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Age of Sigmar Winter Slaughter 2026 - A Recap
Jason here! I'm back with Ben, the organizer of the 2026 Age of Sigmar Winter Slaughter tournament, to recap the two-day miniatures event, discuss expansion plans, and show off a whole ton of pictures from what turned out to be an awesome weekend at a new venue. You made a lot of changes to the tournament this year! Which were your favorite updates and why? "New Year, new Venue! The Westminster Marriott proved the perfect venue--close to the highway, very welcoming, great staff, and a beautiful space. We’ll absolutely be back next year. More support! The outpouring of local help this year really set it apart from previous years in a way we couldn’t have expected. Local and national sponsors really helped bring the event together, but we were still able to keep that comfortable, local feel." You switched to a different venue--how did that go, and what did you learn from the process of moving the event? "I learned a LOT--this venue was almost twice as big as the last venue, and as such our target cap was bigger to match. I learned about space logistics, upgrading supplies, working with planning and design deadlines, and really getting comfortable working with a professional staff committed to the event being a success. A great learning experience every year." Walk me through the tournament itself. How'd you set everything up, what was the tournament structure, and how did it run? "Saturday night, myself and an awesome volunteer showed up to get all of the tables setup (complete with beautiful mats sponsored by Gray Matter Gaming). We provide mats and terrain for every match, and the venue had already laid out the tables for us, which really helped get the ball rolling and prepped for 2 solid days of Warhammer! Much like last year, the tournament was structured as 5 rounds (Three on day one, two on day two), with pairings based randomly within your record on day one, and by points on day two. This year, players not only competed for best general (most wins), but best in grand alliance. The event ran as smooth as any event ever could--both days started on time, every round ended on time. The space prevented anyone from having trouble getting to or around their tables. Every player was incredibly respectful, so we had no sportsmanship issues at all. Overall, I couldn’t ask for an event to run smoother." Did you have any favorite moments from the event? "Oh goodness, there were so many. I saw Archaon get charged by a horde of squigs (there’s a great picture) and get overwhelmed; I saw a masterful midgame movement to secure a narrow victory; But best of all, I saw 32 players cheering each other on, making great memories, and having a great time." Who won, and what kind of prizes did you have? "Prizes Prizes Prizes! To start the day off, our players came through the door and received a swag bag with event stickers, a custom 9 inch widget designed specifically for the event, dice, and winter mentos (ha!). During the event, we had enough prizes to hand out an incredible 5 raffle prizes every round- Just about every single player walked away with something from our table. We had mats, terrain, unit boxes, reminder tokens, all kinds of great prizes just for showing up and supporting the event. For our top finishers we had a custom widget set from Forged Honor studios, battleforce boxes, an army carrier, and more. This year we were proud to award prizes for Best General, Best in Faction, and Best Sportsman." Tournament Winners Lord of Slaughter (Best General): Thomas Burgett was back again and in killer form, successfully winning back to back Winter Slaughter events with his very unique take on Skaven and taking home the victory for Team Weak and Decadent. Best in Order: This was an extremely, EXTREMELY tight race, and was won by just 4 points. Derick Senter brought this award home for the Colorado Springs Community and the Average Gitz. Best in Destruction: Another very tight race, decided by a destruction versus destruction showdown between Ogor Mawtribes and Kruel Boyz. The Ogors managed to pull out an epic victory, and Best in Destruction was won by Schuyler Bishop of Al Pacacino Tactics. Best in Chaos: Best in Chaos also went down to the Springs community, this time won by Gene Murphy of the Average Gitz. Best in Death: The Best in Death award was fought over by just two Death players this year, and was won by Ryan C of Al Pacacino Tactics. Finally, Best Sportsman: In my opinion, the most important award--was chosen by the players, for the player who really lifted the spirits of the event and brought an excellent experience for each of his opponents and the players around him. This award was won by Jacob Williams of Al Pacacino Tactics. Gene Murphy - Best in Chaos Derick Senter, Best in Destruction Schuyler Bishop - Best in Destruction Ryan C, Best in Death Thomas Burgett - Lord of Slaughter (Winner) How did the painting competition go? "Both of last year’s judges, Vaughn and Jordan, returned this year accompanied by newcomer and Total Escape Games’ own Gwen. The team had a difficult task this year with more players than any previous year and an additional category. Last year’s best painted model category was split into best painted large model(60mm and larger) and best painted hero (smaller than 60mm), while as ever Best Painted Army returned. The judges worked late into the night scrutinizing every inch of every model to find the best submissions" Painting Competition Winners Best Painted Army: Steve Morrison, Gloomspite Gitz. These Gitz featured a winter theme that really unified the army, aswell as a fully functioning train! Crazy! Best Painted Large Model: Justin Foster, Iridan the Witness. Justin’s take on Iridan was stunning. Smooth transitions, dramatic lighting, and a real showcase of what you can do with a large canvas. Best Painted Hero: Jacob Williams, Murknob Belcha-Banna. Jacob’s submission was a perfect merging of disgusting swamp and unified, beautiful paint. From the detailed banner to the realistic swamp base, this model wowed the judges and took home the prize!" Steve Morrison - Best Painted Army Justin Foster - Best Painted Large Model Jacob Williams - Best Painted Hero Final Notes "This event was awesome. I love running it, I love the community, and I look forward to next year already! Always growing, I intend to expand to additional games next year--if you’reinterested in hosting a game over the weekend, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re hopingto add 40K and are open to other options. Additionally, next year we’ll be expanding the painting competition--you’ll be able to enter whether you’re playing or not. Exciting stuff! Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors. This event would not have come together without the help of the gaming community, and the outpouring of support was overwhelming. Thank you to Gray Matter Gaming for assisting with the mats and door prizes; To Baron of Dice for the grab bag and d3 dice; to Monument Hobbies for all the painting prizes, to Forge Honor for the custom swag-bag widgets and the trophy-widgets for our finishers. And finally, of course, thanks so much to you Jason and the team at Total Escape Games. Every year, as the event grows, TEG rises to the challenge and really steps up to help the event be a success. We couldn’t put it on without you, and we wouldn’t want to! As always, if you’re curious about the game, the event, how to get involved in the community,anything at all, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks so much for your time Jason, have a great day!" There you have it, folks. I was able to drop by on Saturday for part of the event, and I can confirm it was a gorgeous new venue, with some beautifully-made tables, and an overall fantastic atmosphere. This is one of my favorite events every year, and I can't wait to see how Ben expands it next year. If you want to reach Ben, you can message him on Discord (moosimoto) or through the official Winter Slaughter Facebook page. PS, here's a photo dump from the event
Learn moreThe Best Board Games for The Holidays - 2025 Edition
It's the holiday season, and that makes it a perfect time to dig deeper into the best board games to enjoy with friends and family. We've broken down some of our favorite games into bite-sized pieces, so you can easily browse for the next hit board game to bring home. Whether you want something classic and timeless or new and exciting, we have options on the list for you! Take it With You - Teach Your Friends It’s the season of traveling, whether that be across the country to visit relatives, or down the block to spend time with friends. Here’s a collection of games that should absolutely be in your repertoire, or in the trunk of your car, ready for action with your gamer and non-gamer friends, alike. Sagrada — A Puzzle You’ll Want to Solve Again and Again Sagrada is the perfect combination of tactile beauty and clever decision making wrapped up in a perfectly understandable draft format. Use colorful dice to build stained-glass windows in this soothing, zen-like, game, but know that it hides clever details that reward planning, pattern recognition, and your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It gives off a beautiful table presence that will entrance even the most novice gamer, and it a perfect way to warm up a winter night. Ticket to Ride — The Gateway Game That Never Gets Old The rules are simple; collect the cards, claim the routes, and that simple set of rules means players of any experience level can jump right in. Ticket to Ride then adds a layer of tension, as players compete to complete their route cards on limited track space, giving options to block out your opponents while pursuing your hidden goals. TTR is the essential gateway game for bringing your friends into our awesome hobby. Skull — Bluffing Perfection in a Small Package Do you need something easy to transport in your suitcase, or keep in your glove compartment? That game is Skull, the only proof you’ll ever need that a huge box and piles of miniatures are not a requirement to enjoy game night. In this bluffing game you’ll test your psychological wits, your ability to trick your foes with your words, and the absolutely beautiful tension of pressing your luck. Highly replayable and super portable, this is a longtime favorite for laugher, tension, and the occasional flip of a deadly skull. Spirit Island — Cooperative Strategy at Its Absolute Best If you’re looking for a truly cooperative board gaming experience to bring your friends or family to the table, look no further than Spirit Island, the favorite co-op game of the Total Escape Games staff. Working together with your teammates you’ll learn how to use the asymmetric powers of your spirits to defend your island from colonial invaders in this rich, beautifully-layered, game. The Bestsellers of 2025 It’s been a pretty nifty year for board games, with some great titles that have pushed boundaries with bold concepts, easy to understand mechanics, and unforgettable moments with friends at the table. If you’re craving something fresh, for yourself or as a gift, we recommend these titles this year. Tacta — Elegance and Tension in Every Move There is absolutely no way I could have predicted that Tacta would be the breakout darling of the gaming year. The combination of crisp, easy to understand rules, and a deep decision space makes every game of Tacta feel like a new opportunity. You’re going to love how quickly it will teach you the rules, and how endlessly it rewards clever play. If you are a lover of abstract strategy, Tacta is the standout of the year. Compile — A Brain-Bending, Build-Your-Engine Masterpiece The engine-building genre goes through highs and lows, good years and bad, but Compile takes the genre and makes it into something futuristic and highly accessible. Compile isn’t just a game of optimizing combos, but instead makes you the architect of a dynamic system that is evolving every round. Your joy increases the more you play as you discover synergies, execute satisfying cascades, and watch your initial plan become something totally different, and totally awesome. Person Do Thing — Chaotic Creativity at Its Finest Do you have a big family? Do you celebrate a massive Friendsmas? Person Do Thing is the absurdist party game that no one could have predicted would rapidly become a hit in the few months since launch. The premise is simple: draw a card featuring an absurd prompt and then improvise short, silly, actions to earn points from the group. The magic in this game is how it immediately breaks tension, sparks creativity, and generates memorable moments. This low-pressure game is perfect for mixed groups and casual gatherings, but should also be in the brief case of every theatre director. Outrun the Bear — Fast, Funny, and Fiercely Competitive We’ve all heard the old joke, right? I don’t have to outrun the bear, I just have to outrun you. Well, Outrun the Bear brings the joke to life, as players sprint through the ever-shifting forest, sabotaging each other while striving to stay one step ahead of the fully doom running behind them. There’s laugher, light strategy, and cinematic fun as every play ends in a story. If you need something new that is easy to teach, instantly engaging, and guaranteed get shouts of delight and despair, this is your 2025 must buy game. Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Miss More than 3,000 games are released every year, and early reports have the 2025 number over 4,000. That means some great games don’t get the attention they deserve, and some titles fly under the radar that become favorites of the staff. Here are some of our under-the-radar favorites that you should definitely check out. Tea Witches — Cozy Theme, Clever Competition Do you like whimsical charm with tight, tactical play? Tea Witches takes you into a gentle theme where you’ll mix potions and brew magical blends, while you outmaneuver your rivals with enchanting abilities that reward careful timing. This is one of those rare games that scratches the strategy itch while feeling cozy and comfortable, making it perfect for groups that want thematic play without heavy rules. Stack o' Cats — Lighthearted Fun for Any Table Stacks of Cats is a quick puzzle game that packs on the laughter amid its adorable challenge, to make mischievous cats into a balanced stack. You can teach Stack of Cats to anyone nearly instantly, and they’ll fall in love with it that quickly as well. It’s a perfect filler between big games, or a go-to title for families and newcomers. Shallow Sea — A Relaxed Dive into Coastal Strategy Do you enjoy serene, seaside, visuals, paired with gentle, interactive gameplay? In Shallow Sea you’ll manage resources, guide marine life, and navigate shifting tides as you build the most harmonious coastal ecosystems. This satisfying mix of light strategy and soothing atmosphere is ideal for players who want something thoughtful that never feels overwhelming. Solar Gardens — A Bright, Beautiful Engine-Builder The pace is downright meditative. The art is luminous. Solar Gardens invites players to cultivate the most radiant botanical display in a future that is powered by sunlight. The engine-building is smooth and intuitive, and the choices are interesting as you chain actions together to optimize the energy flow of your garden. This game is a lovely addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys calm strategy with a strong visual appeal. This title is the 2025 favorite of John, who has taught it to a couple dozen people. A Place for All My Books — Organizing Has Never Been This Charming For some people, organizing is a thing you have to do, but in A Place for All My Books, organizing becomes fun! Arrange your books by genre, optimize your shelves, and outmaneuver your opponents in a game that blends theme with spatial strategy beautifully. This game is charming, thoughtful, and perfect for players who enjoy a game with satisfying decisions and an adorable personality.
Learn moreRecapping our Age of Sigmar: Fall Brawl Tournament
I sat down with Ben Wiley, a prominent member of the Denver Age of Sigmar community and the tournament organizer responsible for putting together all of our biggest and best Age of Sigmar tournaments at the store. We talked about running miniatures events, recap the results of the Fall Brawl tournament, and explore his upcoming plans for the Winter Slaughter, which will be his greatest undertaking yet! What goes into putting everything together for a big Age of Sigmar tournament like the Fall Brawl? When running a single-day event (referred to as an RTT, or Rogue Trader Tournament) There’s a lot to consider. How many players can I fit reasonably? Do I have enough mats? Enough terrain? How long should each round be to ensure enough time to play, but also make sure we aren’t here until midnight? The logistics can stack together, but taking it once piece at a time makes it easy enough--I enjoy putting these events on, so I’m up to the challenge! For someone new to Age of Sigmar tournaments, could you walk us through how the tournament plays out? What are the rounds/matches like, and how does scoring work? Absolutely! Each round is played over the course of 2 hours and forty-five minutes. We start early, so we can finish reasonably early, and there’s always a break for lunch. Pairings are random at first; round two you’ll play against someone with the same record as you; round three, you’ll play against someone with the same record, and usually someone close in score with you. We use the current handbook, and I’ll predetermine 3 scenarios--you’ll know those in advance, in case you want to read up or practice! Each scenario has it’s own scoring mechanics based on objective control, and a twist to make the game a bit more interesting if you’re playing from behind--pay close attention to these while playing! *Special note here: Attending your first tournament can be daunting, but I promise it shouldn’t be. Personally, I like to think of it less as a tournament, and more as an opportunity to play 3 full games, against armies you may not have seen before, in a welcoming and new-player friendly environment. Folks are there to compete, make no mistake, but not in a mean or rude way. We’re all here to have fun, and we want to make sure you do too! What were the highlights of the tournament? Cliché of course, but my number one highlight is always seeing new faces. We had a few players who were playing their first event, and they said they had a blast, which is always exactly what I’m hoping for. Secondarily, hearing “Ride of the Valkyries” play while a player charged in with 6 undead dragons was just an absolute delight! Who won the event, and what prizes did you give away to the top players? Our winner was Thomas Burgett, playing a Seraphon army featuring a wave of Raptadon Chargers (lizards riding lizards! Cats and dogs living together! Mass hysteria!). Prizes given away were a large-scale model to each player, along with a healthy amount of store credit to bolster their forces, all to the top 3 players. *Special Note: We gave away door prizes after every round, and a large door prize after the final round! How did the painting competition go? Who won, and how was the competition scored? The painting competition this year was very close in both categories. Events that I run are scored one of two ways--either I have each player cast a vote and the most votes win, or by panel. This year, I had a panel of 3 judges that viewed best painted army and best painted single model (players could only enter one or the other). Best painted army was won by Jacob Williams, with Kruelboyz Honorable mention to Steaphen Isaac, with Idoneth Deepkin Best painted model was won by Rowan Harper’s Droggz Da Sunchompa Honorable mention to Wyatt Moran’s Terrorgheist Both players received paint supplies for their victorious armies! *Special note: I do not require painting for my RTT events. Just come on out and play! It sounds like you’re planning to make this a yearly event. What do you have in mind for next year? Ideally, I’ll run three of these events each year: a Spring, Summer, and Fall Brawl! We want to keep the community engaged, and these events are a great opportunity to come out, meet new people, and play some great Age of Sigmar. What's the most fulfilling part of running an event like this for you? The community really makes these events special. Walking around through the tables, I get to see all kinds of cool moments: Critical die rolls Unexpected and Uncanny events New players grasping their army elements Seasoned players making strategic decisions that shape the tide of the game In some ways, I get to be part of every match, every round. It feels great. Tell me about the Winter Slaughter tournament you'll be running this winter! If Fall Brawl sounded like fun, boy oh boy are we in for it with Winter Slaughter! Winter Slaughter is a GT (Grand Tournament), held offsite to support a much larger crowd. More matches (5 rounds over 2 days) More prizes Swag-Bag door prizes for every entrant Best score? How about Best Overall General as well? Best in Grand Alliance An additional Painting Category (Splitting Single model into best infantry and best monster) More, More, More! We’ve got some awesome sponsors, a beautiful venue, and a fantastic community chomping to play, both competitive and casual. Come on out! *Special Note: As this is a larger event, we would like to see as many fully painted armies as possible- But if you can’t get painted, or need help, please please PLEASE reach out to me before you abandon all hope! All is not lost! We want to see you there! Painting Competition Entries I've included all the remaining miniatures and armies submitted to the competition because they're all too darn cool not to share! The remaining two armies submitted for best-painted army The remaining entries for best-painted miniature
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