Adepticon is one of the longest running Warhammer 40K tournaments. Indeed it is one of, if not the largest, miniature wargaming conventions in the entire world. The grand-daddy of them all one might say. Adepticon is the equivalent to the Rose Bowl in American College Football. It is a spectacle of hobbying and sportsmanship that few events can compare to. Known largely for the Team Tournament, being one of the first events to adopt the teams format many years ago, it also boasts a large singles event that draws in some of the best players in the U.S. In today’s article I’m going to be looking at the faction breakdowns and highlighting 3 players and lists to lookout for at this year’s event. Let’s get into it!
Previewing the Adepticon 2026 40K Championships
There are 375 players registered for this year’s Adepticon 2026 40K Championship. The faction variance is pretty wide here with Space Marines having the largest representation with 30 players followed by Necrons with 28 and Chaos Space Marines with 26. There are a few surprises here as well. Notably T’au Empire only has 16 players which I would have predicted to be much higher going in. Blood Angels have only 7 players present while Dark Angels have a pretty staggering 19 players. And then there are the three brave souls who dared to take Imperial Agents.
This breakdown seems pretty wide open with lots of predicted Necrons lists full of C’tan spam, Ultramarines in all their glory and the forces of Chaos Space Marines ready to lead Huron and the Masters of the Maelstrom to glory.
Let’s take a look at 3 players and lists to look out for in this year’s Adepticon 2026 40K Champs.
Reece Robbins – Astra Militarum – Grizzled Company
Click to see the List
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 Close combat weapon
1x Laspistol
1x Plasma gun
• 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
Catachan Command Squad (65 points)
• 1x Catachan Commander
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Plasma pistol
1x Power fist
• 4x Veteran Guardsman
• 4x Close combat weapon
1x Flamer
1x Heavy flamer
2x Lasgun
4x Laspistol
Commissar (50 points)
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• Enhancement: Abhuman Detail
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
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
DEDICATED TRANSPORTS
Chimera (85 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Heavy flamer
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lasgun array
Chimera (85 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
2x Heavy flamer
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lasgun array
OTHER DATASHEETS
Bullgryn Squad (200 points)
• 1x Bullgryn Bone ’ead
• 1x Bullgryn maul
1x Close combat weapon
1x Slabshield
• 5x Bullgryn
• 3x Brute Shield
5x Bullgryn maul
5x Close combat weapon
2x Slabshield
Kasrkin (110 points)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
• 9x Close combat weapon
3x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
1x Melta Mine
2x Meltagun
2x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster
Kasrkin (110 points)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
• 9x Close combat weapon
3x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
1x Melta Mine
2x Meltagun
2x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster
Kasrkin (110 points)
• 1x Kasrkin Sergeant
• 1x Plasma pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Kasrkin
• 9x Close combat weapon
3x Hot-shot lasgun
1x Hot-shot laspistol
1x Hot-shot marksman rifle
1x Melta Mine
2x Meltagun
2x Plasma gun
1x Vox-caster
Leman Russ Demolisher (190 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher battle cannon
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
2x Multi-melta
Leman Russ Exterminator (180 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Exterminator autocannon
1x Heavy stubber
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Lascannon
2x Multi-melta
Ogryn Squad (130 points)
• 1x Ogryn Bone ’ead
• 1x Ripper gun
• 5x Ogryn
• 5x Ripper gun
Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (260 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Coaxial autocannon
3x Heavy stubber
2x Multi-melta
1x Oppressor cannon
1x Pulveriser cannon
Sit back, oh young ones, and let me regale you with tales of glory from days of yore. Many of you might not remember the name, but Reece Robbins is the founder of Frontline Gaming (along with Frankie of course). He was the creator of the ITC and the Las Vegas Open and his vision began over a decade ago with a tiny little shop that could barely fit one single table in sunny California. He and Frankie took that and built an empire. He is largely responsible for what you enjoy today in modern Warhammer 40K tournaments. From chess clock use, to floor rules, the code of conduct for sportsmanship, streaming 40K games and events and so much more, these were the ideas put forth by Reece Robbins and his team over at Frontline Gaming. It was a golden era indeed and while Reece had taken a long hiatus from the game, he has since returned to 40K with his glorious Astra Militarum Grizzled Company list. It is good to see you back on the table, my friend. Give them hell, gray bush!
Oliver Smith – T’au Empire – Mont’ka
Click to see the List
T’au Empire
Strike Force (2000 points)
Mont’ka
CHARACTERS
Kroot War Shaper (75 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Dart-bow and tri-blade
1x Kroot pistol
1x Shaper’s blade
• Enhancement: Strike Swiftly
The Twin Lance (160 points)
• 1x Ri’Lantar
• 1x Fusion eliminator
1x MV15 Gun Drone
1x Shardstorm burst system
1x XV pulse pistol
• 1x Ri’Locai
• 1x Ion scattercannon
1x MV15 Gun Drone
1x Shardstorm burst system
1x XV pulse pistol
OTHER DATASHEETS
Broadside Battlesuits (270 points)
• 1x Broadside Shas’vre
• 1x Crushing bulk
1x High-yield missile pods
2x Missile Drone
1x Twin smart missile system
1x Weapon Support System
• 2x Broadside Shas’ui
• 2x Crushing bulk
2x High-yield missile pods
4x Missile Drone
2x Twin smart missile system
2x Weapon Support System
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
2x Gun Drone
1x Pulse carbine
1x Pulse pistol
1x Recon Drone
1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
• 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
1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
• 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
1x Semi-automatic grenade launcher
• 9x Pathfinder
• 9x Close combat weapon
3x Ion rifle
6x Pulse carbine
9x Pulse pistol
Piranhas (60 points)
• 1x Armoured hull
1x Piranha fusion blaster
2x Seeker missile
2x Twin pulse carbine
Riptide Battlesuit (200 points)
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin smart missile system
Riptide Battlesuit (200 points)
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin smart missile system
Riptide Battlesuit (200 points)
• 1x Ion accelerator
2x Missile Drone
1x Riptide fists
1x Twin smart missile system
Sky Ray Gunship (150 points)
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
Sky Ray Gunship (150 points)
• 2x Accelerator burst cannon
1x Armoured hull
1x Seeker missile rack
Stealth Battlesuits (100 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 (100 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
Oliver Smith has an interesting T’au list that might just have the tools to make it all the way to the top. The Twin Lance is ready to make it’s big debut on the large 40K stage and Oliver’s list is one of several featuring this new unit that is certain to be a force at the top levels of play. Backed up by the usual suspects of triple Riptides, Stealth Suits, and Pathfinders, Oliver’s list is poised for a very high placing. I am not sure if he can win it all, but I would certainly not be surprised to see him in the running in the end.
Folger Pyles – Imperial Agents – Imperialis Fleet
Click to see the List
“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die” (2000 points)
Imperial Agents
Strike Force (2000 points)
Imperialis Fleet
CHARACTERS
Inquisitor (55 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Force weapon
1x Psychic Gifts
1x Psychic Shock Wave
Inquisitor (55 points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
1x Force weapon
1x Psychic Gifts
1x Psychic Shock Wave
Inquisitor Draxus (75 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Dirgesinger
1x Power fist
1x Psychic Tempest
Rogue Trader Entourage (85 points)
• 1x Rogue Trader
• 1x Household pistol
1x Monomolecular cane-rapier
• Enhancement: Combat Landers
• 1x Death Cult Assassin
• 1x Dartmask
1x Death Cult power blade
• 1x Lectro‐Maester
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Voltaic pistol
• 1x Rejuvenat Adept
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Healing serum
1x Laspistol
Watch Captain Artemis (65 points)
• 1x Hellfire Extremis
1x Master-crafted power weapon
Watch Master (110 points)
• 1x Vigil spear
• Enhancement: Clandestine Operation
BATTLELINE
Deathwatch Kill Team (190 points)
• 1x Watch Sergeant
• 1x Astartes shield
1x Xenophase blade
• 9x Deathwatch Veterans
• 3x Astartes shield
2x Close combat weapon
4x Deathwatch thunder hammer
2x Frag cannon
3x Power weapon
Imperial Navy Breachers (90 points)
• 1x Navis Sergeant-at-Arms
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Power weapon
• 9x Navis Armsman
• 2x Autopistol
1x Chainfist
9x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charge
1x Endurant Shield
1x Meltagun
1x Navis heavy shotgun
5x Navis shotgun
1x Power weapon
Imperial Navy Breachers (90 points)
• 1x Navis Sergeant-at-Arms
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Power weapon
• 9x Navis Armsman
• 2x Autopistol
1x Chainfist
9x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charge
1x Endurant Shield
1x Meltagun
1x Navis heavy shotgun
5x Navis shotgun
1x Power weapon
Imperial Navy Breachers (90 points)
• 1x Navis Sergeant-at-Arms
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Power weapon
• 9x Navis Armsman
• 2x Autopistol
1x Chainfist
9x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charge
1x Endurant Shield
1x Meltagun
1x Navis heavy shotgun
5x Navis shotgun
1x Power weapon
Imperial Navy Breachers (90 points)
• 1x Navis Sergeant-at-Arms
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Power weapon
• 9x Navis Armsman
• 2x Autopistol
1x Chainfist
9x Close combat weapon
1x Demolition charge
1x Endurant Shield
1x Meltagun
1x Navis heavy shotgun
5x Navis shotgun
1x Power weapon
DEDICATED TRANSPORTS
Imperial Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
Imperial Rhino (75 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
Sisters of Battle Immolator (100 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta
Sisters of Battle Immolator (100 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Heavy bolter
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Twin multi-melta
OTHER DATASHEETS
Sanctifiers (100 points)
• 1x Miraculist
• 1x Burning hands
1x Holy fire
• 1x Salvationist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Salvationist Medikit
• 1x Death Cult Assassin
• 1x Death Cult blades
• 2x Missionary
• 1x Holy fire
1x Ministorum flamer
1x Plasma gun
2x Sanctifier melee weapon
• 4x Sanctifier
• 2x Close combat weapon
5x Ministorum hand flamer
2x Sanctifier melee weapon
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
Sanctifiers (100 points)
• 1x Miraculist
• 1x Burning hands
1x Holy fire
• 1x Salvationist
• 1x Close combat weapon
1x Salvationist Medikit
• 1x Death Cult Assassin
• 1x Death Cult blades
• 2x Missionary
• 1x Holy fire
1x Ministorum flamer
1x Plasma gun
2x Sanctifier melee weapon
• 4x Sanctifier
• 2x Close combat weapon
5x Ministorum hand flamer
2x Sanctifier melee weapon
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
Sisters of Battle Squad (100 points)
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Inferno pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
Sisters of Battle Squad (100 points)
• 1x Sister Superior
• 1x Bolt pistol
1x Close combat weapon
1x Inferno pistol
1x Power weapon
• 9x Battle Sister
• 9x Bolt pistol
7x Boltgun
9x Close combat weapon
1x Meltagun
1x Multi-melta
1x Simulacrum Imperialis
Subductor Squad (85 points)
• 1x Proctor-Subductor
• 1x Arbites shotpistol
1x Nuncio-acquila
1x Shock maul
• 9x Subductor
• 9x Arbites shotpistol
9x Shock maul
• 1x Cyber-mastiff
• 1x Mechanical bite
Subductor Squad (85 points)
• 1x Proctor-Subductor
• 1x Arbites shotpistol
1x Nuncio-acquila
1x Shock maul
• 9x Subductor
• 9x Arbites shotpistol
9x Shock maul
• 1x Cyber-mastiff
• 1x Mechanical bite
Subductor Squad (85 points)
• 1x Proctor-Subductor
• 1x Arbites shotpistol
1x Nuncio-acquila
1x Shock maul
• 9x Subductor
• 9x Arbites shotpistol
9x Shock maul
• 1x Cyber-mastiff
• 1x Mechanical bite
No, you’re not hallucinating. Yes, THAT Folger Pyles. Former 40K World Champion, ITC winner Folger Pyles is piloting Imperial Agents at Adepticon 2026. I have heard that he was dared to do it and from other sources that he took on a bet, but regardless one of the best players in the entire world is one of three brave souls piloting the worst faction in Warhammer 40K at the Adepticon 2026 40K Champs event. This will be fun to watch and like you are probably now, I am very intrigued to see just how far he can push them. Can Folger pull off the impossible? If he could manage to win Adepticon with Imperial Agents it would go down as one of the most legendary feats in competitive 40K history. The world will be watching and I know I’ll be pulling for him.
Final Thoughts
The Adepticon 2026 40K Championships will kick of on Thursday March 26th at 9:00 am Central and you can follow the action live via the official Warhammer YouTube and Twitch channels. It’s going to be an exciting weekend for 40K and of course all eyes will be on the Warhammer preview as well where it is predicted that GW will officially announce 11th edition with a likely release date of June or July of this year. Sure to be an exciting weekend for 40K fans all around.
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See you on the tabletop.
