Unlock victory with the Top Warhammer 40k tournament army lists featuring Astra militarum and Tau from the 2024 Manchester Super-Major.
Updated November 13th, 2024, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
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.
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.
Editor’s Note: Tau is getting their update, while Eldar and Necrons are mainstays, so instead we will have Guard, Ad mech, and Blood Angels below for the 2024 Manchester Super-Major coverage.
2nd Place: David Gaylard – Astra Militarum Army List
David’s Imperial Guard started strong with a Tank Commander at the helm, issuing orders from behind a thick layer of ceramite and a very big gun.
Backing up the Commander was none other than Lord Solar Leontus, a model so good it feels like he brought an entire chapter of lore with him. Leontus isn’t just a figurehead; he’s a one-man army who supports, leads, and fights like he’s got something to prove (and he does).
Throw in Ursula Creed, known for her tactical brilliance and knack for barking out orders with the best of them, and you’ve got a command team that could organize a picnic on a Daemon World—complete with artillery coverage.
Infantry
David’s list wasn’t all about heavy metal. A single unit of Infantry provided a straightforward, reliable presence on the battlefield, doing what Guardsmen do best: holding objectives and doing so with commendable bravery (or stubbornness, depending on who you ask).
But the real muscle came in the form of nine Bullgryns, the walking tanks of the Astra Militarum. These massive, shield-bearing bruisers are perfect for soaking up hits that would splatter lesser beings and returning the favor with brutal swings.
David’s list also featured 30 Kasrkin. These aren’t your average Guardsmen; Kasrkin are Cadian shock troops that come with better gear, better guns, and a willingness to take on the toughest jobs. With enough special weapons to start their own fireworks show, these squads were more than capable of dishing out punishment and keeping pressure on the enemy.
Of course, the Astra Militarum’s reputation is built on steel and shells, and David’s lineup of vehicles started with two Basilisks and two Manticores. These long-range artillery pieces are the ultimate back-row bullies, reaching across the battlefield to smash anything that looks remotely threatening.
Not to be outdone, a Leman Russ joined the fray to add some versatile firepower. The Leman Russ is a staple of any good Astra Militarum army—part bulldozer, part firestorm, and wholly terrifying to face down.
To keep things moving (and keep the enemy guessing), David’s list included two Scout Sentinels. These light walkers don’t have the heavy firepower of their larger cousins, but what they lack in guns, they make up for in mobility and reconnaissance. Whether they’re snatching objectives or scoping out threats, Sentinels are always a smart addition.
Lastly, a Chimera provided transport that doubled as a shooting platform. It’s the Swiss Army knife of transports, protecting troops while offering some extra guns just to keep things spicy.
4th Place: Richard Grint – Adeptus Mechanicus Army Lists
6th Place: Innes Wilson – Blood Angels (Sons of Sanguinius) Army Lists
And that wraps up our look at some impressive Astra Militarum, Blood Angels, and Adeptus Mechanicus lists from the Manchester Super-Major. David’s list wasn’t just another army—it was a finely tuned war machine that left a mark on the event (and probably some shell-shocked opponents).
With a combination of powerful leadership, durable Bullgryns, and enough artillery to cause seismic concerns, David showed exactly why the Imperial Guard remains a formidable force on any battlefield.
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 astra militarum and Tau army lists, results from the Manchester Super-Major 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.
