Recap: Games Workshop Tacoma Open 2024
“WAAAAAGH!”
Waystone shut down over the weekend in order to attend the Games Workshop Tacoma Open, and it was three days of grueling competition, narrative play, and simply getting to spend time together as a bigger group than we could ever imagine fitting into the confines of our club.
Grand Tournaments like this one can be exhausting: You’re trapped in an exhibition hall for over nine hours each day with almost 1,000 other people. Your voice ends up shot, your feet are tired, and your brain is melted. But the arduousness of the whole thing also transforms it into a religious experience—a sort of pilgrimage dedicated to the meaning, connection, and passion we all have for these little plastic toys and the stories we tell with them.
Many folks who weren’t even attending any of the formal events drove down in their Wych Pigeon jerseys to check things out and soak up that energy, and we supported one another by carpooling, sharing AirBnB’s, handing out snacks to the competitors, and celebrating a birthday together (love you, Danny).
Aidan’s White Scars marching forth to round 1 of the Tacoma Open.
In the end, around 30 folks played under the Wych Pigeons banner, with Matt W’s Kommandoz taking 3rd out of 90 in the Kill Team event, Matthew C.’s Necrons taking 23rd place out of over 430 players for Warhammer 40,000, and Nick W.’s Seraphon bringing home the trophy for Best Theme at the Age of SIgmar event.
Nick’s Seraphon and the “Seraphon Terrarium”. Photo credit: Kenrick Block of Warped Dice, Vancouver
Last year I participated in the 40k event, but this time I took it easy by attending a hobby class on Friday, then simply handing out refreshments. The class was great (I left with maybe the best model I’ve ever painted), and really opened my eyes to the fact that this event isn’t just for competitive players—despite a number of organizational hiccups, it’s got tons of robust opportunities for a wide range of hobbyists. I’m definitely going to encourage other folks to take a class with me next year.
I also have some pipe dreams about expanding how we can support our community during future GT’s, but that’s a story for another day.
On a final note, the conclusion of the Tacoma Open means that our staff and members of the community now have space to launch some really cool new opportunities. See below!
Season 2 of the Waystone 40k Narrative Campaign
With the competitive season behind us, the Waystone Narrative is returning in full force! A second season with new missions will begin at the end of August. Members can head on over to #waystone-narrative and await the words of Magos Dominus Setren for more details.
Age of Sigmar League
The Sigmar League is a competitive Age of Sigmar league focused on helping each other develop skills and grow as players. It is run by community members and free to join (no membership required). There are already over 20 folks signed up, and it even has its own nifty website.
Signups for season one end Tuesday, July 30th. More info here.
That’s all for today. Looking forward to more debriefing and storytelling with y’all around the club.
-Dustin
