It’s not just the trophies that glitter at UKTC

The weekend promises to deliver more than just action on the pitch

UKTC, the Crown Jewels of British Blood Bowl, is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious team tournaments in all of Europe. With registration for UKTC XI set to open tomorrow at 10am I have it on good authority from conversations that coaches from all over Europe are set to return to the big one with its new home in Manchester, and its old spot in the calendar as the first major tournament of the new year.

And whilst many will come to chase the glittering prize of the winners' trophies and the glory of being UKTC Champions it’s not the only thing that will glitter over the weekend. There will undoubtedly be a lot of action on the pitch, the agony of a snaked trip wire, a glorious pitch clear at the hands of some errant goblins and the spiralling long bomb to deliver the most unlikeliest of heart stopping moments.

However there’s preparation and determination for some coaches long before the tournament weekend arrives. I’m talking about of course those wizards with a paint brush who’re plotting their own win condition - to be crowned Best Painter of the tournament.

Amsfeld’s Skaven delivered a glowing Best Painted last year

Amsfeld, Scotland’s Painter of the Year, 2024-25 came to UKTC IX two-years ago with the goal of winning best painted, he came away with a well-deserved runner-up. However, not satisfied he redoubled his creative efforts to paint some glorious Skaven leaning into the glow-in-the dark sewer - very Splinter from TMNT! See his glorious rats below:

Amsfeld, Best Painted Skaven team channeling their inner Splinter from TMNT!

He won’t be the only one gunning for Best Painted, there are some incredibly talented painters across the land that I’d expect to see their creative juices flow to have their talent recognised!

Introducing the Best Dressed Team for UKTC XI

I’ve been to the Bilbali team tournament the last two years, and it’s a glorious summer affair in the fair city of Bilbao where they put on a full show all weekend - I can highly recommend a visit. Having been inspired by their incredible tournament I’m pleased to announce UKTC XI will have a prize and recognition for the best dressed team in Manchester in January.

So not only will we see paint brushes at the ready to be creative there’s an opportunity to dazzle the tournament org team as we determine the swankiest team in all of Blood Bowl! Red hot favourites have to be the impeccably dressed Haklfem Globetrotters, pictured below, who picked up the Best Dressed in Bilbali two-years ago.

Hakflem Globetrotters winning Best Dressed Team at Bilbali in Spain two years ago

However I’m sure the other squads like Tactics and Theatrics, and the Seagulls of Aberdeen, to name but two, will be getting ready to turn out the squad with the best threads they can muster. So there you are coaches - time to think about those squad kits!

Reminder registration goes live tomorrow at 10am

As if you need reminding, but a quick reminder nonetheless that registration for UKTC XI is due to go live Sunday 19 at 10am (UK) / 11am (CET) at uktcbloodbowl.com/register 

I look forward to confirming teams’ places tomorrow and if you’re unsure how the day will unfold then click on the blog post below this article.