Don’t miss the top Warhammer 40k tournament army lists featuring Tyranids, Tau, and Black Templars from the Wheat City Open.
The Wheat City Open 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.
Final Tournament Standings:
Studying these winning army lists for their tactical synergies can provide great insights for playing your army since the latest balance dataslate rules changes and points updates. If you want to elevate your game even further, consider applying to Team USA to compete at the World Team Championships each year!
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1st Place: Brenden Chrustie – Black Templars Army Lists
The battlefield is no place for hesitation, and Brenden’s Black Templars certainly didn’t flinch. With a roster packed with righteous fury, hulking Terminators, and enough firepower to make even the most heretical of foes reconsider their life choices, this list stormed its way to victory at the Wheat City Open.
Brenden’s forces were led by an Ancient in Terminator Armor and a Captain in Terminator Armor, a duo that screams “we refuse to die.” These stalwart warriors bring not only resilience but also the kind of leadership that makes Black Templars so terrifying—buffing nearby units and ensuring the Emperor’s will is carried out with extreme prejudice.
But what’s a warband of zealous knights without bodies on the ground? The list included a single Intercessor squad, the backbone of any good Space Marine force, while three Assault Intercessor squads with jump packs provided a little more of that signature Black Templar aggression.
On the more tactical side, the force had a Scout, Reiver, Infiltrator, and Incursor unit, offering a balanced blend of sneaky maneuvers, disruption, and mid-range firepower. If an opponent thought they could just sit back and play defensively, this collection of specialists likely made them regret that decision in short order.
Durability was the name of the game, and two units of Terminators brought exactly that. These walking fortresses can chew through enemies with ease, soaking up punishment while dishing out righteous retribution. Combined with the list’s three Ballistus Dreadnoughts, Brenden had all his bases covered. The Dreads provided the dedicated ranged support needed to make sure enemy armor didn’t stick around long enough to be a problem.
2nd Place: Logan Antonation – Tau / T’au Empire Army Lists
3rd Place: Curtis Strong – Tyranids Army Lists
Final Thoughts on Army Lists: Wheat City Open
Overall, The Wheat City Open gave us some epic clashes between the stalwart Black Templars, the tactical finesse of the Tau, and the living nightmare that is the Tyranids. Brenden Chrustie brought the righteous fury of the Black Templars to the forefront, reminding us all that when you charge into battle with Terminators and an Emperor’s resolve, victory is almost guaranteed.
So, whether you’re planning to play in the next big tournament or just looking to spice up your games at home, take a page from these winners and remember: every unit counts, and sometimes, all you need is a good plan and a whole lot of golden armored bodies.
See the Top Warhammer Army Lists & 40k Tournament Schedule for 2025
What do you think of the results and top Warhammer 40k Wheat City open army lists for Tyranids, Tau, and Black Templars?