Beer League - Playoff Time

Well, the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs started last night. And, what a coincidence, today is the official start of the Winnipeg Warhammer 40,000 Beer League Playoffs. It's almost like it was planned that way...

What a great season. Lots of great games, and lots of new faces. In fact, some of those new faces have even become great friends over the last 8 months. It really has been an incredible year for the nerdgames community here in Winnipeg.

So let's take a look at the final Standings:

18 Players with some really cool armies, but only 8 will advance in a showdown for "The Cup". As per the Beer League rules, the Quarterfinal Battles will be as follows.

Q1: Rank 1 vs Rank 8.

Rob Lentowich vs Christian Augst.

The Robpocalyse vs Xian. Fuck yeah, what a battle that will be! I would love to jump to conclusions and say this will be a massive horde of Orks vs the mighty Imperial Guard, but let's not forget they both have alternate races in their back pockets. For all we know, Rob could pull out the Ultramarines and Christian could pull out Space Wolves. But, I got my money on the fact Rob will go with the army he has absolutely dominated the Beer League with. Those greenskins have made a mess of every enemy they have faced, so why change now? It will be interesting to see what Christian brings to the table.

Q2: Rank 2 vs Rank 7.

Dave Violago vs Lance Jones.

Asurmen's Academy vs The White Star Chapter. Eldar vs Space Marines. And, two long time veterans of 40k going head to head for a spot in the Semifinal. This will be another great game! Dave's Swordwind style has proven to challenge all in it's path, but Lance and his methodical and traditional Astartes warriors have been finding a way to get it done.

Q3: Rank 3 vs Rank 6.

Chris Brown vs Greg Ritchie.

What more can we say about this? This battle will start on the table, then move to a Walmart parking lot, then find a way into the back of a police car, and finally end up in a cuddle on the couch. Will it be Chris's Necrons or Grey Knights that go up against Greg's Salamanders? The Necrons have been paving the way for Chris's success during the season, so that might just be what we see in the Playoffs as well. All I know is that this game will probably break new records for obscenity and nudity during a Warhammer 40,000 game.

Q4: Rank 4 vs Rank 5.

Jason Lane vs Sean Thiessen.

This will be an interesting one. Jason can bring either Imperial Guard or Grey Knights, and Sean can bring either Imperial Guard or Eldar. My gut is telling me this game will go to the distance and come down to a single Victory Point. Both of these guys know the game well and know how to play their armies. With Jason having the Home Field Advantage, having control of the Scenario might just factor into the army he decides to bring. And what will Sean come with? Does he keep bringing the Eldar and his devastating Harlequins, or is it time for the tanks to roll in?


So there we have it folks. The Quarterfinal Round of the Beer League Playoffs. Hopefully all these guys will be able to provide us with some juicy Battle Reports to wet our nerd appetites.

Good luck to all the players, and Cheers to some epic games!