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.

More new year's violence, including perhaps the promptest appearence yet of a new detachment.

Part 2 on Friday:

New Years Knockout 2026: Hosted By Mindgames and Magic
Exterminatus XI - 2 Exterm 2 Furious Warhammer 40,000 Tournament
40k Brawl -Beachhead Warm Up
Games Lab 40k - Convergence
War on the Shore 2026 - TABLEWAR Charities Hawaii GT

Part 1 on Wednesday:

The NOTTINGHAM 40K SUPER-MAJOR
Grand Onslaught 11
Winter Assault
Dragonsreach Warhammer 40k GT
Fight for the Fallen

New Years Knockout 2026: Hosted By Mindgames and Magic

92-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Lee's Summit, MO, United States on January 10 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Dan Sammons - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 1st Place

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank. Credit: Scott Horras "Heresy"

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

New Year New Butt Stuff (2000 points)

Astra Militarum Strike Force (2000 points) Grizzled Company

CHARACTERS

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

Gaunt's Ghosts (100 points) • 1x Ibram Gaunt • 1x Bolt Pistol 1x Gaunt's chainsword • 1x Colm Corbec • 1x Corbec's hot-shot lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Elim Rawne • 1x Rawne's lascarbine 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Hlaine Larkin • 1x Larkin's long-las 1x Straight silver knife • 1x 'Try Again' Bragg • 1x Bragg's autocannon 1x Straight silver knife • 1x Oan Mkoll • 1x Lascarbine 1x Mkoll's straight silver knife

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

Rogal Dorn Commander (275 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

BATTLELINE

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

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 Power sabre 1x Steed's hooves • 9x Rough Rider • 9x Hunting lance 9x Lasgun 9x Laspistol 9x Steed's hooves

Death Riders (60 points) • 1x Ridemaster • 1x Death Rider lascarbine 1x Frag lance 1x Power sabre 1x Savage claws • 4x Death Rider • 4x Death Rider lascarbine 4x Frag lance 4x Power sabre 4x Savage claws

Death Riders (60 points) • 1x Ridemaster • 1x Death Rider lascarbine 1x Frag lance 1x Power sabre 1x Savage claws • 4x Death Rider • 4x Death Rider lascarbine 4x Frag lance 4x Power sabre 4x Savage claws

Field Ordnance Battery (110 points) • 2x Ordnance Team • 2x Battery close combat weapons 2x Bombast field gun 2x Lasgun 2x Laspistol

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

Leman Russ Vanquisher (145 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 3x Heavy flamer 1x Heavy stubber 1x Hunter-killer missile 1x Vanquisher battle cannon

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

Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Coaxial autocannon 3x Heavy stubber 2x Multi-melta 1x Oppressor cannon 1x Pulveriser cannon

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

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

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

Tempestus Aquilons (100 points) • 1x Tempestor Aquilon • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lascarbine 1x Sentry flamer • 8x Tempestus Aquilon • 8x Close combat weapon 6x Hot-shot lascarbine 1x Hot‐shot long‐las 1x Plasma carbine • 1x Gunfighter • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Hot-shot lascarbine

Exported with App Version: v1.45.0 (105), Data Version: v720

Archetype

Horses for Courses

Thoughts

Glorious cavalry charging out ahead of a wall of tanks. Peak Guard, we made it everybody! I love the cheeky Death Rider squads to pull reactive nonsense with, and the brick of Rough Riders is excellent honesty policy against staging enemies. Leman Russ and Dorn's absolutely love the AoC on tap in Grizzled Company. The detachment is getting into gear, and seems to support any 'Guard goodstuff' selection you might want to throw together. Exciting times! Well done on the event win.

Josh Lewis - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Vulkan He'stan / Salamanders Praetor. Credit - Soggy

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Flaming balls (1985 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Adrax Agatone (85 Points) • 1x Drakkis • 1x Malleus Noctum

Librarian (75 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Force weapon • 1x Smite • Enhancements: Immolator

Librarian (80 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Force weapon • 1x Smite • Enhancements: Forged in Battle

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Bladeguard Veteran Squad (170 Points) • 1x Bladeguard Veteran Sergeant ◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon ◦ 1x Neo-volkite pistol • 5x Bladeguard Veteran ◦ 5x Heavy bolt pistol ◦ 5x Master-crafted power weapon

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

Gladiator Lancer (160 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Icarus rocket pod • 1x Ironhail heavy stubber • 1x Lancer laser destroyer • 2x Storm bolter

Infernus Squad (180 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 9x Infernus Marine ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Pyreblaster

Infernus Squad (180 Points) • 1x Infernus Sergeant ◦ 1x Bolt pistol ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Pyreblaster • 9x Infernus Marine ◦ 9x Bolt pistol ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Pyreblaster

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

Repulsor (180 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Hunter-slayer missile • 1x Las-talon • 1x Repulsor defensive array • 1x Twin lascannon

Repulsor (180 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Hunter-slayer missile • 1x Las-talon • 1x Repulsor defensive array • 1x Twin lascannon

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

Exported with App Version: v1.45.0 (1), Data Version: v720

Archetype

Salamanders Transports

Thoughts

The era of chunky transports is upon us, and this Salamanders build throws down multiple Repulsors and a Redeemer loaded with guys. I am intrigued by the emergence of Librarians in units here - is this anti-Tzeentch Daemons tech? It certainly makes sense to have that right now! Broadly this list can shove transports out, jettison punchy contents, and then mission away with the excellent tools the Salamanders characters provide. There is more juice here than meets the eye- beware... Great work on the top placing!

Tedd Williamson - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

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

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

The living come with grassy tread To read the gravestones on the hill; The graveyard draws the living still, But never any more the dead.

The verses in it say and say: ‘The ones who living come today To read the stones and go away Tomorrow dead will come to stay.'

So sure of death the marbles rhyme, Yet can't help marking all the time How no one dead will seem to come. What is it men are shrinking from?

It would be easy to be clever And tell the stones: Men hate to die And have stopped dying now forever. I think they would believe the lie. (2000 points)

Necrons Strike Force (2000 points) Pantheon of Woe

CHARACTERS

Catacomb Command Barge (120 points) • Warlord • 1x Gauss cannon 1x Overlord's blade

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

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

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

OTHER DATASHEETS

Triarch Stalker (110 points) • 1x Heat ray 1x Stalker's forelimbs

Triarch Stalker (110 points) • 1x Heat ray 1x Stalker's forelimbs

Exported with App Version: v1.46.1 (107), Data Version: v728

Archetype

Yes We C'tan

Thoughts

Juicy new C'tan, ready to rumble. This list is pure stat check, throwing out all the C'tan and a number of other chonky hulls. If you don't kill a good chunk of it before it starts healing and your anti tank runs dry, you are in serious trouble. Deceiver is certainly my favourite addition here - his smaller base, Stealth and sniper antics really add up, and I expect him to become a staple over the coming weeks. Hail the new Overlords!!!

Aaron Hermstedt - Death Guard (Flyblown Host) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

I had a picnic in Nurgle's Garden and flys were all over my BLTs (2000 points)

Death Guard Strike Force (2000 points) Flyblown Host

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (60 points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades 1x Injector pistol 1x Plague knives

Lord of Contagion (130 points) • 1x Manreaper • Enhancement: Rejuvenating Swarm

Lord of Virulence (115 points) • Warlord • 1x Power fist 1x Twin plague spewer • Enhancement: Droning Chorus

Malignant Plaguecaster (80 points) • 1x Bolt pistol 1x Corrupted staff 1x Plague Wind • Enhancement: Insectile Murmuration

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (190 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 9x Plague Marine • 2x Blight launcher 3x Heavy plague weapon 9x Plague knives 2x Plague spewer 2x Plasma gun

Plague Marines (95 points) • 1x Plague Champion • 1x Plasma gun 1x Power fist • 4x Plague Marine • 1x Boltgun 1x Heavy plague weapon 1x Icon of Despair (Aura) 4x Plague knives 1x Plague spewer 1x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 2x Combi-bolter 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

Blightlord Terminators (370 points) • 1x Blightlord Champion • 1x Bubotic blade 1x Combi-bolter • 9x Blightlord Terminator • 2x Blight launcher 9x Bubotic blade 3x Combi-bolter 2x Plague spewer 2x Reaper autocannon

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

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

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: v1.46.1 (107), Data Version: v728

Archetype

Flyblown Terminators

Thoughts

A run out for the Grotmas Flyblown Host- rarely seen since release, this helps you stage up a bunch of Terminators via scout moves, and then helps them stick around via Stealth. It adds up, and makes an already durable army a real pain to shift for shooting armies. The Rejuvenating Swarm end of phase heal up on the Lord of Contagion is sensational - it makes him an absolute ballache to shift and he gets to exploit it after getting back up again too! Lovely tech, and a really interesting list. Great work.

The Best of the Rest

There were 13 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

5th - Tom Deane - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven): Terminator brick Grand Coven with Magnus and the Winged Daemon Prince in tow.
6th - BamBam Hunter - Space Wolves (Stormlance Task Force): MSU Wulfen and Terminators supporting bricks of Thunderwolves.
7th - John Vuchetich - Necrons (Starshatter Arsenal): Silent King, Nightbringer and Void Dragon alongside the usual DDA nonsense.
8th - Sam Anderson - Emperor's Children (Coterie of the Conceited): Coteries Goodstuff.
9th - John Indellicate - Genestealer Cult (Biosanctic Broodsurge): Big brick Biosanctic, with a cheeky Neophyte / Iconward Tarpit.
10th - Chris Green - Blood Angels (Liberator Assault Group): Mixed arms LAG with a Redeemer, Lancer, and plenty of flying angry men.
11th - Ben Cherwien - Black Templars (Bastion Task Force): Crusader bricks and Repulsors in the new Bastion Task Force.
12th - Bryce Watson - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Lots of Scions, Kasrkin, and Nork Deddog! Epic list.
13th - Aaron Cook - Adeptus Custodes (Lions of the Emperor): Massed Guard and Wardens in Lions of the Emperor.
14th - David Johnson - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite): Mixed Arms spite with lots of Wyches and Hellions, with Scourge and a full Reaver brick for dakka.
15th - Broc Bowman - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Angron leading a melee WE Goodstuff list.
16th - Scott Blegen - Dark Angels (Stormlance Task Force): Black Knights and Outrider pressure with the Lion for combat.
17th - Joe Guzowski - Chaos Space Marines (Pactbound Zealots): Massed Lords and Legios in Pactbound, with some of the new Raptors too!

Exterminatus XI - 2 Exterm 2 Furious Warhammer 40,000 Tournament

60-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia on January 09 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Joe Loke - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion) - 1st Place

Credit: Liebot - https://instagram.com/liebot_pics

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Belakor's birdwatching service (2000 Points)

Chaos Daemons Scintillating Legion Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Be'lakor (375 Points) • Warlord • 1x Betraying Shades • 1x The Blade of Shadows

Daemon Prince of Chaos with Wings (200 Points) • Daemonic Allegiance: Tzeentch • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Neverblade

Lord of Change (280 Points) • 1x Bolt of Change • 1x Staff of Tzeentch • Enhancements: Infernal Puppeteer

Lord of Change (300 Points) • 1x Bolt of Change • 1x Staff of Tzeentch • Enhancements: Improbable Shield (Aura)

Lord of Change (270 Points) • 1x Bolt of Change • 1x Staff of Tzeentch

The Changeling (90 Points) • 1x Infernal Flames • 1x The Trickster's Staff

OTHER DATASHEETS

Burning Chariot (115 Points) • 1x Fire of Tzeentch • 1x Flamer mouths • 1x Screamer bites

Flamers (65 Points) • 1x Pyrocaster ◦ 1x Flamer mouths ◦ 1x Flickering flames • 2x Flamer ◦ 2x Flamer mouths ◦ 2x Flickering flames

Flamers (65 Points) • 1x Pyrocaster ◦ 1x Flamer mouths ◦ 1x Flickering flames • 2x Flamer ◦ 2x Flamer mouths ◦ 2x Flickering flames

Screamers (80 Points) • 3x Screamer ◦ 3x Lamprey bite

Screamers (80 Points) • 3x Screamer ◦ 3x Lamprey bite

Screamers (80 Points) • 3x Screamer ◦ 3x Lamprey bite

Exported with App Version: v1.45.0 (1), Data Version: v720

Archetype

Tzeentch Chickens

Thoughts

KFC is in town, and they want revenge. This Chickens list cuts out Kairos, and adds a bit more Screamer / Flamer MSU, keeping the Neverblade Daemon Prince as a counter charge piece. It can pick you out from behind walls, relocate and focus fire, and the big monsters will punch you once you are weakened. A breakout star since the slate, this is one of the real meta menaces right now, be ready for it! Great work on the event win.

Cody Howden - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Be'lakor, the Dark Master. Credit: SRM

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

(2000 points)

Chaos Daemons Strike Force (2000 points) Scintillating Legion

CHARACTERS

Be'lakor (375 points) • Warlord • 1x Betraying Shades 1x The Blade of Shadows

Daemon Prince of Chaos with Wings (200 points) • Daemonic Allegiance: Tzeentch • 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Neverblade

Kairos Fateweaver (285 points) • 1x Infernal Gateway 1x Staff of Tomorrow

Lord of Change (300 points) • 1x Bolt of Change 1x Rod of sorcery 1x Staff of Tzeentch • Enhancement: Improbable Shield (Aura)

Lord of Change (280 points) • 1x Bolt of Change 1x Rod of sorcery 1x Staff of Tzeentch • Enhancement: Infernal Puppeteer

Lord of Change (270 points) • 1x Bolt of Change 1x Rod of sorcery 1x Staff of Tzeentch

OTHER DATASHEETS

Flamers (65 points) • 1x Pyrocaster • 1x Flamer mouths 1x Flickering flames • 2x Flamer • 2x Flamer mouths 2x Flickering flames

Flamers (65 points) • 1x Pyrocaster • 1x Flamer mouths 1x Flickering flames • 2x Flamer • 2x Flamer mouths 2x Flickering flames

Screamers (80 points) • 3x Screamer • 3x Lamprey bite

Screamers (80 points) • 3x Screamer • 3x Lamprey bite

Exported with App Version: v1.45.0 (105), Data Version: v720

Archetype

Chickens!

Thoughts

Another chunky Tzeentch list, this one keeps Kairos in - Vect is useful, and the CP gen is often crucial for a detachment that wants to be pulling itself around the board and amping shooting as often as possible. You lose mission play, but bolster the overall stat check considerably. Fantastic work on the top placing.

Bren Kentwell - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 3rd Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Chaos - Thousand Sons + DETACHMENT: Grand Coven (Kindred Sorcery) + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 1985pts + + WARLORD: Char2: Magnus the Red + ENHANCEMENT: Incandeum (on Char3: Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch) & Eldritch Vortex of E'taph (on Char4: Sorcerer) & Umbralefic Crystal (on Char5: Sorcerer in Terminator Armour) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 13 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (2x2) + (3x4) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

Ahriman (100 pts) • 1x Black Staff of Ahriman • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • 1x Transmogrifying Blast

Exalted Sorcerer on Disc of Tzeentch (115 pts) • 1x Arcane Fire • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • 1x Prosperine khopesh • Incandeum (+15 pts)

Magnus the Red (435 pts) • 1x Blade of Magnus • 1x Gaze of Magnus • 1x Tzeentch's Firestorm • Warlord

Sorcerer (115 pts) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Inferno bolt pistol • 1x Pandaemonic Delusion • 1x Prosperine khopesh • Eldritch Vortex of E'taph (+35 pts)

Sorcerer in Terminator Armour (105 pts) • 1x Force weapon • 1x Gaze of Hate • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • Umbralefic Crystal (+20 pts)

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (100 pts) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon • 1x Malefic Curse • 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Soulreaper cannon • 3x Warpflamer • Icon of Flame

Rubric Marines (100 pts) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon • 1x Malefic Curse • 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon • 1x Soulreaper cannon • 3x Warpflamer • Icon of Flame

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Rhino (90 pts) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • 1x Inferno combi-bolter

Chaos Spawn (65 pts) • 2x Chaos Spawn • 2x Hideous Mutations

Scarab Occult Terminators (360 pts) • 1x Scarab Occult Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon • 1x Malefic Curse • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • 9x Scarab Occult Terminator • 7x Inferno combi-bolter • 9x Prosperine khopesh • 2x Soulreaper cannon • 2x Hellfyre missile rack

Sekhetar Robots (160 pts) • 4x Sekhetar Robot • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Heavy warpflamer • 4x Hellfyre missile rack • 4x Pyreflux meltagun

Sekhetar Robots (160 pts) • 4x Sekhetar Robot • 4x Close combat weapon • 4x Heavy warpflamer • 4x Hellfyre missile rack • 4x Pyreflux meltagun

Sekhetar Robots (80 pts) • 2x Sekhetar Robot • 2x Close combat weapon • 2x Heavy warpflamer • 2x Hellfyre missile rack • 2x Pyreflux meltagun

Archetype

I, Robot

Thoughts

Magnus Grand Coven, but a twist! There are a million Sekhetar Robots here too! These give you early staging presence, some nice free overwatch lances for pesky elves, and get the party started before Magnus and the Terminators get their teeth in. Tsons are enjoying a quiet resurgence - Exactly why is unclear to me. Is it just keen players shaking the nerfs off and finding the still have an excellent, if less reliable toolkit? Time will tell if it holds up! In the meantime, excellent job on the podium placing.

Luke Brown - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 4th Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

fluxus ventris (search the meaning) (2000 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Biologus Putrifier (60 Points) • 1x Hyper blight grenades • 1x Injector pistol • 1x Plague knives

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

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

Malignant Plaguecaster (60 Points) • 1x Bolt pistol • 1x Corrupted staff • 1x Plague Wind

Mortarion (380 Points) • Warlord • 1x Lantern • 1x Rotwind • 1x Silence

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

BATTLELINE

Plague Marines (190 Points) • 1x Plague Champion ◦ 1x Plasma pistol ◦ 1x Power fist • 9x Plague Marine ◦ 2x Blight launcher ◦ 1x Bubotic weapons ◦ 3x Heavy plague weapon ◦ 9x Plague knives ◦ 1x Plague spewer ◦ 2x Plasma gun

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (85 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Combi-bolter • 1x Havoc launcher

OTHER DATASHEETS

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

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

Exported with App Version: v1.45.0 (1), Data Version: v720

Archetype

Morty and Mini-Morty

Thoughts

Old school Mortarion and mini-Mortarion Death Guard. This list slaps, and has excellent game into emergent threats like BA (and possible Custodes), where the save reduction and Morty's fight phase toolkit really make life rough for the opposition. I could see Death Guard creeping into an excellent counter-meta position here, well done for getting the party started Luke!

The Best of the Rest

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

5th - Alex Rigby - Chaos Knights (Iconoclast Fiefdom): A huge carpet of Cultists out ahead of the more conventional triple Gatling Knights - love this!
6th - Alexander Englezos - Space Marines (Astartes) (Firestorm Assault Force): Another mech-heavy Salamanders triumph, with Speeders and a Redeemer for the special characters to ride in.
7th - Tim Zuber - Chaos Space Marines (Veterans of the Long War): Liam VSL style Veterans of the Long War.
8th - Jonathan Smyth - T'au Empire (Kroot Hunting Pack): Triptide lurking behind the wall of Krootox and Rampagers.
9th - Chris Frey - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): Massed Jump Packs with a Vindicator and Lancer for trouble-shooting.
10th - Harry Mayo - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Forgefiend / Helbrute Berzerker Warband with Kharn and the lads.
11th - Joshua Brown - Space Marines (Astartes) (Blade of Ultramar): A big brick of Hellblasters, some Vindicators, and Calgar in the new Ultras detachment.

40k Brawl -Beachhead Warm Up

36-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in England, United Kingdom on January 10 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

Essien Clifford-James - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 1st Place

Credit: Robert "TheChirurgeon" Jones

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Arcane Conclave (1995 points)

Thousand Sons Strike Force (2000 points) Grand Coven

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with Wings (205 points) • Warlord • 1x Dark Blessing 1x Hellforged weapons 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancement: Eldritch Vortex of E'Taph

Sorcerer (80 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Pandaemonic Delusion

Sorcerer (80 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Pandaemonic Delusion

Sorcerer (100 points) • 1x Force weapon 1x Inferno bolt pistol 1x Pandaemonic Delusion • Enhancement: Umbralefic Crystal

Tzaangor Shaman (60 points) • 1x Baleful Devolution 1x Force stave

BATTLELINE

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

Rubric Marines (100 points) • 1x Aspiring Sorcerer • 1x Force weapon 1x Malefic Curse 1x Warpflame pistol • 4x Rubric Marine • 4x Close combat weapon 1x Icon of Flame 1x Soulreaper cannon 3x Warpflamer

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Chaos Rhino (90 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Inferno combi-bolter 1x Inferno combi-weapon

Chaos Rhino (90 points) • 1x Armoured tracks 1x Havoc launcher 1x Inferno combi-bolter 1x Inferno combi-weapon

OTHER DATASHEETS

Forgefiend (130 points) • 3x Ectoplasma cannon 1x Forgefiend claws

Maulerfiend (120 points) • 2x Magma cutter 1x Maulerfiend fists

Maulerfiend (120 points) • 1x Lasher tendrils 1x Maulerfiend fists

Mutalith Vortex Beast (170 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Mutalith Vortex Beast (170 points) • 1x Betentacled maw 1x Mutalith claws 1x Warp vortex

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (55 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangor Enlightened with Fatecaster Greatbows (55 points) • 1x Aviarch • 1x Close combat weapon 1x Fatecaster greatbow • 2x Enlightened • 2x Close combat weapon 2x Fatecaster greatbow

Tzaangors (70 points) • 1x Twistbray • 1x Tzaangor blades • 9x Tzaangor • 9x Tzaangor blades

Exported with App Version: v1.46.1 (107), Data Version: v728

Archetype

Tsons are Back

Thoughts

A very interesting Tsons list, which cuts Magnus in favour of plenty of smaller vehicles and monsters to throw out ahead of the wizards laying down fire. The threat saturation this gives you is considerable, and I like the cheeky amped up Daemon Prince for sneaking in behind enemy positions too. The Thousand Sons continue to creep back into relevance... Fantastic work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

There were 6 more players on 4-1 records. They were:

2nd - Jay Seebarun - Dark Angels (Wrath of the Rock): Chunky Wrath DA with Deathwing Knights, the Lion, and speeders for ranged support.
3rd - William Samms - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): A Baal Pred, loads of Sang Guard and the Death Company that make Rage Cursed sing.
4th - Tom Mitchell - World Eaters (Berzerker Warband): Angron inspired Berzerker Warband.
5th - Paddy Dunford - Blood Angels (Rage-cursed Onslaught): Big Death Company bricks and Sang Guard MSU.
6th - Kieron Hayman - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company): Bullgryn brick / Rogal Dorn Grizzled Company.
7th - Liam Callebout - Space Marines (Astartes) (Emperor's Shield): Glorious double Terminator bricks in Imperial Fists with Lysander charging forwards - love this Liam!!

Games Lab 40k - Convergence

31-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand on January 09 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

David Gaylard - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

Marneus Calgar Credit: Alfredo Ramirez

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium - Adeptus Astartes - Ultramarines + DETACHMENT: Gladius Task Force + TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts + + ENHANCEMENT: Artificer Armour (on Char4: Captain in Gravis Armour) + NUMBER OF UNITS: 15 + SECONDARY: - Bring It Down: (3x2) + (1x4) - Assassination: 5 Characters +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CHARACTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vanguard Veteran Squad with Jump Packs (100 pts) • 1x Vanguard Veteran Sergeant with Jump Pack • 1x Vanguard Veteran Weapon • 1x Inferno Pistol • 4x Vanguard Veterans with Jump Packs • 4x Vanguard Veteran Weapon • 4x Inferno Pistol

Victrix Honour Guard (120 pts) • 3x Victrix Honour Guard • 3x Master-crafted Bolt Carbine • 3x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 3x Attached Unit

Victrix Honour Guard (240 pts) • 1x Chapter Champion • 1x Blades of Honour • Attached Unit • 5x Victrix Honour Guard • 5x Master-crafted Bolt Carbine • 5x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 5x Attached Unit

Victrix Honour Guard (240 pts) • 1x Chapter Ancient • 1x Master-crafted Power Weapon • Banner of Macragge, Attached Unit • 5x Victrix Honour Guard • 5x Master-crafted Bolt Carbine • 5x Master-crafted Power Weapon • 5x Attached Unit

Archetype

Blue Templars

Thoughts

David taps into a bit of that Templars energy with a Repulsor, lots of sword wielding guys, and the relentless flexibility of Gladius. The Artificer Gravis Captain is fantastic bait, annoying to shift and this list packs a solid firebase between Ballistus and the Executioner that allows it to play a more flexible game. The Victrix stat check is certainly there, but wedded to a wider range of tools - I expect we will see a lot more of this going forwards. Great work on the event win!

The Best of the Rest

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

2nd - Stephan Bedford - Tyranids (Vanguard Onslaught): Delightful all-in Vanguard with loads of Genestealers, Raveners, and the reserves threat Zoan brick.
3rd - Erin Keston - Adepta Sororitas (Hallowed Martyrs): Castigator / Mortifier Hallowed Martyrs.
4th - Michael Stewart - Space Marines (Astartes) (Stormlance Task Force): Stormraven Ultras with Gulliman and Calgar.
5th - Haydn Korach - Aeldari (Serpent's Brood): Massed Troupes, Starweavers and Skyweavers in the new Harlequins detachment!

War on the Shore 2026 - TABLEWAR Charities Hawaii GT

30-player, 5-round Grand Tournament in Waialua, HI, United States on January 09 2026. All the lists for this event can be found in Best Coast Pairings.

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite) versus T'au Empire (Kauyon).

Travis King - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite)

Army List - Click to Expand

Yes it charges at the end of your movement I agree it's dumb (2000 Points)

Drukhari Spectacle of Spite Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

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

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

Succubus (70 Points) • 1x Archite glaive and agoniser • Enhancements: Morghenna's Curse

BATTLELINE

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

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

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

DEDICATED TRANSPORTS

Raider (85 Points) • 1x Bladevanes and chainsnares • 1x Dark lance

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

Cronos (55 Points) • 1x Spirit syphon • 1x Spirit-leech tentacles

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

Hellions (170 Points) • 1x Helliarch ◦ 1x Hellglaive ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Splinter pistol ◦ 1x Splinter pods • 9x Hellion ◦ 9x Hellglaive ◦ 9x Splinter pods

Hellions (170 Points) • 1x Helliarch ◦ 1x Hellglaive ◦ 1x Phantasm Grenade Launcher ◦ 1x Power weapon ◦ 1x Splinter pistol ◦ 1x Splinter pods • 9x Hellion ◦ 9x Hellglaive ◦ 9x Splinter pods

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

Reavers (70 Points) • 1x Arena Champion ◦ 1x Bladevanes ◦ 1x Grav-talon ◦ 1x Heat lance ◦ 1x Splinter pistol • 2x Reaver ◦ 2x Bladevanes ◦ 2x Splinter pistol ◦ 2x Splinter rifle

Reavers (140 Points) • 1x Arena Champion ◦ 1x Bladevanes ◦ 1x Grav-talon ◦ 1x Heat lance ◦ 1x Splinter pistol • 5x Reaver ◦ 5x Bladevanes ◦ 1x Grav-talon ◦ 1x Heat lance ◦ 5x Splinter pistol ◦ 4x Splinter rifle

Reavers (140 Points) • 1x Arena Champion ◦ 1x Bladevanes ◦ 1x Grav-talon ◦ 1x Heat lance ◦ 1x Splinter pistol • 5x Reaver ◦ 5x Bladevanes ◦ 1x Grav-talon ◦ 1x Heat lance ◦ 5x Splinter pistol ◦ 4x Splinter rifle

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: v1.45.0 (1), Data Version: v720

vs.

Reed Bell - T'au Empire (Kauyon)

Army List - Click to Expand

So they were like “We'll pick the most restrictive GW terrain layout, that way Reed can't get sight lines.” and so then I was like “Screw you guys I've got aircraft, and I reject your reality and substitute my own.” and then they were like “Hey, I hate that you brought a Razorshark again.” and then I said “One? How about 3?” And that's probably why I don't have friends, but I don't need friends when I have Razorsharks. Because Razorsharks are love, Razorsharks are life. (1990 Points)

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

CHARACTERS

Darkstrider (60 Points) • Warlord • 1x Close combat weapon • 1x Shade

BATTLELINE

Breacher Team (90 Points) • 1x Support turret • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Guardian Drone ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Pulse blaster ◦ 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Pulse blaster ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

Breacher Team (90 Points) • 1x Support turret • 1x Breacher Fire Warrior Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Guardian Drone ◦ 1x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Pulse blaster ◦ 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Breacher Fire Warrior ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Pulse blaster ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

OTHER DATASHEETS

Broadside Battlesuits (80 Points) • 1x Broadside Shas'vre ◦ 1x Crushing bulk ◦ 1x Heavy rail rifle ◦ 2x Missile Drone ◦ 1x Seeker missile ◦ 1x Twin smart missile system

Broadside Battlesuits (80 Points) • 1x Broadside Shas'vre ◦ 1x Crushing bulk ◦ 1x Heavy rail rifle ◦ 2x Missile Drone ◦ 1x Seeker missile ◦ 1x Twin smart missile system

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

Kroot Carnivores (65 Points) • 1x Long-quill ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Kroot pistol ◦ 1x Kroot rifle • 9x Kroot Carnivore ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 9x Kroot rifle

Pathfinder Team (90 Points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Grav-inhibitor Drone ◦ 2x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Pulse carbine ◦ 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Pathfinder ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Ion rifle ◦ 6x Pulse carbine ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

Pathfinder Team (90 Points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Pulse carbine ◦ 1x Pulse pistol ◦ 1x Recon Drone • 9x Pathfinder ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Ion rifle ◦ 6x Pulse carbine ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

Pathfinder Team (90 Points) • 1x Pathfinder Shas'ui ◦ 1x Close combat weapon ◦ 1x Grav-inhibitor Drone ◦ 2x Gun Drone ◦ 1x Pulse carbine ◦ 1x Pulse pistol • 9x Pathfinder ◦ 9x Close combat weapon ◦ 3x Ion rifle ◦ 6x Pulse carbine ◦ 9x Pulse pistol

Razorshark Strike Fighter (170 Points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Quad ion turret • 2x Seeker missile

Razorshark Strike Fighter (170 Points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Quad ion turret • 2x Seeker missile

Razorshark Strike Fighter (170 Points) • 1x Accelerator burst cannon • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Quad ion turret • 2x Seeker missile

Sky Ray Gunship (150 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Seeker missile rack • 2x Smart missile system

Sky Ray Gunship (150 Points) • 1x Armoured hull • 1x Seeker missile rack • 2x Smart missile system

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

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: v1.46.0 (1), Data Version: v726

Thoughts

Ok, this score paints a picture. Let me try and piece it together for you.. In the T'au corner, we have the patient, late game brutality of Kauyon, amped up with a host of planes, ready to come on and start blasting. It gets exceptionally nasty in turns 3-5, with Pathfinders and Breachers to lay down fire early doors. In the Drukhari camp, wyches galore, loads of Hellions, and lots of Reavers. Fragile, and very much at risk of getting hoovered up late game by the massed T'au firepower.

What to do then? My brother, send of course. Send. Send early, and send hard. Send before the T'au have their buffs, murder, tag, use A Challenge Met, create an insufferable board state, and screen out planes to force bad landings and bad choices. With first turn, and a lot of gumption, you can leave almost no ground to go to. I suspect that's how this went down. A crushing Drukhari victory, you love to see it.

Result

Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite) Victory - 90 - 47

Travis King - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite) - 1st Place

Credit: Keewa

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Archetype

Spectacle Goodstuff

Thoughts

High tempo, infantry blending Spectacle is an established meta force now. It can run down many an army, it has one of the most powerful strategems in the game with the ability to charge the foe in their own movement phase, and it has OC and movement for days. Get the positioning and tempo right, and the world is there for the taking. Amazing to see Drukhari claim an event win, well done!

Michael Mann - Thousand Sons (Warpforged Cabal) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

Credit: Sky Serpent

The List

Army List - Click to Expand

Tanks - Hawaii (2000 Points)

Thousand Sons Warpforged Cabal Strike Force (2,000 Points)

CHARACTERS

Daemon Prince of Tzeentch (190 Points) • 1x Dark Blessing • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Warp-Cursed Runemaster

Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with Wings (175 Points) • 1x Dark Blessing • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon • Enhancements: Warp Syphon

Daemon Prince of Tzeentch with Wings (170 Points) • 1x Dark Blessing • 1x Hellforged weapons • 1x Infernal cannon

Tzaangor Shaman (80 Points) • Warlord • 1x Baleful Devolution • 1x Force stave • Enhancements: Perplexing Cloak

OTHER DATASHEETS

Chaos Predator Annihilator (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator twin lascannon

Chaos Predator Annihilator (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator twin lascannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator autocannon

Chaos Predator Destructor (130 Points) • 1x Armoured tracks • 1x Havoc launcher • 1x Inferno combi-bolter • 2x Lascannon • 1x Predator autocannon

Forgefiend (130 Points) • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

Forgefiend (130 Points) • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 2x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws

Forgefiend (130 Points) • 1x Ectoplasma cannon • 1x Forgefiend claws • 2x Hades autocannon

Sekhetar Robots (80 Points) • 2x Sekhetar Robot ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Heavy warpflamer ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 2x Pyreflux meltagun

Sekhetar Robots (80 Points) • 2x Sekhetar Robot ◦ 2x Close combat weapon ◦ 2x Heavy warpflamer ◦ 2x Hellfyre missile rack ◦ 2x Pyreflux meltagun

Tzaangor Enlightened (45 Points) • 1x Aviarch ◦ 1x Divining spear • 2x Enlightened ◦ 2x Divining spear

Tzaangors (70 Points) • 1x Twistbray ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainsword • 9x Tzaangor ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 1x Brayhorn ◦ 9x Chainsword ◦ 1x Herd banner

Tzaangors (70 Points) • 1x Twistbray ◦ 1x Autopistol ◦ 1x Chainsword • 9x Tzaangor ◦ 9x Autopistol ◦ 1x Brayhorn ◦ 9x Chainsword ◦ 1x Herd banner

Exported with App Version: v1.46.0 (1), Data Version: v726

Archetype

Good Grief

Thoughts

A vicious Warpforged tank car park, with triple Daemon Prince to force the opponent out and about and get in behind them too. The Tsons resurgence throws up another surprise here, and this looks like an excellent teams build to exploit lighter boards with too. Awesome to see the Sekhatar Robots sneaking in to more lists too - they can help force the foe out on to the guns. Any armies looking to shove marine bodies out had better beware, this will melt them in short order! Great work on the top placing.

The Best of the Rest

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

3rd - Jonathan Gormon - Leagues of Votann (Hearthband): Full on Hearthband infantry horde with loads of Hearthguard.
4th - Jason McKenzie - T'au Empire (Retaliation Cadre): Massed Broadsides and Riptides in Ret Cadre.
5th - Reed Bell - T'au Empire (Kauyon): The planes heavy Kauyon list from the showdown.

Wrap Up

There you have it folks! A meta truly in.. flux, hehe. Loads to unpack as we move forwards, with a great many marine menaces, a seemingly wide meta with a great many armies able to thrive, and a few returning threats like the Death Guard and Thousand Sons to remind us the year of Chaos didn't quite die in January. Get out there and enjoy the madness! I C'tan't really tell where things are going next if i'm honest...

Lowest of Men, out.

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Competitive Innovations in 10th: Vae Victrix pt.2

New Years Knockout 2026: Hosted By Mindgames and Magic

Dan Sammons - Astra Militarum (Grizzled Company) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Josh Lewis - Salamanders (Forgefather's Seekers) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Tedd Williamson - Necrons (Pantheon of Woe) - 3rd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Aaron Hermstedt - Death Guard (Flyblown Host) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Exterminatus XI - 2 Exterm 2 Furious Warhammer 40,000 Tournament

Joe Loke - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Cody Howden - Chaos Daemons (Scintillating Legion) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Bren Kentwell - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 3rd Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Luke Brown - Death Guard (Virulent Vectorium) - 4th Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

40k Brawl -Beachhead Warm Up

Essien Clifford-James - Thousand Sons (Grand Coven) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Games Lab 40k - Convergence

David Gaylard - Ultramarines (Gladius Task Force) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

War on the Shore 2026 - TABLEWAR Charities Hawaii GT

The Showdown

Matchup & Mission - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite) versus T'au Empire (Kauyon).

Thoughts

Result

Travis King - Drukhari (Spectacle of Spite) - 1st Place

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

Michael Mann - Thousand Sons (Warpforged Cabal) - 2nd Place (Undefeated)

The List

Archetype

Thoughts

The Best of the Rest

Wrap Up

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