Welcome to another Top 10 Warhammer 40K Lists article, the monthly overview from Grimhammer Tactics covering the top performing Warhammer 40K lists for the month.
See all previous versions and the current edition of my Top 10 Warhammer 40K lists here.
It’s time for another Top 10 Competitive Warhammer 40K lists this time for the month of November 2025. This month was a busy one for 40K as we reached the end of the ITC competitive season with the World Championships of Warhammer and kick off the 2026 season for global events. In today’s article I’m going to be highlighting the top 10 competitive Warhammer 40K lists that performed well or won major events during the month of November 2025. Let’s get into it.
1. Richard Siegler – Ad Mech – World Championships of Warhammer 2025
Click to see the List
Adeptus Mechanicus
Strike Force (2000 points)
Skitarii Hunter Cohort
CHARACTERS
Belisarius Cawl (175 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Arc scourge
1x Cawl’s Omnissian axe
1x Mechadendrite hive
1x Solar atomiser
Skitarii Marshal (60 points)
• 1x Control stave
1x Mechanicus pistol
• Enhancement: Cantic Thrallnet
BATTLELINE
Skitarii Rangers (85 points)
• 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Galvanic rifle
• 9x Skitarii Ranger
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
6x Galvanic rifle
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
1x Transuranic arquebus
Skitarii Rangers (85 points)
• 1x Skitarii Ranger Alpha
• 1x Alpha combat weapon
1x Close combat weapon
1x Galvanic rifle
• 9x Skitarii Ranger
• 1x Arc rifle
9x Close combat weapon
6x Galvanic rifle
1x Omnispex
1x Plasma caliver
1x Transuranic arquebus
OTHER DATASHEETS
Ironstrider Ballistarii (225 points)
• 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii
• 3x Ironstrider feet
3x Twin cognis lascannon
Ironstrider Ballistarii (225 points)
• 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii
• 3x Ironstrider feet
3x Twin cognis lascannon
Ironstrider Ballistarii (225 points)
• 3x Ironstrider Ballistarii
• 3x Ironstrider feet
3x Twin cognis autocannon
Pteraxii Skystalkers (140 points)
• 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 9x Pteraxii Skystalker
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Flechette carbine
Pteraxii Skystalkers (140 points)
• 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 9x Pteraxii Skystalker
• 9x Close combat weapon
9x Flechette carbine
Pteraxii Skystalkers (70 points)
• 1x Pteraxii Skystalker Alpha
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 4x Pteraxii Skystalker
• 4x Close combat weapon
4x Flechette carbine
Sicarian Infiltrators (140 points)
• 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 9x Sicarian Infiltrator
• 9x Flechette blaster
9x Taser goad
Sicarian Infiltrators (140 points)
• 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 9x Sicarian Infiltrator
• 9x Flechette blaster
9x Taser goad
Sicarian Infiltrators (140 points)
• 1x Sicarian Infiltrator Princeps
• 1x Flechette blaster
1x Taser goad
• 9x Sicarian Infiltrator
• 9x Flechette blaster
9x Taser goad
Sicarian Ruststalkers (150 points)
• 1x Sicarian Ruststalker Princeps
• 1x Transonic blades and chordclaw
• 9x Sicarian Ruststalker
• 9x Transonic razor and chordclaw
I wrote about this list in a Meta Monday article earlier this month which you can check out here. Richard Siegler may very well be the best Warhammer 40K player in the world. He’s won multiple super major events over the years such as the NOVA Open, Las Vegas Open and many many more. Richard’s Ad Mech list features 30 Sicarian Infiltrators and another 10 Ruststalkers backed up by brutal firepower from 3 squads of 3 Ironstrider Ballistarii and Cawl for the brutal “Oath of moment” style army hit re-rolls. Ad Mech have proven to be the top army in the meta since the Q3 Balance Dataslate having a staggering 56% win rate as of this writing (according to Stat-Check). Richard took this version of Ad Mech against the world’s best players in the World Championships of Warhammer 2025 defeating international start liam Vsl and his Aeldari in the final to finish with an 8-0 record and a top finish at the event.
2. Michael Mann – Space Wolves – California Cup ’25
Click to see the List
Space Marines
Space Wolves
Stormlance Task Force
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
CHARACTERS
Arjac Rockfist (105 Points)
• 1x Foehammer
Bjorn the Fell-Handed (170 Points)
• 1x Heavy flamer
• 1x Helfrost cannon
• 1x Trueclaw
Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
Logan Grimnar (110 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Axe Morkai
• 1x Storm bolter
• 1x Tyrnak and Fenrir
Wolf Priest (85 Points)
• 1x Absolvor bolt pistol
• 1x Crozius arcanum
• Enhancements: Portents of Wisdom
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
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
◦ 4x Combat knife
Thunderwolf Cavalry (230 Points)
• 1x Thunderwolf Cavalry Pack Leader
◦ 1x Storm Shield
◦ 1x Teeth and Claws
◦ 1x Wolf Guard weapon
• 5x Thunderwolf Cavalry
◦ 5x Storm Shield
◦ 5x Teeth and Claws
◦ 5x Wolf Guard weapon
Wolf Guard Headtakers (170 Points)
• 6x Wolf Guard Headtaker
◦ 6x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 6x Paired master‑crafted power weapons
Wolf Guard Terminators (170 Points)
• 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader
◦ 1x Twin lightning claws
• 4x Wolf Guard Terminator
◦ 4x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 4x Storm Shield
Wolf Guard Terminators (340 Points)
• 1x Wolf Guard Terminator Pack Leader
◦ 1x Relic greataxe
• 9x Wolf Guard Terminator
◦ 2x Assault cannon
◦ 7x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 2x Power fist
◦ 7x Storm Shield
Wulfen with Storm Shields (200 Points)
• 10x Wulfen
◦ 10x Death Totem
◦ 10x Thunder hammer
Wulfen with Storm Shields (200 Points)
• 10x Wulfen
◦ 10x Death Totem
◦ 10x Thunder hammer
The California Cup ’25 was a 266 player event featuring some of the best players on the west coast of the U.S. Michael Mann of Art of War took his Space Wolves Stormlance list to an undefeated finish at the event. Focusing on a blistering melee assault with every unit being a threat with the ability to Advance and Charge. I wrote about this one in another Meta Monday article as well. Space Wolves have been in an odd place since the launch of their codex and it’s looking more and more like Stormlance is still the way to go with the army (the favored detachment for the army pre-codex).
3. Aaron Hermstedt – Death Guard – Show Me Showdown
Click to see the List
Death Guard
Strike Force (2000 points)
Virulent Vectorium
CHARACTERS
Daemon Prince of Nurgle (215 points)
• 1x Hellforged weapons
1x Infernal cannon
• Enhancement: Revolting Regeneration
Lord of Contagion (130 points)
• 1x Manreaper
• Enhancement: Daemon Weapon of Nurgle
Lord of Virulence (100 points)
• 1x Power fist
1x Twin plague spewer
Mortarion (380 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Lantern
1x Rotwind
1x Silence
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
Deathshroud Terminators (160 points)
• 1x Deathshroud Champion
• 1x Icon of Despair (Aura)
1x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
• 2x Deathshroud Terminator
• 2x Manreaper
2x Plaguespurt gauntlet
Foetid Bloat-Drone (100 points)
• 1x Fleshmower
1x Plague probe
Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points)
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points)
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
Foetid Bloat-Drone with Heavy Blight Launcher (120 points)
• 1x Heavy blight launcher
1x Plague probe
Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 points)
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta
Myphitic Blight-haulers (100 points)
• 1x Bile spurt
1x Gnashing maw
1x Missile launcher
1x Multi-melta
Poxwalkers (65 points)
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon
Poxwalkers (65 points)
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon
Poxwalkers (65 points)
• 10x Poxwalker
• 10x Improvised weapon
Aaron brings out the Death Guard Virulent Vectorium to an undefeated finish in a super major in the mid-west United States. Death Guard ruled the meta over the summer with a staggering win-rate approaching 60% and a tremendous player representation in competitive events. Those numbers dwindled a bit after the Q3 Balance Dataslate and some pretty significant point increases to some of their key units, however Aaron proves that despite the changes, Death Guard can still perform on the table at a high level. This list features the usual suspects we’ve come to know such as Deathshroud Terminators, Myphitic Blight Haulers and the 3 of the dreaded Bloat-Drones with Heavy Blight Launcher with the addition of Mortarion and throwing in 30 infiltrating Poxwalkers for good measure. One thing seems to be sure, the armies that have the ability to really push large footprints into the mid-board early in the game are seeing a lot of success in the top ends of the metagame. Death Guard is far from “dead” in the current meta despite maybe not having the same potency (or pestilence) as they had over the summer.
4. Neil Burnes-Morales – Astra Militarum – DaBoyz GT
Click to see the List
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
- FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Astra Militarum
- DETACHMENT: Combined Arms (Lethal Hits)
- TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ - WARLORD: Char5: Tech-Priest Enginseer
- ENHANCEMENT: Death Mask of Ollanius (on Char2: Cadian Command Squad – Cadian Commander)
- NUMBER OF UNITS: 15
- SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (2×2) + (3×4) – Assassination: 5 Characters – Cull The Horde: 1×5 (before leaders attached)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char1: 6x Gaunt’s Ghosts (100 pts)
- 5x Tanith Ghost
1 with Tanith Ghost, Bragg’s autocannon, Straight silver knife
1 with Tanith Ghost, Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine, Straight silver knife
1 with Tanith Ghost, Larkin’s long-las, Straight silver knife
1 with Tanith Ghost, Lascarbine, Mkoll’s straight silver knife
1 with Tanith Ghost, Rawne’s lascarbine, Straight silver knife - 1x Ibram Gaunt: Bolt pistol, Gaunt’s chainsword
Char2: 5x Cadian Command Squad (75 pts)
- 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
1 with Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun, Plasma pistol
1 with Master vox, Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Medi-pack, Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Cadian Veteran Guardsman, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun - 1x Cadian Commander: Power fist, Plasma pistol
Enhancement: Death Mask of Ollanius (+10 pts)
Char3: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Heavy stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon
Char4: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (275 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Heavy stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon
Char5: 1x Tech-Priest Enginseer (45 pts): Warlord, Enginseer Axe, Mechanicus pistol, Servo-arm
20x Cadian Shock Troops (120 pts)
- 18x Shock Trooper
12 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
2 with Vox-caster, Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
2 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Meltagun
2 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun - 2x Shock Trooper Sergeant: 2 with Close combat weapon, Sergeant’s autogun
10x Death Korps of Krieg (65 pts)
- 9x Death Korps Trooper
5 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Vox-caster, Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Meltagun
1 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun - 1x Death Korps Watchmaster: Chainsword, Bolt pistol
10x Death Korps of Krieg (65 pts)
- 9x Death Korps Trooper
5 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Vox-caster, Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Meltagun
1 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun - 1x Death Korps Watchmaster: Chainsword, Bolt pistol
6x Bullgryn Squad (200 pts)
- 1x Bullgryn Bone ‘ead: Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul
- 5x Bullgryn: 5 with Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul
3x Bullgryn Squad (100 pts) - 1x Bullgryn Bone ‘ead: Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul
- 2x Bullgryn: 2 with Brute shield, Close combat weapon, Bullgryn maul
10x Kasrkin (110 pts)
- 9x Kasrkin Trooper
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol
1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle
1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun - 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol
5x Ratlings (60 pts): 5 with Close combat weapon, Sniper rifle
1x Leman Russ Battle Tank (185 pts): Armoured tracks, Leman Russ battle cannon, Lascannon
1x Rogal Dorn Battle Tank (250 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Heavy stubber, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon
1x Taurox (75 pts): Armoured tracks, Twin autocannon
Astra Militarum seem to be in an unusual spot in the competitive Warhammer 40K meta at the moment. As of this writing, they have a 46% overall win-rate putting them near the bottom end of armies in the global meta, yet they have still managed to pull off several event wins despite this. Of course, we know the faction took the top spot at the Las Vegas Open last month as well. While Neil’s list isn’t drowning the opponent in 200+ Guard bodies with 3+ saves in cover, he still has an effective build here focusing on the Combined Arms detachment for those sweet Lethal Hits. With triple Rogal Dorn Battle Tanks and plenty of infantry to score and control the board, Neil takes humanity’s defenders all the way to a top placing in a major event.
5. Scott Blegen – Dark Angels – Renegade Open
Click to see the List
Space Marines
Dark Angels
Stormlance Task Force
Strike Force (2,000 Points)
CHARACTERS
Azrael (115 Points)
• 1x Lion’s Wrath
• 1x The Lion Helm
• 1x The Sword of Secrets
Lieutenant with Combi-weapon (70 Points)
• 1x Combi-weapon
• 1x Paired combat blades
Lion El’Jonson (315 Points)
• Warlord
• 1x Arma Luminis
• 1x Fealty
Ravenwing Command Squad (130 Points)
• 1x Ravenwing Champion
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 1x Plasma talon
◦ Enhancements: Feinting Withdrawal
• 1x Ravenwing Apothecary
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Ancient
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
Ravenwing Command Squad (145 Points)
• 1x Ravenwing Champion
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Master-crafted power weapon
◦ 1x Plasma talon
◦ Enhancements: Hunter’s Instincts
• 1x Ravenwing Apothecary
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 1x Ravenwing Ancient
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
Sammael (115 Points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
• 1x Master-crafted plasma cannon
• 1x The Raven Sword
• 1x Twin storm bolter
BATTLELINE
Intercessor Squad (80 Points)
• 1x Intercessor Sergeant
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Bolt rifle
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Intercessor
◦ 1x Astartes grenade launcher
◦ 4x Bolt pistol
◦ 4x Bolt rifle
◦ 4x Close combat weapon
OTHER DATASHEETS
Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
◦ 4x Astartes chainsword
◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs (90 Points)
• 1x Assault Intercessor Sergeant with Jump Pack
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
◦ 1x Power fist
• 4x Assault Intercessors with Jump Packs
◦ 4x Astartes chainsword
◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma pistol
Gladiator Lancer (160 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Lancer laser destroyer
• 2x Storm bolter
Gladiator Lancer (160 Points)
• 1x Armoured hull
• 1x Icarus rocket pod
• 1x Ironhail heavy stubber
• 1x Lancer laser destroyer
• 2x Storm bolter
Inner Circle Companions (90 Points)
• 3x Inner Circle Companion
◦ 3x Calibanite greatsword
◦ 3x Heavy bolt pistol
Outrider Squad (80 Points)
• 1x Outrider Sergeant
◦ 1x Astartes chainsword
◦ 1x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 1x Twin bolt rifle
• 2x Outrider
◦ 2x Astartes chainsword
◦ 2x Heavy bolt pistol
◦ 2x Twin bolt rifle
Ravenwing Black Knights (180 Points)
• 1x Ravenwing Huntmaster
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 5x Ravenwing Black Knight
◦ 5x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 5x Bolt pistol
◦ 5x Plasma talon
Ravenwing Black Knights (180 Points)
• 1x Ravenwing Huntmaster
◦ 1x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 1x Bolt pistol
◦ 1x Plasma talon
• 5x Ravenwing Black Knight
◦ 5x Black Knight combat weapon
◦ 5x Bolt pistol
◦ 5x Plasma talon
While Michael Mann’s version of Stormlance is all about drowning the opponent in durable melee threats, Scott’s version with Dark Angels Ravenwing is more about aggressive fast moving shooting combined with deadly melee. Those bike units can put out a staggering 27 Plasma shots off an Advance and STILL charge you. They’re fast enough to be difficult to hide from unless you’re pretty crafty with your own infiltrating units. This list is fast, hits hard and has one of the most brutal alpha strikes in the game at the moment. Who needs Deathwing Knights anyway right?
6. Marek Vinka – Tyranids – Alba GT
Click to see the List
Tyranids
Strike Force (2000 points)
Invasion Fleet
CHARACTERS
Broodlord (80 points)
• 1x Broodlord claws and talons
Hive Tyrant (195 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Monstrous bonesword and lash whip
1x Monstrous scything talons
Neurotyrant (105 points)
• 1x Neurotyrant claws and lashes
1x Psychic scream
BATTLELINE
Gargoyles (85 points)
• 10x Gargoyle
• 10x Blinding venom
10x Fleshborer
Hormagaunts (65 points)
• 10x Hormagaunt
• 10x Hormagaunt talons
OTHER DATASHEETS
Biovores (50 points)
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
1x Spore Mine launcher
Exocrine (140 points)
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs
Exocrine (140 points)
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs
Exocrine (140 points)
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs
Genestealers (140 points)
• 10x Genestealer
• 10x Genestealers claws and talons
Maleceptor (170 points)
• 1x Massive scything talons
1x Psychic overload
Maleceptor (170 points)
• 1x Massive scything talons
1x Psychic overload
Maleceptor (170 points)
• 1x Massive scything talons
1x Psychic overload
Neurolictor (70 points)
• 1x Piercing claws and talons
Neurolictor (70 points)
• 1x Piercing claws and talons
Zoanthropes (200 points)
• 1x Neurothrope
• 1x Chitinous claws and teeth
1x Warp Blast
• 5x Zoanthrope
• 5x Chitinous
Moving on into Europe we go to Hungary and the Alba GT; an event with over 80 players. Marek takes the classic Tyranids Invasion Fleet to an undefeated record and an event win. Much like Astra Militarum, Tyranids dwell in a strange place at the moment being a faction that is performing with a sub-50% win-rate yet has several major event wins since the Q3 Balance Dataslate. Invasion Fleet and Subterranean Assault both seem to be the top choices of players at the higher ends of the Nids meta. While some are struggling a bit to get the most out of Subterranean despite it seeming to be better on paper, Invasion Fleet is still seeing decent results with experienced Nids players. The game has evolved to large degrees of lethality that makes Tyranids difficult to pilot in the current meta. Invasion Fleet is like the toxic ex you keep going back to because well they may not be the best but at least you know what you’re getting. Triple Exocrines and Malceptors may not be the most fun to play with, but they are the most effective datasheets in an army that has really felt the pain of codex creep over the course of 10th edition.
7. Bjorn Eriksson – Chaos Knights – Fantasia Fanatic XLVIII
Click to see the List
Chaos Knights
Strike Force (2000 points)
Infernal Lance
CHARACTERS
Knight Despoiler (375 points)
• Warlord
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
2x Despoiler gatling cannon
2x Heavy darkflamer
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet
Knight Despoiler (375 points)
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
2x Despoiler gatling cannon
2x Heavy darkflamer
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet
Knight Despoiler (375 points)
• 1x Daemonbreath meltagun
2x Despoiler gatling cannon
2x Heavy darkflamer
1x Ruinspear rocket pod
1x Titanic feet
OTHER DATASHEETS
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
Beasts of Nurgle (65 points)
• 1x Putrid appendages
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
Plaguebearers (110 points)
• 1x Plagueridden
• 1x Plaguesword
• 9x Plaguebearer
• 1x Daemonic Icon
1x Instrument of Chaos
9x Plaguesword
Over in Sweden we have Bjorn Eriksson and the dreaded triple-double gatling Cannon Despoilers wreaking havoc in one of Sweden’s largest super majors. Bjorn is one of Sweden’s best players and takes this Chaos Knights list all the way to the top. Bjorn leans more into Daemons allies with several squads of Beasts of Nurgle, Nurglings and Poxwalkers to help combat the pressure melee builds that Chaos Knights seem to struggle into a bit. Anyone that is on the receiving end of the triple-double gatling cannon big knights with Sustained or Lethal Hits knows exactly how painful that army can be to play against. It’s currently among the “big bads” of the global metagame.
8. Innes Wilson – Space Marines – Celtic Cup 2025
Click to see the List
Space Marines
Ultramarines
Strike Force (2000 points)
Gladius Task Force
CHARACTERS
Captain in Gravis Armour (90 points)
• 1x Boltstorm gauntlet
1x Power fist
1x Relic blade
• Enhancement: Artificer Armour
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
Uriel Ventris (95 points)
• 1x Bolt Pistol
1x Invictus
1x Sword of Idaeus
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
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
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 (210 points)
• 1x Chapter Champion
• 1x Blades of honour
• 5x Victrix Honour Guard
• 5x Master-crafted bolt carbine
5x Master-crafted power weapon
Victrix Honour Guard (210 points)
• 1x Chapter Ancient
• 1x Banner of Macragge
1x Master-crafted power weapon
• 5x Victrix Honour Guard
• 5x Master-crafted bolt carbine
5x Master-crafted power weapon
Vindicator (185 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
Vindicator (185 points)
• 1x Armoured tracks
1x Demolisher cannon
1x Hunter-killer missile
1x Storm bolter
Innes Wilson is one of the most well-known players in Warhammer 40K and takes his Gladius Victrix build all the way to the top of the Celtic Cup super major in Scotland. The new Victrix Honour Guard for Ultramarines have officially landed and while a lot of the attention may be on Blade of Ultramar, it seems the actual detachment to turn to get the best use out of Victrix Honour Guard spam may be Gladius and one can only surmise that is because Gladius still has access to true fight on death via stratagem which makes them an absolutely terrifying prospect to play against. Blade of Ultramar allows you to pick a doctrine more than once if you have Calgar on the battlefield, but with the trade-off of losing the fight on death stratagem from Gladius Task Force which is a key component for a Victrix heavy build that won’t have access to Fights First. Surging into enemy units after being shot and having the ability to fight on death to boot makes them an incredibly dangerous option. Blood Angels may have been dethroned as melee kings for Space Marines now and it will be interesting to see how the new Victrix Honour Guard unit will impact the larger metagame. One thing is for sure; they are here and they are going to make their presence felt in a big way.
9. Kennith Onyeabor – Tyranids – Mad Alpacalypse
Click to see the List
Tyranids
Strike Force (2000 points)
Subterranean Assault
CHARACTERS
Hyperadapted Raveners (180 points)
• 1x Ravener Prime
• Warlord
• 1x Prime claws and talons
• Enhancement: Vanguard Intellect
• 4x Raveners
• 4x Ravener heavy claws and talons
1x Venom bolt
Trygon (160 points)
• Subterranean Assault Keywords: Character
• 1x Bio-electric pulse
1x Trygon scything talons
• Enhancement: Trygon Prime
OTHER DATASHEETS
Biovores (50 points)
• 1x Chitin-barbed limbs
1x Spore Mine launcher
Exocrine (140 points)
• 1x Bio-plasmic cannon
1x Powerful limbs
Lictor (60 points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons
Lictor (60 points)
• 1x Lictor claws and talons
Neurogaunts (45 points)
• 1x Neurogaunt Nodebeast
• 1x Chitinous claws and teeth
• 10x Neurogaunt
• 10x Chitinous claws and teeth
Norn Emissary (260 points)
• 1x Monstrous rending claws
1x Monstrous scything talons
1x Psychic Tendril
Norn Emissary (260 points)
• 1x Monstrous rending claws
1x Monstrous scything talons
1x Psychic Tendril
Norn Emissary (260 points)
• 1x Monstrous rending claws
1x Monstrous scything talons
1x Psychic Tendril
Raveners (125 points)
• 5x Ravener
• 5x Ravener claws and talons
Tyrannofex (200 points)
• 1x Powerful limbs
1x Rupture cannon
1x Stinger salvoes
Tyrannofex (200 points)
• 1x Powerful limbs
1x Rupture cannon
1x Stinger salvoes
So what if…and hear me out…you just threw three Norn Emissaries into the enemy on T2 and said “deal with this?” Kennith posed this question apparently and the answer is, well I guess you win a major event. Subterranean Assault on paper should be amazing, yet a lot of Tyranids players seem to be struggling with it in competitive play to an extent. This is due largely in part to the lack of durability in the army’s datasheets. The Norn Emissary somewhat answers this problem being a tough and durable threat with a 4+ invulnerable save that hits decently hard in combat. Not to mention just picking your opponent’s best units and getting full hit and wound re-rolls and oh, by the way, being OC 15 on objectives can be extremely difficult to deal with if you can’t zone them out. Some builds just cannot handle this type of pressure. Kennith does a great job pushing Nids to an event win and being one of two Tyranids competitive lists mentioned in the Top 10 lists for November.
10. Caleb Smith – Astra Militarum – LDXP Tacoma GT
Click to see the List
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
- FACTION KEYWORD: Imperium – Astra Militarum
- DETACHMENT: Combined Arms (Lethal Hits)
- TOTAL ARMY POINTS: 2000pts
+ - WARLORD: Char2: Ursula Creed
- ENHANCEMENT: Grand Strategist (on Char4: Rogal Dorn Commander)
- NUMBER OF UNITS: 18
- SECONDARY: – Bring It Down: (7×2) + (1×4) – Assassination: 4 Characters – Cull The Horde: 1×5 (before leaders attached)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Char1: 6x Gaunt’s Ghosts (100 pts)
- 5x Tanith Ghost
1 with Tanith Ghost, Bragg’s autocannon, Straight silver knife
1 with Tanith Ghost, Corbec’s hot-shot lascarbine, Straight silver knife
1 with Tanith Ghost, Larkin’s long-las, Straight silver knife
1 with Tanith Ghost, Lascarbine, Mkoll’s straight silver knife
1 with Tanith Ghost, Rawne’s lascarbine, Straight silver knife - 1x Ibram Gaunt: Bolt pistol, Gaunt’s chainsword
Char2: 1x Ursula Creed (85 pts): Warlord, Duty and Vengeance, Power weapon
Char3: 5x Cadian Command Squad (65 pts)
- 4x Cadian Veteran Guardsman
1 with Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Power fist, Plasma pistol
1 with Master vox, Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Medi-pack, Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Cadian Veteran Guardsman (Regimental Standard), Close combat weapon, Lasgun, Regimental standard - 1x Cadian Commander: Power fist, Plasma pistol
Char4: 1x Rogal Dorn Commander (290 pts): Armoured tracks, Heavy stubber, Pulveriser cannon, 2x Meltagun, 2x Multi-melta, Coaxial autocannon, Oppressor cannon
Enhancement: Grand Strategist (+15 pts)
10x Cadian Shock Troops (65 pts)
- 9x Shock Trooper
6 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Vox-caster, Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
1 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Meltagun
1 with Shock Trooper, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun - 1x Shock Trooper Sergeant: Bolt pistol, Chainsword
10x Catachan Jungle Fighters (65 pts)
- 9x Jungle Fighter
6 with Catachan Jungle Fighter, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
2 with Catachan Jungle Fighter, Close combat weapon, Flamer
1 with Vox-caster, Catachan Jungle Fighter, Close combat weapon, Lasgun - 1x Jungle Fighter Sergeant: Close combat weapon, Laspistol
20x Death Korps of Krieg (145 pts)
- 18x Death Korps Trooper
10 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
2 with Death Korps of Krieg Medi-pack, Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
2 with Vox-caster, Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Lasgun
2 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Flamer
2 with Death Korps of Krieg, Close combat weapon, Meltagun - 2x Death Korps Watchmaster: 2 with Power weapon, Plasma pistol
10x Kasrkin (110 pts)
- 9x Kasrkin Trooper
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol
1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle
1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun - 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol
10x Kasrkin (110 pts)
- 9x Kasrkin Trooper
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol
1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle
1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun - 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol
10x Kasrkin (110 pts)
- 9x Kasrkin Trooper
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
1 with Melta mine, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot laspistol
1 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot marksman rifle
1 with Vox-caster, Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Hot-shot lasgun
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Meltagun
2 with Kasrkin, Close combat weapon, Plasma gun - 1x Kasrkin Sergeant: Power weapon, Plasma pistol
5x Ratlings (60 pts): 5 with Close combat weapon, Sniper rifle
1x Hellhound (125 pts): Hunter-killer missile, Inferno cannon, Multi-melta, Armoured tracks
1x Leman Russ Battle Tank (185 pts): Armoured tracks, Leman Russ battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy stubber
1x Leman Russ Battle Tank (185 pts): Armoured tracks, Leman Russ battle cannon, Hunter-killer missile, Lascannon, 2x Multi-melta, Heavy stubber
1x Scout Sentinels (55 pts): Close combat weapon, Hunter-killer missile, Sentinel chainsaw, Lascannon
1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber
1x Chimera (85 pts): Armoured tracks, Lasgun array, Hunter-killer missile, Heavy flamer, Heavy flamer, Heavy stubber
1x Taurox (75 pts): Armoured tracks, Twin autocannon, Storm bolter
Rounding out the top 10 competitive Warhammer 40K lists for November we have Caleb Smith and his undefeated Astra Militarum Combined Arms list. Similar to Neil’s list above, Caleb leans more into a larger infantry presence with 30 Kasrkin, 20 Death Korps of Krieg, 10 Catachans and 10 Cadian Shock Troops with a couple of Leman Russ Battle Tanks for the heavy lifting. Again, Astra Militarum make the top 10 lists for a second time this month and while difficult to pilot and potentially mentally draining with so many layered buffs happening to make this army work, they are still capable of performing well into the larger meta.
Final Thoughts
November was a huge month for competitive Warhammer 40K events with several super majors including the World Championships of Warhammer. Although Ad Mech, Adeptus Sororitas and Aeldari seem to be the big scary boogeymen in the meta currently, we have seen players running factions with low win-rates exceling at the top ends of competitive play. Armies like Tyranids and Astra Militarum are still able to see success in tournament play despite an overall sub-50% win-rate in the current metagame. And of course, we have the new releases from Ultramarines hitting the tables now and Victrix Honour Guard are definitely going to be a huge boon to Space Marines players world wide. If that weren’t enough we have the 500 Worlds Campaign set to kick-off at the start of the year. 2026 Looks like it’s going to be an exciting season for Warhammer 40K.
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