We like to think of the Battlefields at Firestorm Games as something of a national treasure when it comes to hosting wargaming events (we’re humble like that!), and Warhammer 40K tournaments are always some of the biggest and best.

Today we’re speaking with Tony Wenham, organiser of the Warhammer 40K event Out of the Furnace IV: Return of the Firestorm, which is coming to the Battlefields in April. Let’s get stuck in and find out all about what’s shaping up to be one of the highlights of the 2023 Warhammer 40K calendar here in Cardiff.

Firestorm Games: Hi Tony! Can you tell us a bit about yourself? What first got you into Warhammer 40K, and what do you love most about it?

Tony Wenham: I first played Warhammer 40K as a very young child but as most do I drifted in and out of the hobby until I left university. I came back into the hobby in 7th edition and this time, it stuck.

Over the last 3 editions I have collected (and sold!) every army (sometime multiple times) and played in dozens of tournaments. Elliott and I decided a few years ago to start hosting our own; and after our initial event being held in a community hall in Furnace, Llanelli, we moved to Firestorm where we are able to improve not only the size and duration of our tournaments but with a massive improvement in terrain and atmosphere.

For the last few years I have mostly been playing Astra Militarum and trust me when I say there's no better feeling then when a guardsmen takes down Abaddon with a well placed Lascannon round.

FG: What can you tell us about your upcoming Warhammer 40K event, Out of the Furnace?

TW: Out of the Furnace IV: Return to Firestorm is a 2 day, 5 game, 2000pt Warhammer 40,000 event. It is taking place on the 22nd & 23rd of April 2023. Tickets are £50, purchasable from myself and include hot food both days.

FG: What kind of players do you think will enjoy Out of the Furnace the most? Who is it aimed at?

TW: Our events are always catered towards the more casual players in the area. We welcome first time players and have plenty of veteran attendee who are happy to help players get to grips with the tournament scene.

FG: Sounds great! What do participants need to bring along with them?

TW: All you need to bring is your army, your dice, tape measure, codexes and their latest GT pack. The missions and pairings are all available online before the event.

FG: What are some of the things you’re most looking forward to about Out of the Furnace?

TW: At each event we host, I am always excited to see new players come into the scene. At each event we have held there have been new players and I’m happy to say that I remain in contact with several even now. Most have even come to subsequent events I have hosted and are now regular players.

FG: What would you say to someone who maybe hasn’t attended an event like this before and might be feeling hesitant about signing up?

TW: I can definitely appreciate the anxiety that concern that the thought of playing in a tournament can bring. 'Competitive' Warhammer is full of nightmare stories of players being absolutely cutthroat or cheating but I can say this is absolutely not the case. Our events are always positive and I have never had to intervene in any situation.

If anyone does have any concerns, I’m more than happy to have them contact me and I can alleviate their fears

FG: Are there any prizes up for grabs?

TW: There are trophies for 1st, 2nd, Best Painted and the coveted wooden spoon. Prizes will be dependent on number of entrants

FG: Besides the Battlefields event page, is there anywhere else that people can find out more about your event? Are there any resources that you’d like to direct people to?

TW: There is an event page on Facebook named Out of the Furnace IV: Return to Firestorm. All details are on there. Any questions, feel free to contact me on there too.

FG: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

TW: I would simply encourage anyone who is interested to come along and give it a go, and once you do, you'll be hooked and waiting for the next one!

Big thanks to Tony for taking the time to speak with us! We hope that we’ve piqued your interest for Out of the Furnace IV and we hope to see you there!

Tickets for Out of the Furnace can be purchased from Tony via PayPal – you’ll find all the details on the Out of the Furnace IV: Return to Firestorm Facebook event page.