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Top 40k Army Lists: Black Templars Win WarGamesCon

META Watch templars army lists warhammer 40kUnlock victory with the top Warhammer 40k army lists featuring Black Templar, Tau, and Ork from WarGamesCon 14.

Updated November 13th, 2024, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.

The tournament is over, and now we can look at which lists managed to secure a place at the top! Check out what these winners brought in their armies with our commentary on their selections.

Thanks to Best Coast Pairings, we can look back at the event as if we were all there ourselves. Click this special promo link to save $20 on a year’s subscription to BCP.

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Final Standings:

WarGamesCon 14 Warhammer 40K Championship top 8

1st Place: Matthew Allee – Black Templars Army List

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At Wargames Con, Matthew’s Black Templar list didn’t just compete—it unleashed a holy crusade on the battlefield, with enough zeal and melee fury to make even the toughest foes think twice about holding their ground.

If you’re a fan of Templar lore or just love watching armies that dive headfirst into the fray, Matthew’s winning force was a true spectacle. Let’s take a look at how his army combined faith, fury, and some of the best melee units in the Imperium to claim victory.

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Matthew’s list was anchored by none other than High Marshal Helbrecht himself. Helbrecht doesn’t just lead; he throws himself into battle like a battering ram, inspiring his squad and carving through enemies with righteous fury. In the Templars, Helbrecht is the embodiment of their relentless will, and every squad in his shadow fights harder just by being near him.

Accompanying Helbrecht was an Ancient who brought buffs that ensured the Templars kept fighting with even more vigor (because, apparently, they weren’t intense enough). Holding the sacred banner, this Ancient was a reminder that the Templars fight for something greater, and every blow they strike is a tribute to the Emperor.

But Matthew didn’t stop there—he also added a Judiciar and the Emperor’s Champion, two solo melee threats who have no problem throwing down with enemy elites. The Judiciar brings battlefield control, slicing through enemies with precision, while the Emperor’s Champion is the living embodiment of a one-man wrecking crew.

When this Champion picks a target, it’s not just a fight—it’s a grudge match in the Emperor’s name.

A Lieutenant also joined the lineup, granting lethal hits to the Templar units, making sure every swing, slash, and stab counted. And let’s not forget the lone operative with a combi-weapon, a crafty unit who can sneak up to objectives and hold them down with that classic Templar stubbornness.

This unit’s stealthy presence added a layer of unpredictability to Matthew’s lineup, keeping the enemy guessing.

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The army’s melee muscle started with three units of Assault Intercessors equipped with Jump Packs. These squads are fast and aggressive and bring a mix of speed and strength that’s perfect for getting up close and personal. 

Matthew brought along a Land Raider to add some ranged fire support and transport capacity. This tank is a rolling fortress that can keep the Templars safe on the way to their targets while pumping out shots that remind the enemy they’re not safe anywhere on the field. 

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Adding even more power, Matthew included three units of Sword Brethren. These warriors trade a bit of speed for raw combat strength, making them perfect for grinding down tough enemies and holding ground in close-quarters brawls. They’re not there to sprint across the battlefield; they’re there to plant their feet, swing hard, and make sure the enemy feels every bit of Templar wrath.

And then, of course, came the true heavy hitters—the shield-and-hammer Terminator squad. With storm shields for extra durability and thunder hammers for devastating strikes, this squad is the ultimate statement of the Templar approach to war: go big, go armored, and hit until nothing’s left standing.

2nd Place: Justin Moore – T’au Empire

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3rd Place: Collin McDade – Orks

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There you have it: the top Warhammer 40k army lists from the WarGamesCon 14 were ruled by Black Templars, Orks, and Tau.

Matthew’s Black Templar list was the perfect blend of aggressive melee units, iconic leaders, and a tank that embodied the Templar spirit. Every unit had a purpose, and every blow was struck with the kind of fervor only the Black Templars bring to battle.

The performance of these armies serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the competitive Warhammer 40k meta. Studying these winning army lists for their tactical synergies provides valuable insights for honing your strategic approach.

Click Here For More Top Warhammer Army Lists

What do you think of these top Warhammer 40k army lists from the WarGamesCon 14?

About the Author: Andrew Schrank

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Andrew Schrank

Job Title: Miniatures & Warhammer Hobby Staff Writer

Socials: Facebook

About Andrew Schrank: Over the past 15 years, Andrew has played all the games, including tabletop and video games, and immersed himself in the associated lore. Andrew joined the Spikey Bits team in 2018 and covers the Warhammer hobby and tournament scene, along with the latest in tabletop miniatures, each week.

Aspiring diplomat, Lord of Fluff, and Master of Ice Hammer, He loves Star Wars, Chaos Undivided, and Gundam. During his free time, he hunts Platinum trophies on PS5 and reads international news. On weekends, Andrew plays commander and cEDH games, often with unique strategies that push the limits.

He believes each day presents a new opportunity to grow and be challenged.