Unlock victory with the top Warhammer 40k tournament army lists featuring Blood Angels, Necrons, and Genestealer Cults from The California Cup 2024.
Final Standings:
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.
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1st Place: Alex Spathopoulos – Genestealer Cults Army Lists
In a showdown that was equal parts surprise assault and subterranean scheming, Alex’s Genestealer Cult list clawed its way to victory at the California Cup ’24. This list wasn’t about flashy tanks or towering heroes; it was pure cultist finesse, a masterclass in turning hidden threats into devastating battlefield reality.
Let’s take a look at how Alex’s cult of alien-possessed misfits pulled off the win and why it’s giving planetary governors across the Imperium a reason to double-check their defenses.
At the top of the cult’s twisted command structure were three Abominants. These monstrous leaders didn’t just bring brawn; they brought a special ability that allowed their unit to lash out in one last fury even if they were about to go down. They’re the nightmare that keeps on slashing. Next on the leadership roster was a Clamavus—a cult icon-bearer with a dark twist. Not only did it jam enemy deep strikes, but it also forced anyone nearby to take a Battleshock test.
The Patriarch, the big brain behind the brood, was there to grant Devastating Wounds and trigger more Battleshock tests, making the battlefield a dicey place for anyone hoping to avoid a sudden mental breakdown. Lastly, the Reductus Saboteur came along with free grenades and a taste for causing mortal wounds. Who doesn’t love a leader who shows up ready to throw down (and blow things up)?
The cultists in Alex’s list were a mix of cheap bodies and unexpected firepower. Three units of Hybrids with pistols and two hand flamers made for the perfect shock troops. They might look like they belong in a factory line, but give them a couple of flamers, and they’re suddenly the terror of tight corridors and objective markers everywhere.
Backing them up were two units of Neophyte Hybrids. These guys brought a variety of weapons and kept the enemy guessing—think of them as the Swiss Army knife of the Genestealer cults, ready to throw down whether it’s close or far. Cheap, expendable, and armed for just about any situation, these cultists proved that you don’t need power armor to hold the line.
Now, no Genestealer Cult army would be complete without some heavy-hitting mutants, and Alex delivered with three units of Aberrants, each paired with an Abominant. Put them in close combat, and watch them chew through anything foolish enough to get in their way.
Each unit formed a melee “blob” that took high risks and delivered high rewards, crashing into enemy lines with wild abandon.
For a bit of speed, Alex brought along three Achilles Ridgerunners and a Rockgrinder. Ridgerunners are the cult’s answer to hit-and-run tactics, zipping across the battlefield with impressive speed and bringing just enough firepower to make themselves a real nuisance.
The Rockgrinder, meanwhile, is a transport that moonlights as a demolition machine. Rounding out the list were three units of Purestrain Genestealers.
These deadly melee creatures brought more claws to the table, wrapping up Alex’s force with the kind of swift, terrifying melee power that only Genestealers can deliver.
Alex’s list was a clever balance of shock troops, melee heavyweights, and disruptive leaders. With the Patriarch, Clamavus, and Reductus Saboteur sowing chaos and triggering Battleshock tests, the enemy’s nerves didn’t stand a chance.
Throw in the relentless Aberrant blobs, Purestrain Genestealers lurking for a chance to pounce, and mobile Ridgerunners, and this was a force that could strike fast, hit hard, and keep the pressure on.
The list’s strength lay in its ability to keep the enemy on edge, using both psychological and physical tactics to destabilize and overwhelm.
2nd Place: Jake Jesionowski – Necrons Army Lists
3rd Place: Anthony Vanella – Blood Angels Army Lists
These top army lists from The California Cup 2024 are a reminder that the Genestealer Cults aren’t just about throwing bodies into the grinder. With a little bit of finesse (and a lot of melee threats), they can hold their own against even the deadliest Blood Angels and Necrons.
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.
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What do you think of the results and top Warhammer 40k Blood Angels, Necrons, and Genestealer Cult army lists from The California Cup 2024?
About the Author: Andrew Schrank
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.
