The incredible World Championships of Warhammer start tomorrow, with hundreds of competitors from across the globe gathering together over a shared passion for Warhammer – and it’s set to be the best one yet. There’s more to the World Championships than simply winning a few games, and even the most competitive of players will be hanging out with people just like them that they’d probably never meet otherwise.
We had a little natter with the reigning World Champion for Warhammer 40,000, before he battles for his crown once again, and found out what Folger Pyles likes to do at the World Championships. Besides, you know, win.
Warhammer Community: What was your favourite part about attending the last World Championships of Warhammer? Other than being crowned the champion, of course.
Folger: The World Championships of Warhammer is one of two events where you get a true international community. Getting to hang out with all of the best players from across the world is always a great time. My favourite part from last year personally was getting to meet and play two games with Borja FM from Spain – he was a great competitor and an even better sport. Having multiple games being so close and competitive makes every round feel like a finals game and that’s awesome!
WarCom: What do you like to do at the World Championships when you’re not engrossed in a game?
Folger: For me it’s all about the social aspect – Warhammer 40,000 is a global game and leaning into that is part of what makes the World Championships so special. Hanging out with friends and competitors in between and after rounds is the best way to spend your time. Putting hundreds of people all obsessed with Warhammer in the same area always leads to very enthusiastic conversations, and a healthy amount of friendly banter.
WarCom: Warhammer 40,000 has continued to evolve since the last World Championships – how do you feel this will shake up the playing field since last time?
Folger: This year is a lot different than last year. The field is much more open, with eight to ten factions all having serious potential and a solid chance at taking the crown. Last year there were two clearly best factions and this year I can’t wait to see all of the creative list ideas and strategies that everyone has come up with to take out the competition. Since I started playing Warhammer 40,000 something that has always been clear is that player skill matters more and more as the game has developed, and that’s very encouraging for the future of Warhammer.
WarCom: Are there any factions that you think will have a particularly strong showing this year?
Folger: The factions I’m on the lookout for this year are Adeptus Mechanicus, Aeldari, Emperor’s Children, and Raven Guard. All of these armies share similar traits that are particularly important for winning competitive Warhammer games – fast movement, control over the tempo of the game, and really high damage potential. This gets compounded by having experienced players at the helm, and I’d expect to see a Top 8 with most of these represented.
WarCom: What do you think an event like the World Championships can teach people about Warhammer that they might not know?
Folger: It usually gets announced before we start playing but everyone is a ‘loser’, as in, even the best players lose now and then, and it’s not something to be afraid of. Warhammer 40,000 is a game and you always learn and grow more from the losses rather than the wins.
Especially at the World Championships where the level of play is so high, every opponent worked their way to the event through wins and losses, and Warhammer wouldn’t be anywhere near as fun if you only won. Having such a dedicated playing field who are all battling for the top spot is what drives me to always try to get better.
WarCom: What would your advice be to someone hoping to attend a future Warhammer Open or World Championships of Warhammer event?
Folger: Focus on the fun and community of the game rather than results. Everyone has to start somewhere and getting experience with top players at Super Majors is a great way to do that. The best part, even for those of us who are aiming to win, is always the Warhammer 40,000 community. Lean into that and focus on the enjoyment of the game.
Thanks, Folger! You can catch the action from the tables of the World Championships at our Warhammer Twitch channel, as well as French-language casts at French Wargame Studio and Spanish-language coverage from La Voz de Horus. Also, check in here at Warhammer Community, where we’ll have a live blog giving you up-to-the-minute info about the Championships, Grand Narrative, and more.
