Triple C'tan, triple Doomstalker, single Wraiths Court.
9th - Adrien Dillmann - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Herohammer Grand Coven, taking Magnus and the full three Winged Princes.
10th - Hugo "Kanjuu" Batt - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Dorn/Kasrkin Grizzled with two big Cadian squads added on.
11th - Nicolas (Sven) Nambotin - World Eaters (Goretrack Onslaught): Lots of Berzerkers in a mix of Rhinos and Land Raiders, plus some Forgefiends.
12th - Lagarde Jeanpierre - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Go-wide Broodsurge with two large Metamorph units as the hammers.
13th - Pierre Jaulin - Orks (War Horde): Extra Dakka in War Horde, taking Ghaz with Boyz, maximum Flash Gitz and some Deffkoptas, plus a Kill Rig for some Beast Snaggas to ride round in.
14th - Charles Primard - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Double Sacresant Martyrs.
15th - Matthieu Massonneau - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): Rage-Cursed with double big Death Company and double Dreadnought.
16th - Julien Bubu Lopez - Imperial Knights (Questoris Companions): Ultra polarised five bigs, going for double Lancer and a Gallant out front and double Castellan blasting from behind.
17th - Venelli Cyril - Orks (War Horde): Mechanised melee War Horde with Breaka Boyz, plus an annoying tarpit Deffkilla with the Cybork Body.
18th - Benjamin Borie - Orks (War Horde): Overwhelming War Horde with 3x20 Boyz and double Battlewagon.

Geekfest - Winter War - Warhammer 40K GT

60-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Shearwater, NS, CA on February 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Willow Weeks - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 1st Place

Myphitic Blight-Haulers - Credit Beanith

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Goofy voice wake me up (1995 Points)

Death Guard Virulent Vectorium Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Nurgle (215 Points) • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Revolting Regeneration

Lord of Contagion (145 Points) • Warlord • 1x Manreaper • Enhancements: Furnace of Plagues

Lord of Contagion (130 Points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancements: Daemon Weapon of Nurgle

Lord of Virulence (100 Points) • 1x Power fist • 1x Twin plague spewer

Tallyman (50 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Spawn (80 Points) • 2x Chaos Spawn ◦ 2x Hideous mutations

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

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

Foetid Bloat-Drone (100 Points) • 1x Fleshmower • 1x Plague probe

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

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

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

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 Points) • 1x Bile spurt • 1x Gnashing maw • 1x Missile launcher • 1x Multi-melta

Poxwalkers (65 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (65 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

Poxwalkers (65 Points) • 10x Poxwalker ◦ 10x Improvised weapon

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Shooty Vectorium

Thoughts

The all-purpose grindy firepower of Death Guard gets an outing here, using Poxwalkers and the Virulent Vectorium detachment rule to force enemies to confront it, and then the firepower of Blight-haulers and Drones to punish them for their hubris. Spreading out the shooting punch across these smaller platforms is quite advantageous against heavier lists, particularly when they all have invulnerable saves, as it reduces the rate at which the army degrades, and can help build up an activation advantage by the mid game. It's also extremely solid into many Marine plans thanks to a mix of Drones and Deathshrouds, and if Fortis Kill Team Deathwatch is suddenly the thing to beat, being able to punish it with big scythes seems extremely appealing. Congratulations Willow!

Matthew Reeson - Necrons (Cursed Legion) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Necron Skorpekh Destroyers

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Destroyer Cult prime (1995 Points)

Necrons Cursed Legion Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (285 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (310 Points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades • 1x Spear of the Void Dragon • 1x Voltaic storm

Hexmark Destroyer (75 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Imotekh the Stormlord (100 Points) • Warlord • 1x Gauntlet of Fire • 1x Staff of the Destroyer

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 Points) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) • 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Skorpekh Lord (90 Points) • 1x Enmitic annihilator • 1x Flensing claw • 1x Hyperphase harvester

Technomancer (95 Points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancements: Murdermind

OTHER DATASHEETS

Lokhust Destroyers (40 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Skorpekh Destroyers (180 Points) • 6x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 2x Plasmacyte ◦ 6x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 1x Plasmacyte ◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Skorpekh Destroyers (90 Points) • 3x Skorpekh Destroyer ◦ 1x Plasmacyte ◦ 3x Skorpekh hyperphase weapons

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Destroyer Triple C'tan

Thoughts

As we've talked about previously, what happens when one strategy is very dominant is that players of that strategy start looking for ways to counter the counters. One of the ways to counter C'tan is to just outscore them by walking onto points, but the counter-charge Stratagem in Destroyer Cult lets Skorpekh or Ammentar no-sell that plan by lingering ominously near to objectives and daring foes to try and steal them. By the same token, the list is also very good at closing the vice if it gets ahead, and just the reach on the big Skorpekh unit can help pressure foes like the Militarum. Also cool to see a Murdermind Technomancer actually partying with a Destroyer squad rather than just corrupting Wraiths all the time. Nice to see a little bit of variation in the flexible parts of the Necron setups, even if the terrible trio at the core remains consistent. Well done Matthew.

Keenan Elliot - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 3rd Place

Repulsor Executioner by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Blackberries (1990 points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Strike Force (2000 points) Blade of Ultramar

CHARACTERS

Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (80 points) • 1x Combi-weapon 1x Paired combat blades • Enhancement: Armour of Antoninus

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

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

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

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

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

Repulsor Executioner (220 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 points) • 1x Armoured hull 1x Heavy laser destroyer 1x Heavy onslaught gatling cannon 1x Icarus rocket pod 1x Ironhail heavy stubber 1x Repulsor Executioner defensive array 1x Twin Icarus ironhail heavy stubber 1x Twin heavy bolter

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

Victrix Honour Guard (220 points) • 1x Chapter Ancient • 1x Banner of Macragge 1x Master-crafted power weapon • 1x Chapter Champion • 1x Blades of honour • 4x Victrix Honour Guard • 4x Master-crafted bolt carbine 4x Master-crafted power weapon

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data

Archetype

Blade Hulltramarines

Thoughts

Nothing especially fancy here - no new heroes, no unusual tricks, just the raw power of Calgar and Bobby G in charge of Vindicators and RepExes. Enemies beware. Well done Keenan.

Wes Roderick Pauley - Astra Militarum (Mechanised Assault) - 4th Place

Credit: Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Astra Militarum + DETACHMENT: Mechanised Assault (Armoured Fist) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Lord Solar Leontus + ENHANCEMENT: + NUMBER OF UNITS: 24 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (8x2) - Assassination: 7 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Cadian Command Squad (65 pts) • 1x Cadian Commander • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 3x Close combat weapon • 3x Lasgun • 1x Regimental standard • Master vox, Medi-pack

Catachan Command Squad (65 pts) • 1x Catachan Commander • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist • 4x Veteran Guardsman • 4x Close combat weapon • 2x Lasgun • 4x Laspistol • 1x Flamer • 1x Heavy flamer • Master vox, Medi-pack

Gaunt's Ghosts (100 pts) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Gaunt's chainsword • Invulnerable Save 5+ • 5x Tanith Ghost • 1x Bragg's autocannon • 4x Straight silver knife • 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine • 1x Larkin's long-las • 1x Lascarbine • 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife • 1x Rawne's lascarbine

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

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 pts) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Tempestus dagger • Command rod • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma gun • 1x Meltagun • 2x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • Medi-pack, Regimental standard

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 pts) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Tempestus dagger • Command rod • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma gun • 1x Meltagun • 2x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • Medi-pack, Regimental standard

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 pts) • 1x Tempestor Prime • 1x Tempestus dagger • Command rod • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma gun • 1x Meltagun • 2x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Hot-shot laspistol • Medi-pack, Regimental standard

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

Krieg Combat Engineers (95 pts) • 1x Krieg Engineer Watchmaster • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power weapon • 9x Krieg Combat Engineer • 9x Close combat weapon • 7x Combat shotgun • 1x Flamer • 1x Autopistol • Remote mine

Ratlings (60 pts) • 5x Ratlings • 5x Close combat weapon • 5x Sniper rifle

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

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

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

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

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

Taurox Prime (90 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Taurox gatling cannon • 1x Twin autocannon

Taurox Prime (90 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Taurox gatling cannon • 1x Twin autocannon

Taurox Prime (90 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Storm bolter • 1x Taurox gatling cannon • 1x Twin autocannon

Tempestus Scions (70 pts) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 2x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Meltagun • 1x Plasma gun

Tempestus Scions (70 pts) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 2x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Meltagun • 1x Plasma gun

Tempestus Scions (70 pts) • 1x Tempestor • 1x Power fist • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Tempestus Scion • 4x Close combat weapon • 2x Hot-shot lasgun • 1x Meltagun • 1x Plasma gun

Archetype

Mechanised Elites

Thoughts

A much rarer sight to close out this top four, as Mechanised Onslaught puts up a showing. If you really miss the easy Wound options from Grizzled this is for you - Lots of Scions that can leap out of Taurox Primes and re-roll everything from Datasheet abilities, and then some Kasrkin joining in with Clear and Secure to really put the boot in. Everything in cheap transports also makes this list a big pain for low activation count armies to cleave through, and there are plenty of those to worry about at the moment. Great to see an impressive showing with something unique, well done Wes!

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Teddy Mavrogiannis - Death Guard (Champions of Contagion): All-rounder Champions with a big Plague Marine and small Blightlord unit as the core.
6th - Christopher Burgart - Chaos Knights (Traitoris Lance): Despoiler/Rampager/Atrapos as bigs, some War Dogs, and a supporting Daemon contingent mixing in Syll'Esske.
7th - Nate Quig - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion): Two Lords, Kairos and Be'lakor, plus a good number of board control pieces.
8th - Stefan Samson - Necrons (Obeisance Phalanx): Another exciting new experiment in ways to unleash C'tan, here backing them with the Silent King, a big unit of Lychguard with all the stratagem support, and Lokhusts to pop the 5+ Critical Hits ability.
9th - Ben Facey - Grey Knights (Banishers): An all-rounder-ish Banishers setup with a mix of Dreadknights, Interceptors, Paladins and Crowe's Purifiers.
10th - Glenn Duncan - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): A unique shooty Infantry Wrath build, using double full Sternguard squads to chip anything to death, some Hellblasters, and a Fight First ICC squad to protect them.
11th - Brandon Vallee - White Scars (Spearpoint Task Force): A pleasingly varied Marine build with lots of full-sized squads of various Infantry, plus Suboden leading from the front with some Outriders (who have brought an ATV along for a bit of extra heft).

Oxford Onslaught 5

50-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Drayton, England, United Kingdom on February 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Sam Nash - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught) - 1st Place

Primaris Chapter Master Dante. Credit: Jack Hunter

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Blood Angels + DETACHMENT: Rage‑Cursed Onslaught (Maddened Ferocity) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Commander Dante + ENHANCEMENT: Carmine Reliquary (on Char4: Chaplain with Jump Pack) & Master of the Red Thirst (on Char5: Chaplain with Jump Pack) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 17 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) - Assassination: 6 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Char4: 1x Chaplain with Jump Pack (105 pts) 1 with Crozius Arcanum, Power Fist Enhancement: Carmine Reliquary (+30 pts)

Char5: 1x Chaplain with Jump Pack (100 pts) 1 with Crozius Arcanum, Power Fist Enhancement: Master of the Red Thirst (+25 pts)

Char1: 1x Chief Librarian Mephiston (120 pts) 1 with Fury of the Ancients, Plasma Pistol, Vitarus

Char2: 1x Commander Dante (120 pts) 1 with Perdition, The Axe Mortalis, Warlord

Char3: 1x Lemartes (100 pts) 1 with Absolver Bolt Pistol, The Blood Crozius

Char6: 1x Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 pts) 1 with Combi-weapon, Paired Combat Blades

BATTLELINE

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

10x Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (230 pts) • 10x Death Company Marine 4 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 2 with Eviscerator, Heavy Bolt Pistol 2 with Power Fist, Inferno Pistol 1 with Power Fist, Plasma Pistol 1 with Astartes Chainsword, Plasma Pistol

5x Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (120 pts) • 5x Death Company Marine 2 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Eviscerator, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Power Fist, Inferno Pistol 1 with Power Fist, Plasma Pistol

5x Death Company Marines with Jump Packs (120 pts) • 5x Death Company Marine 2 with Astartes Chainsword, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Eviscerator, Heavy Bolt Pistol 1 with Power Fist, Inferno Pistol 1 with Power Fist, Plasma Pistol

1x Gladiator Lancer (160 pts) 1 with Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Lancer Laser Destroyer, 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher

1x Gladiator Lancer (160 pts) 1 with Armoured Hull, Icarus Rocket Pod, Ironhail Heavy Stubber, Lancer Laser Destroyer, 2x Fragstorm grenade launcher

3x Sanguinary Guard (125 pts) • 3x Sanguinary Guard 1 with Encarmine Spear, Inferno Pistol, Sanguinary Banner 2 with Encarmine Spear, Angelus Boltgun

3x Sanguinary Guard (125 pts) • 3x Sanguinary Guard 1 with Encarmine Spear, Inferno Pistol, Sanguinary Banner 2 with Encarmine Spear, Angelus Boltgun

3x Sanguinary Guard (125 pts) • 3x Sanguinary Guard 1 with Encarmine Spear, Inferno Pistol, Sanguinary Banner 2 with Encarmine Spear, Angelus Boltgun

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 4x Scouts 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Combat Knife

5x Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant 1 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Astartes Chainsword • 4x Scouts 4 with Bolt pistol, Close combat weapon, Combat Knife

Archetype

All-rounder Rage Cursed

Thoughts

Sam unleashes an all-rounder spin on Rage-Cursed to take the trophy here, eschewing a second big Death Company block or the dreadnoughts in order to take Lancers and Mephiston as an extra roving threat. That helps keep enemy C'tan honest (and I can tell you this from experience because Sam beat me in the final here), and the extra units help the list control more of the table, giving it a nice amount of versatility. Congratulations Sam, and I'd say I'll get you next time, but I said that last time and, well, RIP.

Liam Keane - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Warband) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Vashtorr the Arkifane. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Chaos Space Marines + DETACHMENT: Renegade Warband (Slaves to None) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char4: Sorcerer in Terminator Armour + ENHANCEMENT: Empyric Symbiote (on Char3: Chaos Lord) & Weaponised Hatred (on Char4: Sorcerer in Terminator Armour) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 16 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (6x2) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Chaos Lord (105 pts) • 1x Daemon hammer • 1x Power fist • Empyric Symbiote (+15 pts)

Cypher (90 pts) • 1x Cypher's bolt pistol • 1x Cypher's plasma pistol

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (140 pts) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Infernal Gaze • 1x Combi-bolter • Warlord • Weaponised Hatred (+60 pts)

Vashtorr the Arkifane (175 pts) • 1x Vashtorr's claw • 1x Vashtorr's hammer

BATTLELINE

Cultist Mob (50 pts) • 1x Cultist Champion • 1x Brutal assault weapon • 1x Autopistol • 9x Cultist • 9x Autopistol • 9x Brutal assault weapon

Legionaries (90 pts) • 1x Aspiring Champion • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy melee weapon • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Legionary • 2x Astartes chainsword • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy melee weapon • 1x Lascannon

Plague Marines (95 pts) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power fist • 4x Plague Marine • 4x Plague knives • 1x Plague spewer • 1x Bubotic weapons • 2x Heavy plague weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Bikers (70 pts) • 1x Biker Champion • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Power fist • 2x Biker • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Combi-bolter • 2x Meltagun • 2x Astartes chainsword

Chaos Rhino (75 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Combi-weapon

Chaos Vindicator (185 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Combi-bolter

Chaos Vindicator (185 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Demolisher cannon • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Combi-bolter

Forgefiend (170 pts) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Armoured limbs • 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Forgefiend (170 pts) • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Armoured limbs • 1x Ectoplasma cannon

Noise Marines (145 pts) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Power sword • 1x Screamer pistol • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster • 5x Close combat weapon • 3x Sonic blaster

Noise Marines (145 pts) • 1x Disharmonist • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Power sword • 1x Screamer pistol • 5x Noise Marine • 2x Blastmaster • 5x Close combat weapon • 3x Sonic blaster

Raptors (110 pts) • 1x Raptor Champion • 1x Heavy melee weapon • 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Raptor • 4x Bolt pistol • 2x Heavy melee weapon • 1x Mutations • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Meltagun

Archetype

Shooty Chaos Oaths

Thoughts

The new Renegade Warband gets an outing here, effectively utilising Oaths and the rest of the Detachment rule in combination with some of the best dakka pieces CSM get. Of particular note, Noise Marines are wildly good in this detachment, as they don't lose anything with Dark Pacts going away, and get massive benefits from re-rolls and access to +1 to Wound or AP (the latter of which is also really good on Vindicators or Forgefiends). The detachment also makes it nice and easy to set up some very high reach counter-charge pieces; the Chaos Lord's squad and Vashtorr can both rocket across the table when required to protect the precious guns. It is also conceptually extremely funny for Vashtorr to be able to Advance and Charge by digging deep and remembering the Codex Astartes. Maybe he hacked Cawl's plex server or something. Anyway, great job Liam for showcasing a brand new Detachment!

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Ryan Rees - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Triple Dorn, some Kasrkin, and a big Rough Rider unit.
4th - Pierre Alexandre Hughes-Daly - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Double Dorn, double Bullgryn, double Kasrkin.
5th - James "One_Wing" Grover - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Me again, running the same list as from Beachhead, and losing to Sam in the finals. The clock on how long I have with this stupid list is presumably ticking down at this point, but maybe I get another go at Windsor?
6th - Chong Liu - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): All-rounder Talons with one Land Raider.
7th - Mike O'Keefe - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium): Mortarion Vectorium goodstuff.
8th - Alex Gibbons - Death Guard (Mortarion's Hammer): Bloat Drones and Plaguebursts galore with a Helbrute to help tee them up.
9th - Sam Palmer - Necrons (Cursed Legion): The Nightbringer, corrupted units of Lychguard and Wraiths, a big Skorpekh unit, and lots of small Lokhust/Skorpekh arrangements.

Heroes in the Mid Table Winter GT 2026

42-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Langley Twp, BC, CA on February 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Brent Johnson - Iron Hands (Bastion Task Force) - 1st Place

Iron Father Feirros | Credit: Garrett "John Condit" Severson

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Iron Hands + DETACHMENT: Bastion Task Force (Interlocking Tactics) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char1: Iron Father Feirros + ENHANCEMENT: Hero of the Chapter (on Char2: Chaplain in Terminator Armour) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 13 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 2 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Chaplain in Terminator Armour (95 pts) • 1x Crozius Arcanum • 1x Storm Bolter • Hero of the Chapter (+20 pts)

Iron Father Feirros (95 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Gorgon's Wrath • 1x Harrowhand • 1x Medusan Manipuli • Warlord

BATTLELINE

Heavy Intercessor Squad (200 pts) • 1x Heavy Intercessor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Heavy Bolt Rifle • 2x Heavy Intercessor • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Heavy Bolter • 7x Heavy Intercessors • 7x Bolt pistol • 7x Close combat weapon • 7x Heavy Bolt Rifle

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Gladiator Lancer (160 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Lancer Laser Destroyer • 2x Storm Bolter

Inceptor Squad (240 pts) • 5x Inceptor • 5x Close combat weapon • 5x Plasma Exterminators • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Plasma Exterminators

Infiltrator Squad (100 pts) • 4x Infiltrator • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Marksman Bolt Carbine • Infiltrator Comms Array, Helix Gauntlet • 1x Infiltrator Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Marksman Bolt Carbine

Invader ATV (60 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Twin Bolt Rifle • 1x Multi-melta

Invictor Tactical Warsuit (125 pts) • 1x Fragstorm grenade launcher • 1x Heavy Bolter • 1x Invictor Fist • 1x Twin Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Twin Ironhail Autocannon

Redemptor Dreadnought (195 pts) • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Redemptor Fist • 1x Macro Plasma Incinerator • 1x Onslaught Gatling Cannon • 1x Twin Storm Bolter

Repulsor Executioner (220 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Heavy Onslaught Gatling Cannon • 1x Icarus Rocket Pod • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Repulsor Executioner Defensive Array • 1x Twin Heavy Bolter • 1x Twin Icarus Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 1x Heavy Laser Destroyer

Scout Squad (70 pts) • 1x Scout Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes Chaihnsword • 2x Scout • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon • 1x Missile Launcher • 1x Scout Sniper Rifle • 2x Scouts • 2x Astartes Shotgun • 2x Bolt pistol • 2x Close combat weapon

Terminator Assault Squad (360 pts) • 1x Assault Terminator Sergeant • 1x Storm Shield • 1x Thunder Hammer • 9x Assault Terminator • 9x Thunder Hammer • 9x Storm Shield

Archetype

Iron Father Bastion

Thoughts

The ultra-rare Iron Hands sighting here, with Iron Father Feirros finding a home in a big squad of Heavy Intercessors. That's not a massive surprise; they're already great in Bastion Task Force, and giving them extra OC and a 5+ Feel No Pain (obviously) makes them even better. They team up with a full Terminator squad with Battleline tagged on as a second deathbrick, and between them they're a dauting prospect for many foes to take down. Lots of people aim to answer elite Infantry Marines with stacked up D3 weaponry but both these units are quite resilient to that (and can also cheerfully no-sell some bigger hitters), and they're also fast here, providing strong overwhelming potential. The rest of the list is just standard high-quality Marine stuff, able to do some particularly good pinpoint bursts of violence when Auspex Scan is teed up - note the Storm Bolter on the Terminator Chaplain to ensure a second activation of this is available each turn! Once again it's good to see a more out-there Marine build succeed alongside the biggest hitters, congratulations Brent!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Brendan McKenzie - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Herohammer Martyrs with one Sacresant unit to hold the line and lots of the new Insidiants to bring some Devastating Wounds to bear against Daemons and the like.
3rd - Chris Powell - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): An actual all-Character build, using the Nightbringer, Deceiver, three Transcendants, Ammentar and Szeras.
4th - Kasra Houshidar - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Calgar bossing around double Victrix, double RepEx and double Ballistus.
5th - Stu Angel - Leagues of Votann (Mercenary Oathband): An outing for the new detachment that goes pretty crunchy, doubling up on melee Steeljacks in Land Forts to maximise the power of Optimal Expenditure and New Horizons, plus some tooled up Thunderkyn for blasting.
6th - Patrick Greatbatch - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Literal maximum Dorns, with some small scatterings of Infantry around them.
7th - Jesse Carson - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Triple Prince Coterie.
8th - Steve W - Space Wolves (Gladius Task Force): Unusually infantry-heavy Wolves, running lots of Blood Claws and a Grey Hunter unit to maximise the chance of denying objectives, plus some more elite stuff like a full Wolf Guard Terminator unit.

Return of Nekrosor - Warhammer 40K 2-Day Tourney @ Arcanum

39-player, 6-round Grand Tournament in Tucson, AZ, United States on February 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Michael Lester - Drukhari (Kabalite Cartel) - 1st Place

Credit: Sky Serpent

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The Cartel (2000 Points)

Drukhari Kabalite Cartel Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Archon (105 Points) • Warlord • 1x Huskblade • 1x Shadowfield • 1x Soul Trap • Enhancements: Webway Awl

Archon (110 Points) • 1x Huskblade • 1x Shadowfield • 1x Soul Trap • Enhancements: Informant Network

Drazhar (85 Points) • 1x Executioner's demiklaives

Lady Malys (100 Points) • 1x Lady's Blade • 1x Razor fan

Lelith Hesperax (85 Points) • 1x Lelith's blades

BATTLELINE

Kabalite Warriors (115 Points) • 1x Sybarite ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Dark lance ◦ 1x Shredder ◦ 1x Splinter cannon ◦ 5x Splinter rifle

Kabalite Warriors (115 Points) • 1x Sybarite ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Kabalite Warrior ◦ 1x Blaster ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Dark lance ◦ 1x Shredder ◦ 1x Splinter cannon ◦ 5x Splinter rifle

Wyches (90 Points) • 1x Hekatrix ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 9x Wych ◦ 3x Gladiatorial weapons ◦ 6x Hekatarii blade ◦ 6x Splinter pistol

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Venom (70 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 1x Splinter cannon • 1x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 1x Splinter cannon • 1x Splinter cannon

Venom (70 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 1x Splinter cannon • 1x Splinter cannon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Hellions (85 Points) • 1x Helliarch ◦ 1x Hellglaive ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Splinter pods • 4x Hellion ◦ 4x Hellglaive ◦ 4x Splinter pods

Incubi (180 Points) • 2x Incubi Shrine Token • 1x Klaivex ◦ 1x Demiklaives • 9x Incubi ◦ 9x Klaive

Incubi (90 Points) • 1x Incubi Shrine Token • 1x Klaivex ◦ 1x Demiklaives • 4x Incubi ◦ 4x Klaive

Mandrakes (150 Points) • 1x Nightfiend ◦ 1x Baleblast ◦ 1x Glimmersteel blade • 9x Mandrake ◦ 9x Baleblast ◦ 9x Glimmersteel blade

Ravager (110 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 3x Disintegrator cannon

Ravager (110 Points) • 1x Bladevanes • 3x Dark lance

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 Points) • 1x Solarite ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Scourge ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Dark lance

Scourges with Heavy Weapons (130 Points) • 1x Solarite ◦ 1x Blast pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Power weapon • 4x Scourge ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Dark lance

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Archetype

Cartel Goodstuff

Thoughts

An assembly of the nastiest Drukhari stuff as Cartel here, leaning on the detachment rule to give them flexibility, and Rapid Ingress plays to land solid melee punches. To assist with picking fights on its terms, the build also leverages a full Mandrake unit, which can be used to screen out lots of Infiltrate space during setup, pivot to screening the entire backfield via Malys, and can then pivot to becoming an Ingress threat via a Pain token. Lots of value from one 150pts unit, and helps Drukhari with the fact that they should probably have a bit more stuff on the table than they currently get. Anything that fills a dual role helps there, and it's a cute bit of adaptation to hard times. Well done Michael.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 5-1 records. They were:

2nd - Hayden Hodge - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): A perfect embodiment of the metagame arms race - triple super heavy tanks (Baneblade, Hellhammer, Shadowsword) emerges from the mists of early 8th Edition to try and blow C'tan up.
3rd - Nick Horner - Tyranids (Synaptic Nexus): Nexus with lots of shooty big-ish bugs and some Zoanthropes.
4th - Robert DeRouin - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Land Raider/Custodian spam.

HWP Salty Classic GT February 2026

32-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Plantation, Florida, US on February 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Linchpin - Tipping Point

Christopher Herron - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal)

Army List - Click to Expand

starshatter ctan (1995 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Starshatter Arsenal

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (150 points) • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Overlord's blade 1x Resurrection Orb • Enhancement: Dread Majesty (Aura)

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (285 points) • 1x Cosmic insanity 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (310 points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades 1x Spear of the Void Dragon 1x Voltaic storm

Hexmark Destroyer (85 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols • Enhancement: Demanding Leader

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 points) • Warlord • 1x Blade tail and whip coils 1x Enmitic disintegrators 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Technomancer (105 points) • 1x Staff of light • Enhancement: Chrono-impedance Fields

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 points) • 2x Atomiser beam 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Wraiths (220 points) • 6x Canoptek Wraith • 6x Particle caster 6x Vicious claws

Deathmarks (60 points) • 5x Deathmark • 5x Close combat weapon 5x Synaptic disintegrator

Doomsday Ark (200 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Doomsday Ark (200 points) • 1x Armoured bulk 1x Doomsday cannon 2x Gauss flayer array

Flayed Ones (60 points) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Ophydian Destroyers (80 points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer • 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons 1x Plasmacyte

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (108), Data Version: v732

vs.

Zach Parker - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe)

Army List - Click to Expand

Guys please I promise the ctan knights list isn't broken please don't be mad at me look I'm not even gonna win this thing if I win it I'll buy every single person on this list precisely 18 shots of Everclear so we can forget it ever happened. Please man I swear. If I were you guys I would actually just completely ignore that anything is going on over here. It's a completely normal list. It's actually just imperial agents disguised as ctans please don't hate me (1995 Points)

Necrons Pantheon of Woe Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (325 Points) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (345 Points) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon (330 Points) • 1x Canoptek tail blades • 1x Spear of the Void Dragon • 1x Voltaic storm

Hexmark Destroyer (75 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 Points) • Warlord • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Nullstone Field Generator (Aura) • 1x Unmaker Gauntlet

Transcendent C'tan (330 Points) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 Points) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Deathmarks (60 Points) • 5x Deathmark ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Synaptic disintegrator

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

Lokhust Destroyers (40 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss cannon

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic exterminator

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 Points) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic exterminator

Ophydian Destroyers (80 Points) • 3x Ophydian Destroyer ◦ 3x Ophydian hyperphase weapons ◦ 1x Plasmacyte

Exported with App Version: v1.46.2 (1), Data Version: v732

Thoughts

The despicable patrons once again think they're being clever by voting for me write about a mirror match (presumably as punishment for my own Necron crimes), but happily there's some actual differences here. On one side, Starshatter with C'tan, Wraiths and Doomsdays, which for my money is the best Necron build right now. You still get the raw power of two Star Gods, but can also fight at long range or tarpit with your Wraiths, and the C'tan you do have get extra reliability from either the Silent King or (as here) the Command Barge aura.

On the other side, the raw power of Pantheon can overwhelm some foes, and also shuts down some potential C'tan counters by taxing Stratagem comboes. It's good, but that tax factor doesn't massively apply here, as Starshatter isn't leaning on Stratagems to get things done, and can mix up how it commits resources much more easily than the Pantheon list (and largely doesn't care at all about the extra AP in Pantheon). In particular, Wraiths are quite a big headache for Pantheon to deal with, as just two of them on an objective ties it for control, and it's pretty easy to set that up with the Technomancer way back behind a wall where Precision can't get them. Access to a Command Barge pushes that even further, as now three Wraiths out-OC two C'tan, so Pantheon ends up really needing Molecular Erosion to land in order to compete on mid-field Primary. They also have to worry a little about Wraiths just pushing straight for their home on Linchpin.

I'd say there is a little saving grace for Pantheon from the fact that they actually start the game on the same number of activations as the Starshatter list, and it's easier for them to deplete alpha threats on the other side than vice-versa. Starshatter will also have to be a little cautious with their home objective, they have nothing to camp on it that a teleporting Transcendant can't eliminate, and on this mission I think there's some game for them in being very cautious with their own chaff, and trying to turn that into a positional advantage in the mid game. I still favour the Wraiths being a deciding factor, because I am the world's number one Canoptek Wraith fan, but it's fair to nod to the good list design on the Pantheon side making this a game, albeit one where Starshatter still won out.

Result

Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) Victory - 83 - 73

Christopher Herron - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

C'tan Shard of the Void Dragon. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Starshatter C'tan

Thoughts

It's C'tan season, and I still think this is the best C'tan shell; you get the C'tan's power when you need it, and a much more flexible support structure than you have in any other detachment. Direct and effective. Congratulations Christopher.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Zach Parker - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): Four C'tan and some support, including Ammentar.
3rd - Phillip Berenguer - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Shooty Hulls, Vashtorr and a Discolord as some monstrous pressure, and a pair of Rhinos each packing a Noise Marine and Chosen unit.
4th - Diego Boulton - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): The rare single Prince Coterie, investing in extra Infantry, Lucius and some Flawless Blades instead.
5th - Jorge Aranda - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): All-rounder Ultramarines with a bit of extra mobility from double Impulsor.
6th - Trevor Ritter - Thousand Sons (Hexwarp Thrallband): Double Scarabs and lots of Sekhetar Robots to create layered defensive positions.

Battle for the Wyldlands GT - Winter 2026

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Austin, TX, United States on February 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

John Garza - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

Nekrosor Ammentar. Credit: Wings

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Necrons + DETACHMENT: Starshatter Arsenal (Relentless Onslaught) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char5: The Silent King + ENHANCEMENT: Chrono-impedance Fields (on Char6: Hexmark Destroyer) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 11 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (3x4) + (1x6) - Assassination: 7 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

C'tan Shard of the Deceiver (285 pts) • 1x Cosmic insanity • 1x Golden fists

C'tan Shard of the Nightbringer (315 pts) • 1x Gaze of death • 1x Scythe of the Nightbringer

Hexmark Destroyer (100 pts) • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Enmitic disintegrator pistols • Chrono-impedance Fields (+25 pts)

Illuminor Szeras (165 pts) • 1x Eldritch lance • 1x Impaling legs

Nekrosor Ammentar (165 pts) • 1x Blade tail and whip coils • 1x Enmitic disintegrators • 1x Unmaker gauntlet • Nullstone field generator

The Silent King (400 pts) • 1x Szarekh • 1x Sceptre of Eternal Glory • 1x Staff of Stars • 1x Weapons of the Final Triarch • 2x Triarchal Menhir • 2x Annihilator beam • 2x Armoured bulk • 2x Triarchal Menhirs, Warlord

Transcendent C'tan (305 pts) • 1x Crackling tendrils • 1x Seismic assault

OTHER DATASHEETS

Canoptek Reanimator (75 pts) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Canoptek Reanimator (75 pts) • 2x Atomiser beam • 1x Reanimator's claws

Flayed Ones (60 pts) • 5x Flayed One • 5x Flayer claws

Lokhust Heavy Destroyers (55 pts) • 1x Destroyer • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Gauss destructor

Archetype

Silent King Starshatter C'tan

Thoughts

Alongside the more conventional Starshatter build we just looked at, lists like this are also emerging which go for a Pantheon-style pure hammer setup, but run it as Starshatter with the King. This gives you a bit of diversity in your threat profile (so if foes have just tooled for C'tan you might be able to thwart them) while massively reducing your chances of randomly whiffing with C'tan at a crucial moment via the King's re-roll aura (and also bypasses anything with wide access to -1 to Hit like Death Guard). This is, it turns out, quite good, all things considered. Congratulations to John.

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Hunter Boyd - Adeptus Custodes (Solar Spearhead): The semi-regular reminder that this detachment is pretty great. Triple Contemptor, double Caladius and double Telemon to smash through foes.
3rd - Josh Schneider - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): All-melee Rage Cursed that adds a big Terminator Assault Squad to the normal mix.
4th - Charlie Morman - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Warband): Huron and the masters get a first outing, supported by lots of elite shooty infantry and a big Chosen squad.
5th - Ian D - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Two Despoilers (one battle cannon, one gatling), melee Knights (Rampager/Lancer) and a Great Unclean One to tarpit.

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.

Thank you for being a friend.

Latest

Goonhammer App and Patron Updates: April, 2026
by Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones - Apr 06 2026
Kill Team Tournament Report: Engage, Party, Repeat's March Madness 2026
by Dan "Swiftblade" Richardson - Apr 06 2026
Goonhammer Reviews: Tribal Conquest
by Jackie Daytona - Apr 07 2026

Patreon

Support us on Patreon to get access to our Discord and exclusive App features.

Thank you for being a friend.

Already a Patron? Login with Patreon.

Fashion Accessories

Visit our incredibly official store on RedBubble.

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Always Morehammer pt.1

Event News - Goonhammer UK Teams March 2026

This Week's Events

Cherokee Open 2026 - 40k Champs

Seth Piper - T'au Empire (Mont'ka) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Zach Point - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Ronnie Kinney - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Noah Neundorfer - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Octopoutre Solo 2026

Yohann Teston - Deathwatch (Black Spear Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Morgan Rainbow DE CONNOR - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Elias Ahtitich - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Michael Girod - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Geekfest - Winter War - Warhammer 40K GT

Willow Weeks - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Matthew Reeson - Necrons (Cursed Legion) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Keenan Elliot - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Wes Roderick Pauley - Astra Militarum (Mechanised Assault) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Oxford Onslaught 5

Sam Nash - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Liam Keane - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Warband) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Heroes in the Mid Table Winter GT 2026

Brent Johnson - Iron Hands (Bastion Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Return of Nekrosor - Warhammer 40K 2-Day Tourney @ Arcanum

Michael Lester - Drukhari (Kabalite Cartel) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

HWP Salty Classic GT February 2026