Don’t miss the top Warhammer 40k army lists featuring Tau, Custodes, and Imperial Guard from the Tennessee Elite Open.
From the looks of it, 40k’s new balance dataslate update has fixed the stagnant meta and yanked the rip cord to give other armies a shot at the spotlight.
The meta is still in flux, though, where T3 armies were once bullies, but now the usual factions are causing trouble at the top tables.
Either way, the Tennessee Elite Open is over, and now we can look at which 40k factions’ playstyles and army lists managed to secure a place at the top!
Tennessee Elite Open Final 40k Army Lists Tournament Standings:
Studying these winning army lists for their tactical synergies can provide great insights for playing your army since the latest balance dataslate rules changes and points updates. If you want to elevate your game even further, consider applying to Team USA to compete at the World Team Championships each year!
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1st Place: Ken Edwards, T’au Empire (Tau) Army Lists
The Tau Empire claimed victory at the Tennessee Elite Open with a list that felt more like a live-fire training exercise than a close match.
Commander Shadowsun served as the Warlord and linchpin of the entire strategy. Surrounded by drones and armed with twin fusion blasters, a light missile pod, and a pulse pistol, she directed the flow of the battle from the front lines.
The Breacher Team formed the core of the ground assault. Ten Fire Warriors armed with pulse blasters, supported by their turret and guardian drones, burst out of Devilfish transports to take objectives with precision fire.
The Ghostkeel Battlesuit lurked in the midboard, cloaked and calculating. Its cyclic ion raker and twin fusion blasters tore apart whatever armor dared roll into range. Supporting it from afar, the Hammerhead Gunship lined up devastating railgun shots that punched clean through tanks and monsters alike.
On the flanks, the Kroot Carnivores and Krootox Riders advanced with feral energy. They provided the kind of distraction that let the Tau suits and armor do their real work.
And Pathfinders brought pinpoint accuracy to the field.
The Piranhas struck fast and hard, each armed with fusion blasters and seeker missiles. The Riptide Battlesuits anchored the army’s center, three towering mechs armed with ion accelerators and smart missile systems.
Above, Sky Ray Gunships provided missile support, raining death wherever Shadowsun pointed.
The Stealth Battlesuits moved unseen, planting homing beacons and marking priority targets. Their fusion blasters and burst cannons shredded enemy armor.
The Vespid Stingwings rounded out the swarm. Their mobility made them perfect for last-minute grabs and surprise eliminations.
2nd Place: Jeremy Stan, Adeptus Custodes Army Lists
3rd Place: Giacomo Tirelli, Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) Army Lists
Final Thoughts From Us: Tennessee Elite Open
With the Tau Empire blasting their way to victory, the Adeptus Custodes proving they’re more than just golden statues, and the Astra Militarum making their presence felt, it’s clear that the battlefield is as unpredictable as ever. If the Tennessee Elite Open taught us anything, it’s that in the 40k universe, every faction has a shot at glory!
The meta’s on life support one week, then flipping tables the next, and honestly, that’s half the fun.
Next event’s right around the corner, and who knows which faction’s about to crash the party next?
Until then, the 40k meta’s wide open again, and the next week may just be something entirely different at the top tables.
See the Top Warhammer Army Lists & Latest 40k Tournament Schedule
What do you think of the results and Tennessee Elite Open Warhammer 40k army lists for Tau, Adeptus Custodes, and Imperial Guard?
