The World Championships of Warhammer are only a week away, and excitement is at fever pitch – for not only is it a chance for Warhammer players from around the planet to compete on the grandest stage of them all, but also to meet up with old and new friends and spend time among some of the most dedicated enthusiasts around.
This epic social event is the highlight of many players’ Warhammer calendar, and before next week’s event, we had the chance to catch up with reigning Warhammer Age of Sigmar world champion, Casper Torres Karlsmose of Denmark.
Warhammer Community: What was your favourite part about attending the last World Championships of Warhammer – besides being crowned the champion, of course?
Casper: I'm a huge Warhammer nerd, and tournaments are my favourite way to enjoy the game. Playing at an event like the World Championships of Warhammer, where the stakes feel even higher, just makes it that much more exciting. My favourite part last year was sharing the experience with my brother, who also participated. This year, he won’t be attending, but I’m bringing one of my childhood friends instead. He’s joining as a guest and will be making a video about our trip, which I’m really looking forward to. It's all about the people. A specific memorable moment from last year was hearing Fred scream with excitement while pushing around 80 Horrors. And of course, every game I played with my incredible opponents.
WarCom: What do you like to do at the World Championships when you’re not engrossed in a game?
Casper: When I’m not playing, I love catching up with my international friends – both about the game and life in general. I can talk about Warhammer for hours, and it’s amazing to be surrounded by people who share that same passion and enthusiasm. I'm also preparing for my upcoming games. I enjoy the game much more when I'm well prepared, because it allows me to focus on strategy and execution rather than clarifying rules and interactions.
WarCom: Warhammer Age of Sigmar has continued to evolve since the last World Championships – how do you feel this will shake up the playing field since last time?
Casper: The game has changed a lot, and I’m genuinely excited about the direction it’s taken. I think it’s done a great job of raising the skill ceiling while still being accessible to newer players. While matchups, battleplans, and a bit of luck will always play a role, I feel more than ever that games are being won by the player who makes the best decisions. That includes how you play objectives, use terrain, leverage underdog mechanics, and execute your battle tactics while denying your opponent theirs. It’s a really rewarding experience.
WarCom: Are there any factions that you think will have a particularly strong showing this year?
Casper: I think the game is in a really balanced state right now, especially after the latest Battlescroll. That said, I still see Kharadron Overlords as the strongest army overall, though they do have some tough matchups and unfavourable battleplans. I’m also excited to see how Gloomspite Gitz perform with the recent changes to the Sunsteala Wheelas. And finally, Sylvaneth is a faction I expect to do well – it's one of the most skill-intensive armies, and at an event like the World Championships, you can count on skilled players to make the most of it.
WarCom: What do you think an event like the World Championships can teach people about Warhammer that they might not know?
Casper: I think it can teach people that even at the highest level – and I’d argue especially at the highest level – Warhammer can be an incredibly fun and friendly experience. It’s a space where you can celebrate each other’s successes, and where the biggest winner is still the person having the most fun. That all comes down to your attitude toward the game.
WarCom: What would your advice be to someone hoping to attend a future Warhammer Open or World Championships of Warhammer event?
Casper: This will be my third year in a row attending the World Championships of Warhammer, so it’s safe to say I’m a big fan. I can’t recommend it enough. Even if you lose every game, it can still be an amazing experience full of learning and great memories. I must have lost my first 40-ish games of Warhammer Age of Sigmar before getting my first win – and I still had a blast the whole time.
Thanks, Casper! You can catch all of our coverage of the World Championships and the fantastic Grand Narrative right here at Warhammer Community next week, with live blogs keeping you updated throughout the event and game streams live from Atlanta at the Warhammer Twitch page.
