Unlock victory with the top 40k tournament army lists from the Show Me Showdown, featuring Genestealer Cults, Drukhari, and Death Guard.
The dust from the Show Me Showdown has finally settled. This tournament had it all when it came to 40k factions’ playstyles.
We’ve rounded up the top 40k army lists that crushed it so you can see what’s winning right now, and maybe steal a few ideas for your next event.
Show Me Showdown: Final 40k Army Lists & Tournament Standings
Checking out these winning army lists and their tactical synergies can really help you sharpen your strategy, especially with the latest updates to the balance dataslate rules and points.
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1st Place: Aaron Hermstedt, Death Guard Army Lists
This list oozes onto the table like a creeping wall of rot that never stops moving. It pushes forward in a steady grind, turning every melee clash into a trade the opponent regrets immediately.
How This Death Guard Army List Actually Works
Mortarion is the entire engine of the plan. He stomps straight into the middle, shrugs off fire that would delete half an army, and hands out nasty debuffs that make everyone else’s job easier. His Lantern and Silence combo softens elites, then deletes whatever is left.
Most opponents panic and focus on him, which gives the rest of the force all the space it needs.
The Daemon Prince is the second big threat, sticking around with Revolting Regeneration and poking holes with the Infernal cannon. Once he hits combat, he pairs perfectly with Mortarion’s debuffs to clean up survivors.
The Lord of Contagion and Lord of Virulence bunker up with the Deathshroud squads, adding damage, auras, and the occasional burst of mortal wounds that turn trades into steals.
The Deathshroud Terminators are the army’s bruisers. Two units march behind Mortarion, reaping anything that wanders into the midboard. Tough saves and reliable swings make them ideal for holding the spots that matter.
The Bloat Drones bring speed and reach. The fleshmower drone chews through infantry screens, and the trio of Heavy Blight Launcher drones pick angles, chip targets, and force opponents to spread thin. They create pressure Mortarion alone cannot.
Blight-Haulers give the list its anti-tank spine. Multi-meltas and missiles let them punch up against vehicles that usually bully slow armies. They hold lanes and back Mortarion with steady fire.
Poxwalkers do all the boring but essential work. They screen charges, soak overwatch, and sit on points the heavy hitters already cleared.
The list wins by grinding forward, rotting the board down, and forcing the opponent into bad trades until nothing is left to stop the plague.
1st Place: Cody Jiru, Drukhari (Dark Eldar) Army Lists
3rd Place: Ryan Verbeck, Genestealer Cults Army Lists
Final Thoughts From Us: Show Me Showdown 2025 Army Lists
The Show Me Showdown turned into a masterclass in how the top dogs get it done. Death Guard slogged forward like an unstoppable wall. Drukhari sliced through the field with pure speed and razor sharp precision. Genestealer Cults popped out of the floorboards like angry gremlins and stole games with clever ambushes.
Every winning list had a clear plan, tight execution, and zero wasted moves.
If your army is still hunting for that podium finish, these builds are packed with lessons. Study them now, because the next balance dataslate is always lurking and ready to shake the whole scene again.
See the Top Warhammer Army Lists & 40k Tournament Schedule for This Year
What do you think of the results and top Warhammer 40k army lists at the Show Me Showdown for Genestealer Cults, Drukhari, and Death Guard?
