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Gaming | Tactics | Warhammer 40k | Meta Analysis | Competitive Play | Goonhammer | Core Games | 40K Competitive Innovations

Competitive Innovations in 10th: Always Morehammer pt.3

by James "One_Wing" Grover | Feb 28 2026
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.

Everyone is feeling a bit blue about the whole C'tan situation, and by that I mean they're cracking out the Ultramarines. As sometimes happens, our sorting algorithm has placed an unusual concentration of one faction in this part, so if you love to march for Macragge, get hyped.

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 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
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

Talvisota Grand Tournament 2026

116-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Suomi on February 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Take and Hold - Search and Destroy

George Yu - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar)
Army List - Click to Expand
GW balance team made me do this (1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

Techmarine (70 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: Oath of Macragge

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

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

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 • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Combat knife 1x Heavy bolter

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

Stormraven Gunship (280 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Hurricane bolter 2x Stormstrike missile launcher 1x Twin heavy plasma cannon 1x Twin multi-melta

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

Wardens of Ultramar (90 points) • 1x Ancient Gadriel • 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Storm Shield • 1x Gaius Silva • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Power weapon 1x Refractor Field • 1x Aemelia Minervas • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Power weapon • 1x Dainal Komelius • 1x Astropathic Blast 1x Force stave • 1x Lucia Vestha • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Close combat weapon

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



vs.

Jouni Haavisto - Orks (Kult of Speed)
Army List - Click to Expand
Ozzy KoS (2000 points)

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) Kult of Speed

CHARACTERS

Mek (45 points) • Warlord • 1x Killsaw 1x Kustom mega-slugga

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x 'Uge choppa

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x 'Uge choppa

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (90 points) • 1x Da Grabzappa 1x Squigstoppa

BATTLELINE

Boyz (80 points) • 9x Boy • 9x Choppa 9x 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 (70 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels

OTHER DATASHEETS

Battlewagon (160 points) • 2x Big shoota 1x Deff rolla 1x Grabbin' klaw 1x Kannon 1x Lobba 1x Wreckin' ball 1x 'Ard Case

Deffkoptas (160 points) • 6x Deffkopta • 6x Kopta rokkits 6x Slugga 6x Spinnin' blades

Deffkoptas (160 points) • 6x Deffkopta • 6x Kopta rokkits 6x Slugga 6x Spinnin' blades

Deffkoptas (160 points) • 6x Deffkopta • 6x Kopta rokkits 6x Slugga 6x Spinnin' blades

Gretchin (80 points) • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Grot blasta • 2x Runtherd • 2x Runtherd tools 2x Slugga

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

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

Meganobz (160 points) • 5x Meganob • 5x Twin killsaws

Meganobz (160 points) • 5x Meganob • 5x Twin killsaws

Megatrakk Scrapjet (75 points) • 1x Nose drill 1x Rokkit kannon 2x Twin big shoota 1x Wing missiles

Megatrakk Scrapjet (75 points) • 1x Nose drill 1x Rokkit kannon 2x Twin big shoota 1x Wing missiles

Megatrakk Scrapjet (75 points) • 1x Nose drill 1x Rokkit kannon 2x Twin big shoota 1x Wing missiles

Warbikers (65 points) • 2x Warbiker • 2x Choppa 2x Close combat weapon 2x Twin dakkagun • 1x Boss Nob on Warbike • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin dakkagun

Warbikers (65 points) • 2x Warbiker • 2x Choppa 2x Close combat weapon 2x Twin dakkagun • 1x Boss Nob on Warbike • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin dakkagun

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

Thoughts

A classic Marine/Ork showdown to kick us off today, with a heavy spin on shooty Ultramarines on one side, and an Ork Kult of Speed on the other. The Kult leans on two factors - Deffkoptas, which are cheap and have extreme synergies here, and the fact that many foes are built for killing tall hulls, not wide. Koptas with access to a 4+ Invulnerable Save from Speediest Gitz are an enormous pain for stuff with a few, high powered attacks to chew through, and on the offence you can throw very big punches with either the Sustained or Lethal stratagems. Foes need to be able to reach out pretty far to shut them down, and the list has a decent amount of move blocking from the Super Grotz, and good counterattack potential from the Meganobz leaping from a Wagon if foes overextend.

The bad news for the Orks is that the Ultramarines have brought a reach threat that seriously troubles the Koptas in the form of the Eradicators in a Stormraven. The RepExes aren't fantastic for killing lots of Koptas fast, but moving 20 then throwing a full Eradicator blob down with Oaths up will kill most of a squad by themselves, and the rest of the shooting will probably kill one unit if they're exposed, so when the Ultramarines swing for it the Orks are going to quickly be down a lot of assets. The Koptas are also very bad at actually killing a Stormraven in response thanks to the damage reduction, never mind rolling through and nailing some RepExes afterwards.

It's pretty clear the Ultras will win the damage race, so this is going to come down to whether the Orks primary denial can push a victory, and on this mission I think it's a maybe, but probably not. I think the killer for the Orks is not having Kommandos or Snikrot. They can very effectively keep the enemy off the central objective, but that won't matter as much if some Space Marine Scouts are safely harvesting 5VP a turn off their expansion. The Orks can probably stop that once without throwing away too much, but with clear movement line some of the tanks can sweep up that way and prioritise holding that and then moving to a grindy cruise control plan, and if the Orks want to keep denying it they'll have to lose huge amounts of stuff. If they had a coin flip to could block the Scout Infiltrate, the Orks might have a bit more flexibility, but here they're going to be struggling to dislodge the Ultramarines stable trajectory while losing on material, which is a tall order. Considering that, they had a really good go at this, running the Ultramarines pretty close, but weren't quite able to overcome the obstacles.

Result

Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) Victory - 79 - 70

George Yu - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 1st Place

Primaris Captain in Gravis Armour: Chapter Master Drusus of the Cobalt Scions. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
GW balance team made me do this (1995 points)

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

CHARACTERS

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

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

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

Techmarine (70 points) • 1x Forge bolter 1x Grav-pistol 1x Omnissian power axe 1x Servo-arm • Enhancement: Oath of Macragge

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

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

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 • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 3x Combat knife 1x Heavy bolter

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

Stormraven Gunship (280 points) • 1x Armoured hull 2x Hurricane bolter 2x Stormstrike missile launcher 1x Twin heavy plasma cannon 1x Twin multi-melta

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

Wardens of Ultramar (90 points) • 1x Ancient Gadriel • 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus • 1x Heavy bolt pistol 1x Master-crafted power weapon 1x Storm Shield • 1x Gaius Silva • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Power weapon 1x Refractor Field • 1x Aemelia Minervas • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Power weapon • 1x Dainal Komelius • 1x Astropathic Blast 1x Force stave • 1x Lucia Vestha • 1x Archeotech laspistol 1x Close combat weapon

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

Archetype

Stormraven Hulltramarines

Thoughts

For when you hate C'tan so much you have to be able to put a full Eradicator brick nearly anywhere on half the table at a moment's notice. Can't fault the logic, honestly. Congratulations George.

Andrejs Isajevs - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Ultramarines Captain Titus. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Blade of Ultramar (Mastered Doctrines) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char3: Marneus Calgar + ENHANCEMENT: Armour of Antoninus (on Char5: Captain in Gravis Armour) & Oath of Macragge (on Char6: Lieutenant) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 18 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (1x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 7 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Captain in Gravis Armour (90 pts) • 1x Boltstorm Gauntlet • 1x Power Fist • 1x Relic Blade • Armour of Antoninus (+10 pts)

Captain Sicarius (85 pts) • 1x Artisan Plasma Pistol • 1x Talassarian Tempest Blade

Captain Titus (90 pts) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Master-crafted Bolter • 1x Master-crafted Chainsword

Lieutenant (70 pts) • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Neo-volkite Pistol • 1x Storm Shield • Oath of Macragge (+15 pts)

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 Bolt Rifle • 1x Power Fist • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Bolt Rifle • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes grenade launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (80 pts) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Neo-volkite Pistol • 2x Bladeguard Veterans • 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 2x Master-crafted Power Weapon

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (80 pts) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Neo-volkite Pistol • 2x Bladeguard Veterans • 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 2x Master-crafted Power Weapon

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (80 pts) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 1x Neo-volkite Pistol • 2x Bladeguard Veterans • 2x Heavy Bolt Pistol • 2x Master-crafted Power Weapon

Impulsor (80 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 2x Storm Bolter • Shield Dome

Incursor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Incursor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Occulus Bolt Carbine • 4x Paired Combat Blades • Haywire Mine • 1x Incursor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Occulus Bolt Carbine • 1x Paired Combat Blades

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 Missile Launcher • 3x Scouts • 3x Bolt pistol • 3x Close combat weapon • 3x 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

Archetype

BladeBlade

Thoughts

Another Blade of Ultramar build in second place, this one opting for a very adaptable skirmishing melee setup. Lots of small Bladeguard units demand attention, but don't throw away too many points if the opponent finds a way to kill them, and incorporating Titus into one unit lets you put a big spanner in the works of any melee plan. Doesn't have quite the C'tan killing oomph of the more traditional Hulltramarines builds, but makes up for it by allowing resources to be rationed out in a very configurable manner, and it earned Andrejs an undefeated second place.

Jouni Haavisto - Orks (Kult of Speed) - 3rd Place

Goff deffkopta three-piece Rotörhead. Credit: Charlie Brassley

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Ozzy KoS (2000 points)

Orks Strike Force (2000 points) Kult of Speed

CHARACTERS

Mek (45 points) • Warlord • 1x Killsaw 1x Kustom mega-slugga

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x 'Uge choppa

Warboss in Mega Armour (80 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x 'Uge choppa

Zodgrod Wortsnagga (90 points) • 1x Da Grabzappa 1x Squigstoppa

BATTLELINE

Boyz (80 points) • 9x Boy • 9x Choppa 9x 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 (70 points) • 1x Big shoota 1x Spiked wheels

OTHER DATASHEETS

Battlewagon (160 points) • 2x Big shoota 1x Deff rolla 1x Grabbin' klaw 1x Kannon 1x Lobba 1x Wreckin' ball 1x 'Ard Case

Deffkoptas (160 points) • 6x Deffkopta • 6x Kopta rokkits 6x Slugga 6x Spinnin' blades

Deffkoptas (160 points) • 6x Deffkopta • 6x Kopta rokkits 6x Slugga 6x Spinnin' blades

Deffkoptas (160 points) • 6x Deffkopta • 6x Kopta rokkits 6x Slugga 6x Spinnin' blades

Gretchin (80 points) • 20x Gretchin • 20x Close combat weapon 20x Grot blasta • 2x Runtherd • 2x Runtherd tools 2x Slugga

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

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

Meganobz (160 points) • 5x Meganob • 5x Twin killsaws

Meganobz (160 points) • 5x Meganob • 5x Twin killsaws

Megatrakk Scrapjet (75 points) • 1x Nose drill 1x Rokkit kannon 2x Twin big shoota 1x Wing missiles

Megatrakk Scrapjet (75 points) • 1x Nose drill 1x Rokkit kannon 2x Twin big shoota 1x Wing missiles

Megatrakk Scrapjet (75 points) • 1x Nose drill 1x Rokkit kannon 2x Twin big shoota 1x Wing missiles

Warbikers (65 points) • 2x Warbiker • 2x Choppa 2x Close combat weapon 2x Twin dakkagun • 1x Boss Nob on Warbike • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin dakkagun

Warbikers (65 points) • 2x Warbiker • 2x Choppa 2x Close combat weapon 2x Twin dakkagun • 1x Boss Nob on Warbike • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Power klaw 1x Twin dakkagun

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

Archetype

Kult of Speed

Thoughts

As seen in the showdown, this is a threat saturation build that overwhelms the slow and steady killing power of Pantheon, and has great primary denial and pressure into lots of foes. Can have a rougher time against Necron versions with Doomsdays, or high reach threats as seen in the Showdown, but even there the depth of stuff you put on the table can help a lot. Nice to see the Kult get an outing, great stuff Jouni.

Samppa Orhanen - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 4th Place

Ultramarines Primaris Techmarine. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I do not own a Volvo!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Blade of Ultramar (Mastered Doctrines) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Marneus Calgar + ENHANCEMENT: Armour of Antoninus (on Char4: Techmarine) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 4 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Captain Sicarius (85 pts) • 1x Artisan Plasma Pistol • 1x Talassarian Tempest Blade

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

Techmarine (65 pts) • 1x Forge Bolter • 1x Grav-pistol • 1x Omnissian Power Axe • 1x Servo-arm • Armour of Antoninus (+10 pts)

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 Bolt Rifle • 1x Power Fist • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Bolt Rifle • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Astartes grenade launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Impulsor (80 pts) • 1x Armoured Hull • 1x Ironhail Heavy Stubber • 2x Storm Bolter • Shield Dome

Inceptor Squad (240 pts) • 5x Inceptor • 5x Close combat weapon • 5x Assault Bolters • 1x Inceptor Sergeant • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Assault Bolters

Incursor Squad (80 pts) • 4x Incursor • 4x Bolt pistol • 4x Occulus Bolt Carbine • 4x Paired Combat Blades • Haywire Mine • 1x Incursor Sergeant • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Occulus Bolt Carbine • 1x Paired Combat Blades

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

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 Shotgun • 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

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

Victrix Honour Guard (110 pts) • 3x Victrix Honour Guard • 3x Master-crafted Bolt Carbine • 3x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 3x Attached Unit

Archetype

Inceptor Blade

Thoughts

Yet more Ultramarines to round out the top four, this time going for Inceptors as the flex unit of choice. Very nice into other Marines and any enemy hordes for sure, and they do a very nice alpha strike with Exemplary Vigilance if you're in the market for it. the smaller Victrix unit is also a nice little spoiler to place near where you're planning to drop the Inceptors as a counter-charge threat. Well done to Samppa for making this an exceptional event for the Ultramarines.

The Best of the Rest

There were 19 more players on 4-1+ records. A few people slightly further down the rankings ended up undefeated - I think there was some sort of early cut to a bracket. They were:
  • 5th - Eetu Peltola - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Double 20 Berzerker blocks with melee support.
  • 6th - Sami Kekki - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Lots of Aberrants and Metamorphs.
  • 7th - Tom Wikholm - Necrons (Hypercrypt Legion): Triple C'tan and Silent King, but now as Hypercrypt.
  • 8th - Heinrich von Keler - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): A mix of shooty hulls and lots of Canoness/Zephyrim units.
  • 9th (Undefeated) - Niklas Ojalainen - Orks (War Horde): Heavy melee War Horde with breakas on top of Boyz and Snaggas.
  • 10th (Undefeated) - Pekka Myller - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double C'tan, Silent King, double Doomsday and a Wraith unit.
  • 11th - Janne Laurila - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith): Sacresant shieldwall with Retributors.
  • 12th - Joonas Neva - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Awakened triple C'tan double Wraiths.
  • 13th - Aku Lehtiö - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Warrior block, two C'tan and herohammer.
  • 14th - Indran Yogaswaran - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Lots of Custodians, one Land Raider and some Caladius Tanks.
  • 15th - Juha Ottelin - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Double Dorn, double Bullgryn, double Kasrkin.
  • 16th - Antti Koskimäki - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double C'tan, Wraiths, Silent King and scoring pieces.
  • 17th - Jussi Koskimäki - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Vindicators, a Victrix unit and Herohammer.
  • 18th - Niklas Sundström - Chaos Space Marines (Creations of Bile): Pure melee Creations with lots of Chosen and Possessed, with one unit amped to the gills with the addition of Huron and the Masters.
  • 19th - Kaarle Tukia - Orks (War Horde): Ghaz, Snaggas and Gitz.
  • 20th - Touko Kästämä - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Magnus Coven Goodstuff with a full Scarab squad.
  • 21st - Juha Kemppainen - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Herohammer and hulls.
  • 22nd - Mika Liu - Chaos Daemons (Daemonic Incursion): Monster mash and double Plaguebearers.
  • 23rd - Juho Toivakka - Aeldari (Spirit Conclave): An unusually hefty take on Aeldari with Wraithblades, Wraithlords and the Avatar.

Springs Thundercluckers February 2026 GT WCW Qualifier

70-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Colorado Springs, CO, United States on February 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Matt Evans - Tyranids (Invasion Fleet) - 1st Place

Norn Emissary Norn Emissary. Credit: Pendulin

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Im gonna go fixed secondaries with cleanse and engage. I took 2 norns to sit on midfield objectives to hold primary and give me the oc I need to be able to cleanse. I will cleanse with my neurolictors or my norn if I have to. I have 12 tyrant guard to shove down the middle of the table and hope you can't kill them all. Ill use my 5+++ strat to keep them alive and rely on my vect aura to prevent your strats from just 1 shotting them. I have gaunts as backup oc wherever I need it. Good luck and have fun!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Xenos - Tyranids + DETACHMENT: Invasion Fleet (Hyper Adaptions) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + WARLORD: Char2: The Swarmlord + ENHANCEMENT: Perfectly Adapted (on Char3: Hive Tyrant) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (2x4) - Assassination: 3 Characters - Cull The Horde: 2x5 (before leaders attached) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

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

Hive Tyrant (210 pts) • 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip • 1x Monstrous scything talons • Perfectly Adapted (+15 pts)

The Swarmlord (220 pts) • 1x Bone Sabres • 1x Synaptic Pulse • Warlord

BATTLELINE

Gargoyles (85 pts) • 10x Gargoyles • 10x Blinding venom • 10x Fleshborer

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

Termagants (120 pts) • 2x Termagant • 2x Chitinous claws and teeth • 2x Strangleweb • 18x Termagants • 18x Chitinous claws and teeth • 18x Termagant spinefist

Termagants (120 pts) • 2x Termagant • 2x Chitinous claws and teeth • 2x Strangleweb • 18x Termagants • 18x Chitinous claws and teeth • 18x Termagant spinefist

OTHER DATASHEETS

Biovores (50 pts) • 1x Biovore • 1x Chitin-barbed limbs • 1x Spore mine launcher

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

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

Norn Emissary (260 pts) • 1x Monstrous rending claws • 1x Monstrous scything talons • 1x Psychic tendril

Norn Emissary (260 pts) • 1x Monstrous rending claws • 1x Monstrous scything talons • 1x Psychic tendril

Tyrant Guard (160 pts) • 6x Tyrant Guard • 6x Scything talons and rending claws

Tyrant Guard (160 pts) • 6x Tyrant Guard • 6x Scything talons and rending claws

Venomthropes (70 pts) • 3x Venomthrope • 3x Toxic lashes

Archetype

Tarpit Fleet

Thoughts

Well, look, I could try and analyse the plan of this list, but if you look at the list title they just...tweeted it out. Matt made the bold assertion that foes wouldn't be able to stop two Norns and two Tyrant Guard units sitting on objectives and cleansing forever, and he was 100% right. There's very few things that kill all of that fast (especially not with access to the Invasion Fleet Feel No Pain), it's a massive amount of OC to push through (especially with Termagants to sweep forward where needed), and the list still squeezes other scoring pieces in on top. I'd maybe worry that the Deathwatch builds that are on the rise can handle this, but those are still going to remain niche just based on model requirements, and into most of the rest of the meta (especially Necrons, where only the Starshatter King versions of triple C'tan can really tangle with this), this seems like a cool angle of attack. Big props to Matt!

Colin Kay - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Ultramarines Eradicators. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I Got 499 Problems, But 500 Worlds Ain't One (1995 Points)

Space Marines Ultramarines Blade of Ultramar Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Apothecary Biologis (95 Points) • 1x Absolvor bolt pistol • 1x Close combat weapon • Enhancements: Veteran of Behemoth

Captain Titus (90 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolter • 1x Master-crafted chainsword

Captain in Gravis Armour (90 Points) • 1x Boltstorm gauntlet • 1x Power fist • 1x Relic fist • Enhancements: Armour of Antoninus

Lieutenant in Phobos Armour (55 Points) • 1x Bolt Pistol • 1x Master-crafted bolt carbine • 1x Paired combat blades

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

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Desolation Squad (200 Points) • 1x Desolation Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Castellan launcher ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Vengor launcher • 4x Desolation Marine ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Castellan launcher ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 4x Superkrak rocket launcher

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

Land Raider (220 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 2x Godhammer lascannon • 1x Hunter-killer missile • 1x Multi-melta • 1x Storm bolter • 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 ◦ 4x Bolt pistol ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Combat knife ◦ 1x Missile launcher ◦ 1x Scout sniper rifle

Wardens of Ultramar (90 Points) • 1x Ancient Gadriel ◦ 1x Bolt rifle ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Veteran Sergeant Metaurus ◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Storm Shield • 1x Gaius Silva ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Refractor Field • 1x Aemelia Minervas ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Power weapon • 1x Dainal Komelius ◦ 1x Astropathic Blast ◦ 1x Force stave • 1x Lucia Vestha ◦ 1x Archeotech laspistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon

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

Archetype

Heavy Hull Herohammer

Thoughts

Back to Ultramarines for our second undefeated list, with Colin bringing an extra-heavy spin, going for a Land Raider and some big guns to blast foes. With such a heavy metagame, there's plenty of value in being prepared for that, and Colin has also added Titus to the mix to help speed bump any pressure builds that try to take advantage of the lower activation count he ends up with. Titus and the Desolation Squad also help ensure that hordes can't counter this too hard, leaving it prepared for all-comers. Congratulations to Colin for bringing even more glory to Macragge.

Steven Pampreen - Orks (Da Big Hunt) - 3rd Place (4.5-0.5)

Kill Rig. Credit: Rockfish Kill Rig. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Hunt size: Big

Detachment: Da Big Hunt Show/Hide Options

## Epic Hero [75 pts] Boss Snikrot [75 pts]: Mork's Teeth, Slugga

## Character [265 pts] Beastboss [95 pts]: Proper Killy [15 pts], Beast Snagga klaw, Beastchoppa, Shoota Big Mek with Shokk Attack Gun [80 pts]: Warlord, Close combat weapon, Shokk attack gun, Grot assistant Mek [45 pts]: Kustom mega-slugga, Killsaw Mek [45 pts]: Kustom mega-slugga, Wrench

## Battleline [190 pts] Beast Snagga Boyz [190 pts]: • 1x Beast Snagga Nob: Power snappa, Slugga • 19x Beast Snagga Boy: Choppa, Slugga

## Infantry [420 pts] Flash Gitz [80 pts]: Ammo Runt • 1x Kaptin: Choppa, Snazzgun • 4x Flash Gitz: Choppa, Snazzgun Flash Gitz [80 pts]: Ammo Runt • 1x Kaptin: Choppa, Snazzgun • 4x Flash Gitz: Choppa, Snazzgun Flash Gitz [80 pts]: Ammo Runt • 1x Kaptin: Choppa, Snazzgun • 4x Flash Gitz: Choppa, Snazzgun Gretchin [40 pts]: 1 Runtherd and 10 Gretchin • 10x Gretchin: Close combat weapon, Grot blasta • 1x Runtherd: Grot-smacka, Slugga Tankbustas [140 pts]: • 1x Boss Nob: Choppa, Rokkit pistol, Smash hammer • 1x Tankbusta w/ Pulsa rokkit: Close combat weapon, Pulsa rokkit, Rokkit launcha • 4x Tankbusta w/ Rokkit launcha: Close combat weapon, Rokkit launcha

## Mounted [150 pts] Squighog Boyz [150 pts]: Bomb squig, 1 Nob on Smasha Squig and 3 Squighog Boyz • 1x Nob on Smasha Squig: Big choppa, Slugga, Squig jaws • 3x Squighog Boy: Saddlegit weapons, Squig jaws, Stikka

## Monster [600 pts] Hunta Rig [135 pts]: 'Eavy lobba, Butcha boyz, Savage horns and hooves, Saw blades, Stikka kannon Kill Rig [155 pts]: 'Eavy lobba, Butcha boyz, Savage horns and hooves, Saw blades, Stikka kannon, Wurrtower Kill Rig [155 pts]: 'Eavy lobba, Butcha boyz, Savage horns and hooves, Saw blades, Stikka kannon, Wurrtower Kill Rig [155 pts]: 'Eavy lobba, Butcha boyz, Savage horns and hooves, Saw blades, Stikka kannon, Wurrtower

## Vehicle [160 pts] Deffkoptas [80 pts]: • 3x Deffkopta: Kopta rokkits, Slugga, Spinnin' blades Deffkoptas [80 pts]: • 3x Deffkopta: Kopta rokkits, Slugga, Spinnin' blades

## Dedicated Transport [140 pts] Trukk [70 pts]: Big shoota, Spiked wheel, Wreckin' ball Trukk [70 pts]: Big shoota, Spiked wheel, Wreckin' ball

Archetype

Big Rig Huntas

Thoughts

Orks have mostly stayed out of the heavy metagame arms race, sticking to lots of Boyz, but clearly the dam has broken on that this week, with the Kult of Speed list above being followed here by Da Big Hunt, going for lots of Kill Rigs. These are ideal for hunting other big threats, as three of them with the Big Hunt Detachment rule puts a nice amount of high AP auto-hits onto which ever foe you decide to kill each turn, and they're chunky for the cost in return. Also very potent into large targets is the full Snagga unit with the Proper Killy Beastboss, who have high volume that can be at the crucial S6 with 5+ Sustained on a go turn, and that's before factoring in the boss themselves. That full horde popping out of a Hunta Rig also means they're often staring quite close to the foe, and have layered protection. Once they're out, Stalkin' Tactiks also makes them surprisingly durable against counterpunches, and even more than regular Boyz, foes who've skipped out on anti-horde are going to have a bad time. This build attacks on a very different angle than most Ork lists, and can slam into foes with numbers and heft that few can imitate, and the ask for an opponent swapping from hulls to a tough horde mid game is a nice mixup. Well done to Steven!

Andrei Gorin - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 4th Place

Militarum Tempestus Scions Command Squad. Credit: Rockfish Militarum Tempestus Scions Command Squad. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Dorns (2000 Points)

Astra Militarum Grizzled Company Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

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

Commissar (50 Points) • 1x Plasma pistol • 1x Power weapon • Enhancements: Abhuman Detail

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 Points) • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Medi-pack ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Regimental Standard • 1x Tempestor Prime ◦ 1x Command Rod ◦ 1x Tempestus dagger

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 Points) • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Medi-pack ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Regimental Standard • 1x Tempestor Prime ◦ 1x Command Rod ◦ 1x Tempestus dagger

Militarum Tempestus Command Squad (85 Points) • 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 • 1x Tempestor Prime ◦ 1x Command Rod ◦ 1x Tempestus dagger

Nork Deddog (60 Points) • 1x Huge knife • 1x Ripper gun

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

BATTLELINE

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Attilan Rough Riders (60 Points) • 1x Rough Rider Sergeant ◦ 1x Hunting lance ◦ 1x Lasgun ◦ 1x Laspistol ◦ 1x Steed's hooves • 4x Rough Rider ◦ 4x Hunting lance ◦ 4x Lasgun ◦ 4x Laspistol ◦ 4x Steed's hooves

Bullgryn Squad (200 Points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead ◦ 1x Brute Shield ◦ 1x Bullgryn maul ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn ◦ 5x Brute Shield ◦ 5x Bullgryn maul ◦ 5x Close combat weapon

Bullgryn Squad (200 Points) • 1x Bullgryn Bone 'ead ◦ 1x Brute Shield ◦ 1x Bullgryn maul ◦ 1x Close combat weapon • 5x Bullgryn ◦ 5x Brute Shield ◦ 5x Bullgryn maul ◦ 5x Close combat weapon

Ratlings (60 Points) • 5x Ratling Sniper ◦ 5x Close combat weapon ◦ 5x Sniper rifle

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

Tempestus Scions (70 Points) • 1x Tempestor ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (70 Points) • 1x Tempestor ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

Tempestus Scions (70 Points) • 1x Tempestor ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 4x Tempestus Scion ◦ 4x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Hot-shot lasgun ◦ 1x Hot-shot laspistol ◦ 1x Meltagun ◦ 1x Plasma gun ◦ 1x Vox-caster

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

Archetype

Scion Bullgryn Grizzled

Thoughts

Back to Grizzled Company to round out this top four, sporting the double Bullgryn setup, and supporting them with the new Scion hotness to keep the sweet, sweet re-rolls. The list also techs for the heavy metagame with a full Rough Rider squad, giving you a one shot powerful trade-up for foes that come too close. All very solid stuff, and further evidence for my double Bullgryn optimal thesis. Well done to Andrei.

The Best of the Rest

There were 8 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 5th - Phillip Schwan - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Land Raider/Custodian spam.
  • 6th - Matthew Murrell - Emperor's Children (Mercurial Host): Fulgrim and Infantry as the much rarer Mercurial Host, using Loathsome Dexterity to push one unit past screens.
  • 7th - Nicholas Rosasco - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): Spectacle with triple lance Scourges.
  • 8th - Chris Vineski - Tyranids (Crusher Stampede): Shooty mosnters, Maleceptors, and a Swarmy/Norn tag team to lead the way.
  • 9th - Lane Nusbaum - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Triple Dorn, double Bullgryn and lots of chaff.
  • 10th - Trae Burnett - Chaos Space Marines (Huron’s Marauders): Chaotic experimentation in the field of just how nasty you can make the stuff fit into a Rhino, sporting the Masters and Huron, a big Chosen unit with Bile, plus also a full Terminator squad because why not.
  • 11th - Dale Braker - Necrons (Awakened Dynasty): Double C'tan and a buffed Warrior brick.
  • 12th - Bryan Gorny - Thousand Sons (Rubricae Phalanx): 20 Scarabs, lots of Rubricae and some Annihilators.

Frontal Assault

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

Johnathon Townsend - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

Doomsday Ark Doomsday Ark. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
hail to king 2.0 (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Starshatter Arsenal

CHARACTERS

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

Geomancer (75 points) • 1x Tremorglaive

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 3x Feeder mandibles

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

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

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

Archetype

Double C'tan King Starshatter

Thoughts

See repeated previous re: Starshatter with 2 C'tan, 2 Doomsdays, Wraiths and either the King or a Command Barge for re-rolls being the best Necron list. It still is. Congratulations Johnathon.

The Best of the Rest

There were 7 more players on 4-1+ records. They were:
  • 2nd (4.5-0.5) - Harry McComb - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): C'tanless Starshatter using the Silent King, triple Doomsdays and a full Warrior brick.
  • 3rd (4.5-0.5) - Martin Sloan - Black Templars (Gladius Task Force): Two full Crusader squads and a couple of RepEx.
  • 4th (4.5-0.5) - Liam Stewart - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): Crisis toolbox and a couple of Riptides.
  • 5th - Casey keenan - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers): Vulkan and Adrax with an infantry toolbox, including a full Infernus squad.
  • 6th - Haydn Dempster - Chaos Knights (Infernal Lance): Five bigs, getting both triple Despoiler (two pure gatling, one gatling/melta) and melee pressure from a Rampager and Lancer.
  • 7th - Michael McConkey - Adeptus Custodes (Talons of the Emperor): Land Raider/Custodian spam.
  • 8th - Aidan "GULLMAN" Lee - Leagues of Votann (Mercenary Oathband): Crunchy Mercenary Oathband with double Fort and double Steeljack.

Battle for the Couch 2

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

Travis King - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

Transcendent C'tan Shard of Nyadra'zatha, the Burning One by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen Transcendent C'tan Shard of Nyadra'zatha, the Burning One by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
The 4++ Flying Circus (2000 Points)

Necrons Starshatter Arsenal 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

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

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Pantheon but it's Starshatter

Thoughts

You can also do this, just go all-in on C'tan but as Starshatter for the -1D King and re-rolls. That's a thing you can just do. It's pretty good. Not as good as the Doomsdays and Wraith version, but clearly good enough. Well done Travis!

Erik Stratigos - Adepta Sororitas (Champions of Faith) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Greg Narro

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Girls Girls Girls (2000 points)

Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Champions of Faith

CHARACTERS

Hospitaller (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Hospitaller (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Junith Eruita (80 points) • 1x Mace of Castigation 1x Twin Ministorum heavy flamer

Ministorum Priest (75 points) • 1x Zealot's vindictor • Enhancement: Sanctified Amulet

Morvenn Vahl (185 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

Palatine (80 points) • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Palatine blade • Enhancement: Mark of Devotion

Saint Celestine (150 points) • 1x Celestine • 1x The Ardent Blade • 2x Geminae Superia • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Power weapon

BATTLELINE

Battle Sisters Squad (105 points) • 1x Sister Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Battle Sister • 9x Bolt pistol 7x Boltgun 9x Close combat weapon 1x Meltagun 1x Multi-melta 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Arco-flagellants (140 points) • 10x Arco-flagellant • 10x Arco-flails

Celestian Sacresants (140 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Hallowed mace

Celestian Sacresants (140 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Hallowed mace

Celestian Sacresants (140 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Anointed halberd 9x Bolt pistol

Paragon Warsuits (210 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon storm bolters 1x Paragon war mace • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon storm bolters 2x Paragon war mace

Seraphim Squad (80 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Seraphim Squad (80 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 points) • 1x Novitiate Superior • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 9x Sister Novitiate • 9x Autopistol 4x Close combat weapon 2x Ministorum flamer 5x Novitiate melee weapons 1x Sacred Banner 1x Simulacrum Imperialis

ALLIED UNITS

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

Archetype

Extra Tarpitty Sacresant Shieldwall

Thoughts

Sacresant Shieldwall makes a showing, leaning extra hard into the tarpit plan compared to the norm. A full Arco-flagellant squad adds another wound sponge and lets you fight on more fronts, and the list has double Seraphim (one squad with optional Celestine) for skirmishing and scoring. Vahl's unit is also here to punk C'tan, obviously, and the big monsters will certainly struggle to chew through this army if one of them gets blasted. I do slightly think that if you're building Sisters right now you should be leaning into the ability to mmmmulti-kill C'tan with all the melta, but I do really like the use of a Celestine/Seraphim unit as a support piece, and an undefeated run always speaks for itself. Congratulations Erik!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Lawrence Paladin - Genestealer Cult (Brood Brothers Auxilia): Benefictuses doing drive-bys in a Rockgrinder supported by Ridgerunners, Kasrkin and Dorn Commanders.
  • 4th - Jacob Lenhardt - Leagues of Votann (Needgaârd Oathband): All-rounder Needgaard with a bit of everything, including a shooty Steeljack unit.
  • 5th - Patrick Logan - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force): Extra shooty hulltramarines.
  • 6th - Caleb Klahre - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband): Double Fort Hearthband.
  • 7th - Derek Hecker - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Slightly speedier Wrath with some VanVets and Inceptors alongside the Lion and Deathwing as an anchor.

Winter Maelstrom GT 2026

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

Andy Graber - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs) - 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Adepta Sororitas Strike Force (2000 points) Hallowed Martyrs

CHARACTERS

Canoness (70 points) • 1x Blessed blade 1x Plasma pistol • Enhancement: Saintly Example

Canoness with Jump Pack (100 points) • 1x Blessed halberd • Enhancement: Through Suffering, Strength

Hospitaller (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Hospitaller (60 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Chirurgeon's tools

Morvenn Vahl (185 points) • Warlord • 1x Fidelis 1x Lance of Illumination 1x Paragon missile launcher

BATTLELINE

Battle Sisters Squad (105 points) • 1x Sister Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 9x Battle Sister • 9x Bolt pistol 4x Boltgun 1x Meltagun 1x Multi-Melta 1x Simulacra Imperialis

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Immolator (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-Melta

Immolator (115 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Multi-Melta

OTHER DATASHEETS

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Castigator (160 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Castigator battle cannon 3x Heavy bolter 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Storm bolter

Celestian Sacresants (140 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Hallowed mace

Celestian Sacresants (140 points) • 1x Sacresant Superior • 1x Inferno pistol 1x Spear of the faithful • 9x Celestian Sacresant • 9x Bolt pistol 9x Hallowed mace

Paragon Warsuits (210 points) • 1x Paragon Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Multi-melta 1x Paragon grenade launchers 2x Paragon war blade • 2x Paragon • 2x Bolt pistol 2x Multi-melta 2x Paragon grenade launchers 1x Paragon war mace

Retributor Squad (120 points) • 1x Retributor Superior • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon • 4x Retributor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Multi-melta

Seraphim Squad (80 points) • 1x Seraphim Superior • 1x Chainsword 1x Close combat weapon 1x Plasma pistol • 4x Seraphim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Close combat weapon 4x Ministorum hand flamer

10x Sisters Novitiate Squad (100 pts) • 1x Novitiate Superior 1 with Plasma pistol, Power weapon • 2x Novitiate with Ministorum Flamer 2 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Ministorum flamer • 1x Novitiate with Sacred Banner 1 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Sacred Banner • 1x Novitiate with Simulacrum Imperialis 1 with Autopistol, Close combat weapon, Simulacrum Imperialis • 5x Sister Novitiate (Melee Weapon) 5 with Autopistol, Novitiate melee weapon 9x Close combat weapon

Zephyrim Squad (80 points) • 1x Zephyrim Superior • 1x Plasma pistol 1x Power weapon 1x Sacred Banner • 4x Zephyrim • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Power weapon

Archetype

Martyrs Sacresant Shieldwall

Thoughts

We smoothly segue to another Sisters build, this time on one of the more standard optimised patterns. Two Sacresant units still gives you solid defences, and in Martyrs you can revive the Hospitallers if someone Precisions them out. Immolators, Castigators and a Retributor squad also pushes you excitingly towards the prespect of dropping two powerhouse threats in a turn, which is at an absolute premium in the current metagame, and into most melee Marines you also get some great trade-up potential from the Zephyrim/Canoness squad. As the previous event shows, there's plenty of ways you can go with Sisters, but this is great exemplar of how to play to Sisters strengths right now. Congratulations Andy.

Mike Smith - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Repulsor Executioner by Craig "MasterSlowPoke" Sniffen

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
I might be a douche but atleast I'm not necrons. (2000 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 Bolt pistol 1x Bolt rifle 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Intercessor • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Bolt rifle 4x Close combat weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

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 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

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 Bolt pistol 1x Boltgun 1x Close combat weapon • 4x Scout • 4x Bolt pistol 4x Boltgun 4x Close combat weapon

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

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

Victrix Honour Guard (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

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

Archetype

Hammerstrike Hulltramarines

Thoughts

That's so many Ultramarines. Good lord. Am I going to have to break the Eiffel 65 jokes back out? I guess next week we'll find out. This one has Hammerstrikes, and the full three RepExes so that's nice. Well done Mike!

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 3rd - Jabbar Haider - Adeptus Mechanicus (Haloscreed Battle Clade): Cawl with massed Ironstriders and Skorpii.
  • 4th - Alessio Caselli - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): Quad C'tan and a Wraith unit.
  • 5th - Brent Gibson - Astra Militarum (Combined Arms): Double Dorn, a big unit each of Krieg and Cadians, and lots of Russes.
  • 6th - Mike Vasseur - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Double C'tan, the Silent King and a big buff Warrior unit.
  • 7th - Gavin Matz - Chaos Space Marines (Renegade Raiders): Combined Arms Raiders with Forgefiends and Noise Marines to blast foes while Accursed Communes and Legionaries push.

Black Crow Gaming VS 6++ - Battle of The Ragnar

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

Toby Bennett - Dark Angels (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Credit: Kevin Stillman

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
DILF returns to business (2000 points)

Space Marines Dark Angels Strike Force (2000 points) Gladius Task Force

CHARACTERS

Azrael (125 points) • 1x Lion's Wrath 1x The Lion Helm 1x The Sword of Secrets

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

Lion El'Jonson (315 points) • Warlord • 1x Arma Luminis 1x Fealty

BATTLELINE

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

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

Deathwing Knights (250 points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master • 1x Relic weapon • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Mace of absolution

Deathwing Knights (250 points) • 1x Watcher in the Dark • 1x Knight Master • 1x Relic weapon • 4x Deathwing Knight • 4x Mace of absolution

Land Speeder Vengeance (120 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolter 1x Plasma storm battery

Land Speeder Vengeance (120 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Heavy bolter 1x Plasma storm battery

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 3x Combat knife 1x Missile launcher

Storm Speeder Thunderstrike (135 points) • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Stormfury missiles 1x Thunderstrike las-talon 1x Twin Icarus rocket pod

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 Version: v732

Archetype

Shooty Deathwing Gladius

Thoughts

It turns out if you want to run a Primarch, some good shooty Land Speeders, quality hulls and some elite melee beaters, you can do it as Dark Angels too. The shooting power is lower, but the melee backbone is quite a bit higher, and some melee armies just clean fold to the Lion. Another excellent choice that provides high-quality all-round capability, great stuff Toby.

The Best of the Rest

There were 5 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Sam Dickinson - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): All-melee World Eaters with a 20-Berzerker unit.
  • 3rd - Harley Scully - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Extra Infantry Grizzled with lots of Kasrkin and Scions, plus some line infantry.
  • 4th - Ed Watts - Chaos Space Marines (Nightmare Hunt): Raptors and Noise Marines galore, plus a big central Bile/Chosen hammer.
  • 5th - Chris Tull - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Crunchy Magnus Coven with a big Scarab unit and two Mutaliths.
  • 6th - Adam Tubby - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): All-Infantry Lions with lots of Custodian Guard and lots of Allarus.

Norcal Open GT 2026 RBBR

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Red Bluff, California, US on February 21 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Thomas Szczepanski - Chaos Knights (Houndpack Lance) - 1st Place

Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish Karnivore. Credit: Rockfish

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
War Puppies!

We fight in honor of Rollo the Wanderer, the Prince of Puddles, the Sultan of Sniffs, and the King of the Couch! Awoooooo!

(2000 points)

Chaos Knights Strike Force (2000 points) Houndpack Lance

CHARACTERS

Knight Desecrator (355 points) • Warlord • 1x Desecrator laser destructor 1x Diabolus heavy stubber 1x Reaper chainsword

War Dog Executioner (130 points) • Houndpack Lance Keyword: Character • 1x Armoured feet 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x War Dog autocannon

War Dog Executioner (130 points) • Houndpack Lance Keyword: Character • 1x Armoured feet 1x Daemonbreath meltagun 2x War Dog autocannon

War Dog Stalker (155 points) • Houndpack Lance Keyword: Character • 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Slaughterclaw • Enhancement: Preyslayer's Mantle

BATTLELINE

War Dog Brigand (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Brigand (140 points) • 1x Armoured feet 1x Avenger chaincannon 1x Daemonbreath spear 1x Havoc multi-launcher

War Dog Karnivore (150 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (150 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

War Dog Karnivore (150 points) • 1x Havoc multi-launcher 1x Reaper chaintalon 1x Slaughterclaw

ALLIED UNITS

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

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

Great Unclean One (250 points) • 1x Bilesword 1x Plague flail 1x Putrid vomit

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

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

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

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

Archetype

Houndpack

Thoughts

Classic Chaos Knights has dropped off a bit due to gatling Despoilers being somewhat poor into C'tan, but here we see a fresh new spin on the faction with Houndpack. This detachment is thematically excellent at targeting and killing one big target, and a Great Unclean One is a nice anvil to operate around. What really makes this list work for my money is the reactive move and the Fight on Death - against foes with limited activations, you can use these to create very difficult choices, especially with Karnivores who can do massive damage per swing. This helps squeeze all the possible value out of every unit, which is vital for Knights, and it also makes effective use of the very cheap Desecrator. Weird that running a bit lighter and wider is the route forward for Chaos Knights when everyone else is going heavy, but if you want to do that Imperials do it better, and this is a nice mixup. Good job Thomas.

The Best of the Rest

There were 4 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - Matthew Brewer - Ultramarines (Blade of Ultramar): Hulltramarines with 6/3 Victrix.
  • 3rd - Matthew Glass - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): Two big Death Company units and two of the Dreadnoughts.
  • 4th - Dominick Townsend - T'au Empire (Mont'ka): Hull-heavy Mont'ka.
  • 5th - Michael Szczepanski - Adeptus Mechanicus (Rad-Zone Corps): A rare Rad-Zone sighting with lots of Kataphrons with buff Characters, and some Technoarchaeologists to help screen.

Other Realms Hop Defender GT

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

Jonathan Gormon - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal) - 1st Place

The List

Army List - Click to Expand
Reece made me do it (I didn't want to do it but Reece said to bring it and I caved to the pressure. At least it's not 4 C'tan right?) (1995 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Starshatter Arsenal

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

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

Illuminor Szeras (165 points) • 1x Eldritch Lance 1x Impaling legs

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

Psychomancer (65 points) • 1x Abyssal lance • Enhancement: Demanding Leader

Psychomancer (55 points) • 1x Abyssal lance

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Canoptek Scarab Swarms (40 points) • 3x Canoptek Scarab Swarm • 3x Feeder mandibles

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

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

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

Tomb Blades (75 points) • 3x Tomb Blade • 3x Close combat weapon 3x Nebuloscope 3x Particle beamer

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

Archetype

Herohammer Starshatter C'tan

Thoughts

To close out a day of an alarmingly small number of factions for the number of events, more Starshatter. This version goes more purely herohammer, adding Ammentar and Szeras to the mix so that it can scrap all over the place. There are also Psychomancers to disrupt enemy counter-plans, which is something you can afford to squeeze in without the pricier stuff. I prefer the Wraiths build, but it is, again, very good. Well done Jonathan.

The Best of the Rest

There were 3 more players on 4-1 records. They were:
  • 2nd - David Stoffey - Grey Knights (Warpbane Task Force): Dreadknights and Purifiers.
  • 3rd - Joshua Kulhavy-Sutherland - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe): Quad C'tan and cheap scoring pieces/Reanimators.
  • 4th - Reed Bell - T'au Empire (Kauyon): T'au plane spam, the horror, the horror.

Wrap Up

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Tags: ultramarines | Space Marines | tyranids | Necrons | Warhammer 40k | Chaos Knights | Dark Angels | Orks | Astra Militarum | adepta sororitas | Meta Analysis | Competitive Innovations

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