Unlock victory with the top 40k tournament army lists featuring Thousand Sons, Necrons, and Space Marines from the UTC Invitational Finals.
Final Standings:
The tournament is over, and now we can look at which 40k factions’ playstyles and army lists managed to secure a place at the top! Check out what these winners brought in their armies with our expert commentary on their selections.
Studying these winning army lists for their tactical synergies provides valuable insights for honing your strategic approach since the latest balance dataslate rules changes and points updates.
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1st Place: Conan Jennings – Space Marines / Astartes Army Lists
When it comes to battlefield discipline, few forces can match the unwavering precision of the Ultramarines. At the UTC Invitational Finals, Conan’s force made it clear that sometimes, blue really is the deadliest color.
Leading the charge was a Lieutenant with a Combi-Weapon, ensuring his battle-brothers landed their hits with brutal efficiency. Not far behind, Marneus Calgar brought a mix of command presence, durability, and extra Command Points to keep the army running smoothly. And, of course, standing tall amidst the carnage was Roboute Guilliman himself—the Primarch of the Ultramarines, a walking force multiplier who can take on just about anything the galaxy dares to throw his way.
An Intercessor squad brought some extra boots on the ground, armed with reliable firepower to hold objectives and punish careless enemies. Meanwhile, three Ballistus Dreadnoughts ensured that anything lurking in the distance was met with overwhelming firepower, raining down destruction wherever needed.
For a little more finesse, Company Heroes stood ready, bringing their elite prowess to the field with well-balanced stats and weaponry. An Incursor squad backed them up, keeping threats at bay with long-range capability.
Scouts added a layer of tactical flexibility, making sure the enemy couldn’t maneuver too freely. A Storm Speeder zipped across the battlefield, bringing much-needed mobility to an army that thrives on control. And when it came time to crack open enemy armor, three Vindicators rolled onto the scene, turning problem units into smoking wreckage.
2nd Place: Joshua Campbell – Necrons Army Lists
3rd Place: TJ Lanigan – Thousand Sons Army Lists
Final Thoughts on Army Lists From UTC Invitational Finals
Conan’s list was a perfect blend of firepower, durability, and strategic mobility. With Guilliman at the helm and a carefully selected roster of units, the Ultramarines stood firm, fought smart, and secured another triumph for the Imperium. The galaxy may be grim and dark, but one thing remains constant—when the sons of Ultramar step onto the battlefield, victory is never far behind.
These top army lists from the UTC Invitational Final are a reminder that the Space Marines can win if built with every one of their (limited) units having a purpose. With a little bit of finesse, they can hold their own against even the deadliest Thousand Sons and Necrons.
The performance of these armies really puts an exclamation mark on the ever-evolving nature of the competitive Warhammer 40k meta. Studying these winning army lists for their tactical synergies provides valuable insights for making your strategic approach.
See the Top Warhammer Army Lists & 40k Tournament Schedule for 2025
What do you think of the results and top Warhammer 40k army lists at UTC Invitational Finals for Thousand Sons, Necrons, and Space Marines?
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.
