These are the top-painted Warhammer 40k Imperial Armies at LVO 2025, as players brought the heat with these amazingly painted miniatures!
The LVO 2025 scene was ablaze with talent, as Warhammer 40k players showcased some of the most jaw-dropping painted Imperial armies yet. From dragons ridden by Custodes to Imperial Guard storming the battlefield on dinosaurs, creativity was on full display.
Flames, vibrant colors, and intricate details turned the competition into a visual feast. Let’s dive into these standout armies that proved skill, passion, and imagination can create unforgettable miniatures worthy of the spotlight.
The Show-Stoppers of LVO 2025
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The 2025 Las Vegas Open had players from all over the country stop in and show off their most beautifully painted armies. On the Imperial side, they put in a ton of work and made some awesome armies for the tournament! Here is a quick preview of some of the armies that were on hand at the event.
Look for more in-depth features coming soon for each of these hobby masterpieces! If there’s one thing that gets the crowd talking at LVO, it’s the passion, and creativity displayed in these painted Imperial Warhammer 40k armies. This year was no exception.
Blood Angels: Wings, Dirt, and Killer Reds
This Blood Angels army didn’t just show up—it arrived. The vibrant reds practically glowed, popping off the battlefield like they were lit from within. But it wasn’t all clean lines and polished armor—no, these angels had been through the thick of it. Dirt, grime, and the scars of battle were smeared across the models, giving them that gritty, “we fight for real” vibe.
And the winged hero? Absolute show-stealer. Those wings looked ready to take off mid-game, commanding the kind of attention usually reserved for rock stars or Primarchs. This wasn’t just an army—it was a masterpiece in motion
Dinosaurs Meet Imperial Guard: A Wild Concept Done Right
Who says Imperial Guard can’t ride dinosaurs? This army took the concept of rule-of-cool and cranked it to eleven. Imagine an Imperial Guard regiment raiding a planet teeming with prehistoric beasts and thinking, You know what? These would make excellent mounts.
What made this army stand out wasn’t just the creativity—it was the execution. The dinosaurs were painted with lifelike detail, and the Guard models were seamlessly integrated, making it feel like they belonged together. This was a perfect example of how far you can take a theme when you fully commit.
Ultramarines: Blue Steel
The Ultramarines rolled in with a display that screamed “main character energy” from every angle. Their signature blue armor was on point, of course, but the real showstopper? A battlefield that looked like Michael Bay directed it—fiery explosions, preparing for the swarming raiders, and just the right amount of logistics to keep it spicy.
Stone-Cold Space Marines
Not every army needs bright colors to impress. One Space Marine force proved that with a stunning white-themed paint scheme that brought a gritty, battle-worn aesthetic to life. The muted tones emphasized the relentless, unyielding nature of the Emperor’s finest.
The key here was consistency. Every model, from the humble tactical marine to the centerpiece vehicles, carried the same cohesive look, creating an army that was unified and striking.
Orange Perfection with a Guilliman Twist
On the opposite end of the spectrum was a vibrant orange-themed Space Marine army that practically glowed. Painting bright colors like orange can be challenging, but this army pulled it off with finesse. The vibrant tones were balanced perfectly across the models, and the inclusion of Roboute Guilliman added a touch of Imperial gravitas to the mix.
The takeaway? Bold colors, when done well, can make your army pop in the best possible way.
Imperial Knights: Big Models, Bigger Impact
No Warhammer 40k event is complete without some towering Imperial Knights, and this year brought not one but two standout armies.
The first featured immaculate paintwork, detailed decals, and a display board that tied the whole presentation together. It was the kind of army that stopped passersby in their tracks.
Then there was the Cerastus Knight—a behemoth that looked ready to take on an entire battlefield single-handedly. With dynamic posing, weathering effects, and sharp details, this model was a prime example of how to make a centerpiece shine.
Lessons From LVO 2025
What stood out most at LVO this year was the way every hobbyist brought their own personality to the table. Whether it was a daring conversion, an unexpected color scheme, or a commitment to a unique theme, these armies showed what’s possible when you combine imagination with skill.
So, if you’re thinking about your next project, take a page from the Imperial armies of LVO 2025. Push boundaries, embrace bold ideas, and above all, make something you’re proud of. Who knows? Maybe next year, your army will be the one everyone’s talking about.
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Did you go to LVO 2025 this year, and what was your favorite event at the LAs Vegas Open?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
