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Zachary Becker

UK Warhammer 40k Meta Analysis: The Leeds Super-Major

Introduction

Greetings to all Warhammer enthusiasts and strategists! Welcome back to another blog post with one of our deep dive into the dynamic, ever-evolving meta of the UK Warhammer 40k scene. This week, our lens is firmly focused on the Leeds Super-Major, a landmark event that has set itself apart as the biggest 10th edition gathering in the UK to date. With a thrilling seven rounds and over 200 participants battling for supremacy, the stakes were high, the strategies intricate, and the outcomes unpredictable.


At the heart of this maelstrom stood Josh Roberts, who emerged as the champion, piloting his meticulously crafted Aeldari to an undefeated 7-0 record. A round of applause is certainly in order for Josh's outstanding performance! However, this episode isn't just about celebrating victors. As we delve deeper, we'll unravel how this weekend's skirmishes have reshaped the faction rankings for the season, reflecting three action-packed weekends of results. From the dominant leaders to the underdogs, every faction's tale will be told. So, without further ado, let's embark on this journey and dissect the Leeds Super-Major!


Popularity by Faction

Diving right into the heart of the Leeds Super-Major, one of the most intriguing aspects is the faction representation. The choices made by players provide a glimpse into the current meta preferences, strategies, and the factions that have garnered attention, both for their prowess and potential.


Starting in reverse order, the least represented faction was the Drukhari, with just a lone player waving their banner. Following closely were the Death Guard with two representatives and the Adepta Sororitas with three. World Eaters saw a participation of four players , while Chaos Daemons and Leagues of Votan were favored by five players apiece. Chaos Knights and T'au both drew the attention of seven players each. As we ascend the ladder of popularity, Chaos Space Marines had nine enthusiasts, Tyranids saw ten, and Astra Militarum and Thousand Sons both boasted eleven players in their ranks.


However, leading the pack in terms of sheer numbers were the Genestealer Cult and Necrons, both with thirteen representatives. The Imperial Knights were favored by sixteen players, and the Adeptus Custodes by seventeen. Yet, the two factions that stood out, both in terms of numbers and anticipation, were the Aeldari and Adeptus Astartes (all marines combined) with twenty-seven players each. Given that the event had about 200 players in attendance, each of these factions made up approximately 13.5% of the field, indicating their substantial presence in the meta.


Such representation means that players had a significant chance, of facing off against either Aeldari or the diverse Space Marine chapters each round. This dominance in numbers often reflects the perceived strength of a faction, and as we'll discuss further, the actual performance of these factions during the event.


Faction Performance Overview

In the competitive arena of Warhammer, representation is only one part of the story. While the popularity of factions gives us a glimpse into the prevailing meta, performance statistics offer a clearer image of which factions truly dominated the battleground.


As expected, the factions with higher representation typically performed better, but there were surprises along the way. The Aeldari, with their strong presence, managed to secure a staggering win rate of 70%. This result cements their status as a top-tier faction, but it's essential to note that this doesn't mean they're unbeatable, merely that they are a force to be reckoned with.


Space Marines, being a macrofaction, had varied outcomes. Different chapters within the marine umbrella, such as the Grey Knights and Deathwatch, showcased diverse win rates. We plan to delve deeper into this in future episodes, dissecting the nuances between the various Space Marine subfactions. For now, it's clear that while some chapters excel, others might need more strategic finesse to clinch victories.


The Custodes, as the third most popular faction, posted a slightly above-average win rate of 51%. In contrast, the Imperial Knights, despite their popularity, struggled over the weekend with a win rate of only 43%. This dip, when compared to their earlier performances this season, suggests some underlying challenges they might be facing.


When examining faction performance, a few standout mentions include the Leagues of Votan, which unfortunately posted a low 23.9% win rate. Chaos Daemons, which have historically shown promise, struggled this weekend with a win rate of only 28%. On the brighter side, despite only having one representative, the Drukhari player managed to win two games.


Another intriguing observation is the middle-of-the-pack performance by several factions. Factions like the Nids, Necrons, and Death Guard hovered around the 50% win rate mark. This clustering around the average suggests a balanced meta where many factions have a fair shot at victory.


In conclusion, while some factions naturally rise to the top due to their inherent strengths, player skill, strategy adaptation, and even a bit of luck play crucial roles in determining the outcome of matches. The Leeds Super-Major has provided us with a wealth of data to analyze, and it's evident that the Warhammer meta is ever-evolving, keeping players on their toes and always ready for the next challenge.





The Seasonal Impact of the Leeds Super-Major

As passionate Warhammer enthusiasts, we understand that a single event, regardless of its scale, is merely a snapshot in the ever-evolving landscape of the game. The Leeds Super-Major, however, was no ordinary event. Its sheer size and the number of games played meant it had a significant impact on our seasonal rankings.


Initially, the Aeldari and Genestealer Cults (GSC) held onto their top spots, with their dominant performances echoing their high win percentages. But the Leeds Super-Major brought about some notable shifts in the hierarchy. The Imperial Knights, once a formidable contender, found their position usurped due to a lackluster showing. Meanwhile, the Chaos Space Marines surged in the rankings, thanks to the outstanding performances of two players who nearly went undefeated throughout the event.


The real surprise came in the form of Chaos Knights, who overcame previous challenges to post impressive results. This upward trajectory is indicative of the faction's resilience and adaptability, traits that every Warhammer player values.

However, not all factions experienced upward mobility. The Necrons, for instance, slipped in the rankings, a clear reflection of their struggles during the event. Yet, as any seasoned player knows, Warhammer is a game of highs and lows, and no faction remains dominant indefinitely.


One aspect of the seasonal impact that's worth highlighting is the convergence towards the middle. Many factions are now posting win percentages between 45% to 55%. This narrowing of the performance range suggests a balanced meta, where several factions have viable competitive strategies.


This balance is particularly healthy for the game, allowing for diverse strategies and playstyles. While powerhouses like the Aeldari and GSC may currently overshadow others, the gap between the top and mid-tier factions is closing, hinting at an exciting and unpredictable future for the Warhammer competitive scene.


It's also worth noting the slight decline in win percentages for top factions like the Aeldari and GSC. While they remain dominant, their reduced win rates indicate that the meta is adjusting, and players are finding ways to counter these top-tier threats.


In conclusion, the Leeds Super-Major has not just been an event; it's been a turning point in the season. With the results reshaping the landscape, players are now recalibrating their strategies, eagerly awaiting the next major showdown. As we approach future events, such as the much-anticipated LGT, the question on everyone's mind is clear: Which faction will rise to the challenge next?





Tournament Insights

In this meta update , we've delved into the fascinating intricacies of the Leeds Super-Major and explored the shifting landscapes of faction popularity and performance. Now, it's time to take a step back and glean some broader insights from the tournament.

  1. The Rise and Stabilization of the Meta: The Leeds Super-Major has shown a meta that is not only evolving but also stabilizing. Top factions like Aeldari and GSC are dominating but with slightly reduced win percentages. This indicates a possible leveling of the playing field, with more factions clustering around the mid-range win percentages. It's a sign of a healthy meta where diverse strategies can thrive.

  2. The Midfield Battle: The true heart of the competition seems to lie in the midfield. While the top spots are occupied by a small number of dominating factions, the majority of players find themselves in a highly competitive middle ground. This is where the fun and excitement of the game often reside, where unexpected victories can be snatched, and where new strategies can be tested and honed.

  3. Strategic Diversity within Factions: The Leeds Super-Major also highlighted the diversity within macrofactions like Space Marines. Different subfactions and strategies exhibited a broad range of performance, indicating that player skill and list building play crucial roles. Future episodes may delve deeper into this fascinating aspect of the game.

  4. The Importance of Super-Majors: The massive number of games played at the Leeds Super-Major has significantly impacted the season's statistics, demonstrating the importance of these large-scale events. Not only do they provide a treasure trove of data for analyzing the meta, but they also offer players a chance to impact their rankings substantially.

  5. Adaptation and Future Changes: The September points balance update by Games Workshop, expected in mid-September, will undoubtedly shake things up. Players must be ready to adapt and innovate. How this update aligns with the LGT's rules cut-off will be an interesting development to watch.

  6. A Healthy Meta, Despite the Doom and Gloom: There's been a lot of talk about the overpowering strength of certain factions like Aeldari. However, the data suggests a relatively healthy meta where most factions can compete effectively in the midfield. The game is in a good spot, allowing for competitive play across a wide range of factions.

In summary, the Leeds Super-Major has provided us with a wealth of insights into the current state of the game. It paints a picture of a vibrant and balanced meta, where skill, strategy, and innovation are key. As we look forward to the upcoming events, including the much-anticipated LGT, these insights will serve as a guide and inspiration for players seeking to make their mark on the competitive scene. The excitement is palpable, and the stage is set for thrilling battles and memorable moments in the months to come.


Future Events & Updates

As the curtain falls on the Leeds Super-Major, the Warhammer community doesn't have to wait long for more thrilling matchups and strategic showdowns. Let's take a glance at what's on the horizon and the exciting changes brewing in the Warhammer world:

  1. London Grand Tournament (LGT): Mark your calendars for the last weekend of September! The LGT is the crowning jewel of the season, touted as the biggest event of the year. If you haven't secured your ticket yet, it's high time you do, as they're selling out at an impressive rate. With participants from across the country, the LGT promises intense competition and a snapshot of the meta at its peak.

  2. Upcoming UKTC Events: The United Kingdom Team Challenge (UKTC) has a slew of events lined up to keep the momentum going:

    • Coventry: Scheduled for November, this event promises to bring the community together for another round of strategic gameplay.

    • Leicester: December beckons with the Leicester event, offering players a chance to close the year on a high note.

    • Nottingham: January sees the action moving to Nottingham, setting the stage for the new year's competitive scene.


  1. International Team Tournament (ITT): February is set to host the ITT, which has already gained significant traction since its recent launch. Touted as the best team event in the country, it's expected to be a sold-out affair. Teams will have to synergize and strategize to claim victory in this hotly anticipated tournament.

  2. Anticipated Game Update: Games Workshop has hinted at a points balance update coming in mid-September. This update could shake the very foundations of the current meta. Players, strategists, and enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see how this will redefine faction strengths and gameplay strategies.

  3. Rankings and Season Updates: Players keen on understanding their standings and how they fare in the larger competitive scene can always check the rankings at the UKTC website. With every event, these rankings will see shifts, and staying updated can offer insights into one's performance and areas of improvement.


Conclusion

The Warhammer 40k scene in the UK continues to thrive, with tournaments like the Leeds Super-Major offering a testament to the passion, strategy, and camaraderie that defines this community. While the Eldar's dominance paints a picture of the current meta, it's the ever-evolving nature of the game and the adaptability of players that truly stands out. With a slew of upcoming events and the much-anticipated game update on the horizon, the meta is poised for potential shifts and surprises.


Whether you're a spectator, a casual player, or a competitive enthusiast, there's no denying the electrifying energy of the community. As rankings shuffle and new strategies emerge, it's a reminder that in the world of Warhammer, the only constant is change. Here's to fierce battles, unexpected outcomes, and the unyielding spirit of competition. Until the next tournament, may your dice rolls be ever in your favor, and may the strategies you craft lead you to victory. Cheers to the ever-evolving and exhilarating world of Warhammer 40k!


To explore more on this topic, check out our podcast episode where we dive deeper in to the stats from the event!

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1 Comment


Richard Acock
Richard Acock
Aug 07, 2023

Hmmm, so because one of the best Death Guard players entered and there was ONE other Death Guard player who entered, that makes DG an ok faction does it???????


’A healthy meta’ I don’t know quite how you’re inferring that, but it’s clear from just about any other source that the current meta is about as skewed from balanced as it’s ever been.

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