At the end of November, 76 players arrived at the hallowed halls of Warhammer World in Nottingham, UK, for five exciting rounds of the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game at the 2023 Throne of Skulls tournament. Attendees journeyed from far and wide, all hoping for a weekend filled with light-hearted fun and a chance to claim a place on the podium!
Prizes were awarded for winning, for sportsmanship, and for painting – let’s see who earned the top spots!
The Legends Painting Competition
The Legends Painting Competition ran over lunchtime on the first day. Players were encouraged to submit miniatures into each of three categories: Single Hero, Icon of Legend, and Warband.
The Icon of Legend was won by Robert Burton with his Mûmakil. Robert has shown his skill at converting with this monstrous mount, covering the beast in a furry coat to tie it into the rest of his wintery army.
Scott Whitefoot won both the Single Hero and Warband categories. His autumnal Glorfindel wowed attendees, with Asfaloth's stunning white coat creating a striking contrast with the more neutral burnt oranges and ruddy browns of the rest of the miniature. Scott’s Warband featured a cohort of Elves painted in the same autumnal scheme as Glorfindel, with Elrond on his wonderfully textured horse leading the charge.
Best Painted Army
As per usual, the standard of painting and modelling at the event was exceptional, giving the Events Team the unenviable task of trying to shortlist just a selection of the stunning armies on display. In the end, 15 entries were selected for the public vote. Third place was awarded to Thomas Harrison and his Army of Dale Legendary Legion, and second place was claimed by Kalman Steels-Wright with his heroes of the Last Alliance.
However, coming in first place and winning the Judge’s Choice award was Scott Whitefoot and his gorgeous Rivendell force – earning himself three painting awards across the weekend!
Gaming Awards
Throne of Skulls challenges players to engage in all aspects of the hobby and this, of course, includes the ability to skillfully navigate your force to victory on the battlefield. Taking the top spot with five Major Wins across the weekend was Dan Entwisle, with his Return of the King Legendary Legion. The combined prowess of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli – with a spectral host of Warriors of the Dead at their back – proved to be deadly indeed, leading Dan to claim five dominant victories.
Most Sporting Player
In a weekend filled with pleasant folks that Mr Bilbo would happily have round for tea, earning the title of Most Sporting Player is a difficult task. However, Nick Kelly rose to the occasion and all five of his opponents voted him as their most sporting opponent.
Final Standings
At the end of the weekend, only the final standings remained – but first, an honourable mention. The race to the top was incredibly close, with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th each finishing on the same number of tournament points, meaning that Thomas Harrison just missed out on the podium, with the deadlock broken by the total victory points scored. In third place was James Edwin Crawford, who finished the event with four wins and five Favourite Army Votes! In second place was Dan Entwisle, who managed to secure five Major Wins along with three most sporting votes to lock in the silver trophy.
However, racing to the top of the standings was Throne of Skulls regular Damian O’Byrne, who battled his way to four hard-fought victories with his Riders of Éomer, as well as an exceptional number of Most Sporting and Favourite Army votes – congratulations Damian!
