Breaking Down the 2025 World Championships of Warhammer: What to Expect

Get the full preview of the 2025 World Championships of Warhammer 40K with lists and best factions in the tournament.

We’re officially just days away from the biggest Warhammer 40K tournament of the year — the 2025 World Championships of Warhammer. While it may not have the sheer size of some of the massive open events, this tournament represents the pinnacle of competitive play. Every single player here has earned their spot, making it the most prestigious and meaningful showdown in the entire Warhammer calendar.

The winner of the World Championships will walk away with bragging rights that few can ever claim — and potentially a big shake-up in the ITC rankings, depending on the final results. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the faction breakdown and what it might mean for the weekend ahead.

Faction Breakdown – Warhammer 40K 2025 World Championships

Adeptus Astartes – 32
Aeldari (Eldar) – 31
Adeptus Mechanicus – 27
World Eaters – 24
Death Guard – 23
Imperial Knights – 21
Necrons – 19
Chaos Space Marines – 16
T’au Empire – 16
Adepta Sororitas (Sisters of Battle) – 15
Orks – 14
Blood Angels – 13
Chaos Daemons – 13
Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) – 12
Drukhari (Dark Eldar) – 12
Leagues of Votann – 12
Black Templars – 11
Adeptus Custodes – 11
Genestealer Cults – 11
Space Wolves – 10
Chaos Knights – 10
Tyranids – 10
Grey Knights – 8
Emperor’s Children – 8
Dark Angels – 7
Thousand Sons – 7
Deathwatch – 4

Top Factions to Watch in Warhammer 40K

Right off the bat, Adeptus Astartes, Aeldari, and Adeptus Mechanicus dominating the top three shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Astartes are almost always the most-played faction in any major Warhammer 40K event. With Guilliman and Calgar-led Ultramarines lists performing at a high level, along with Raven Guard players finding new angles, the Emperor’s finest remain a staple at the top tables.

Aeldari, on the other hand, continue to define the competitive meta. Fuegan and Fire Dragons paired with a Wave Serpent is still one of the most oppressive combinations in the entire game. With some of the best pilots in the world behind them, it’s hard to imagine an event where the Eldar don’t make a deep run.

Finally, Adeptus Mechanicus round out the top three. Ad Mech have been on a serious rise over the past month, thanks to several buffs that improved both their damage output and mission play. While that top-tier tournament win has eluded them so far, this could easily be the weekend that changes.

Mid-Tier Powerhouses and Meta Surprises

The middle of the pack is where things get interesting. Necrons, Chaos Space Marines, T’au Empire, and Adepta Sororitas all sit in a fascinating range, with two of these armies winning majors recently and the others showing major upside in the current meta.

Every single player here is among the best in the world — which means familiarity and mastery of their chosen faction matter more than ever. It’s also worth noting: no one was brave (or foolish) enough to bring Imperial Agents this time around.

Top Players and Winning Predictions

Looking at the current ITC Top 5 gives us a glimpse into who might be the favorites:

• Innes Wilson – Creations of Bile (Chaos Space Marines)

• Ridvan Martinez – Reaper’s Wager (Drukhari)

• Folger Pyles – Warhost (Aeldari)

• Ben Jones – Aspect Host (Aeldari)

• Zach Point – Aspect Host (Aeldari)

Seeing the pattern yet? Four of the top five are on some form of elves, while Wilson’s Chaos Space Marines list is specifically designed to dismantle them.

Still, based on sheer numbers, rules strength, and player familiarity, it’s hard to bet against Aeldari taking home the championship. The faction simply has too many tools and too much flexibility — and in the hands of the world’s best players, that’s a deadly combination.

Final Thoughts and What to Watch For

If you’re looking beyond the obvious favorites, Adeptus Mechanicus and Adepta Sororitas are strong sleeper picks. Both factions excel at ranged pressure and play the mission exceptionally well — key advantages in the current competitive environment.

The 2025 World Championships of Warhammer will undoubtedly deliver some of the best games of Warhammer 40K we’ve seen all year. Every table will showcase elite decision-making, technical precision, and faction mastery.

Conclusion – The Biggest Warhammer 40K Showdown Yet

No matter who takes the crown, this event stands as the ultimate showcase of the competitive Warhammer scene. It’s where the best of the best collide, and every dice roll carries weight.

Keep an eye on the Aeldari dominance, the Ad Mech surge, and whether Innes Wilson can claim another major title for Chaos.

Stay tuned right here for results, analysis, and post-event breakdowns as the 2025 World Championships of Warhammer unfold.

 

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