Don’t miss the top Warhammer 40k tournament army lists featuring Imperial Guard, Adeptus Mechanicus, and Genestealer Cults from the MID-MO Maelstrom 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. Thanks to Best Coast Pairings, we can look back at the event as if we were all there ourselves.
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1st Place: Dan Sammons – Astra Militarum / Imperial Guard Army Lists
At the MID-MO Maelstrom 2024, Dan’s Astra Militarum army list took first place with a power-packed roster that did more than just put boots on the ground—it practically brought an entire military parade to the tabletop.
Dan’s list balanced the high command, elite infantry, and firepower that’d make any Chaos Lord rethink their invasion plans. Let’s break down what made this Imperial Guard force one to remember.
Leading the charge was a Cadian Command Squad, making sure the orders kept flowing and every trooper had a clear sense of duty (and direction). These Cadians are all business, bringing the no-nonsense approach Cadia is famous for, even if their home planet is now more… let’s say, “scattered across space.”
Back them up with Gaunt’s Ghosts, and you have a dose of rogue energy to shake things up. Gaunt’s crew operates with the sneaky, lone-wolf style that makes opponents break into a cold sweat. This isn’t your typical squad that charges headlong; these guys are experts at staying hidden until the perfect moment to strike.
Of course, no winning list would be complete without a powerhouse, and that’s where Lord Solar Leontus comes in. The “single best model in the faction” isn’t just hype—Leontus commands with authority, boosting allies and bringing a stellar stat line that holds up on the front lines.
Combine his support with the added muscle of two Tank Commanders, and you have a leadership combo that doesn’t just give orders; it issues threats, and big ones. These Tank Commanders know how to make an entrance, rolling in with enough firepower to make any enemy reconsider their life choices.
Dan’s troop choices are compact yet effective, with a single unit of Cadian Shock Troops pairing up with the command squad to form a disciplined core. These Shock Troops are veterans in holding their ground, knowing that no matter how grim things look, they’ve got Cadian grit (and a whole lot of lasguns) to get them through.
Adding some raw jungle muscle to the mix, Dan brought in three units of Catachan Jungle Fighters. Hailing from one of the most hostile worlds imaginable, these Catachans don’t just survive in the brutal ecosystem of their homeworld—they thrive.
Armed with combat knives, bare fists, and sheer attitude, these guys don’t just bring muscle; they bring the kind of grit that’d make even an Ork think twice.
Dan wasn’t content to let his Guardsmen do all the heavy lifting. Three Chimeras provided essential transport for his troops, giving them armored protection in the early turns and extra mobility to reach key objectives. And with some added guns, these Chimeras aren’t just transports—they’re multitasking machines, putting out a few shots each turn to keep things interesting.
Then there’s the real armor. Dan rolled out two Rogal Dorn Battle Tanks for dedicated ranged firepower. These behemoths are tough and heavily armed, and they pack enough firepower to turn most opposition into little more than charred craters.
Rogal Dorn tanks don’t do subtle—they’re here to make a statement, and that statement is usually something along the lines of “Stay back or be vaporized.”
To round out the armored side, Dan included three Scout Sentinels. These walkers might be light on armor, but they make up for it with mobility, scoping out the battlefield and providing tactical options for flanking, grabbing objectives, or just keeping the enemy guessing.
Finally, for a touch of flexibility, Dan brought two units of Tempestus Aquilons. These elite troops have a knack for deep striking into the heart of the battlefield, dropping in right where they’re needed most. The Aquilons provide a tactical edge that’s perfect for disrupting enemy lines, hitting high-value targets, or securing key objectives when least expected.
They’re the Imperial Guard’s answer to a scalpel strike, precise and deadly.
2nd Place: Ryan Verbeck – Genestealer Cult Army Lists
3rd Place: Peyton Preece – Adeptus Mechanicus Army Lists
Dan’s Astra Militarum army lists didn’t just survive the MID-MO Maelstrom; it dominated with style, strategy, and a whole lot of firepower. From Lord Solar Leontus flexing his command abilities to the rugged Catachan Jungle Fighters keeping things intense, every part of Dan’s army had a role to play in this victory.
It’s a list that balanced tactical savvy with good old-fashioned Imperial grit, proving once again that the Astra Militarum knows how to get things done—even if it means rolling up with a pair of Rogal Dorn Battle Tanks and making a few craters.
The competition saw some fantastic contenders in Adeptus Mechanicus and Genestealer Cults army lists, but Dan’s mix of leadership, armor, and fearless infantry stood out.
For fans of the Imperial Guard (or anyone thinking of joining their ranks), this victory serves as a solid reminder: sometimes, it’s not about the flashiest tech or the scariest monsters. Sometimes, it’s about determination, discipline, and the occasional well-timed lasgun volley.
Regardless, if you’re a veteran player or just getting started playing Warhammer 40k, there’s a lot to learn from these top-tier tactics and compositions.
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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.
