Date of event: 6th December 2025
Location: Deeside Defenders Games Club, Daniel Owen Centre, Earl Rd, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1AP
Tourplay signup: https://tourplay.net/en/blood-bowl/the-crimbo-gauntlet—welsh-series
NAF: https://member.thenaf.net/index.php?module=NAF&type=tournaments&func=view&id=10385
A Festive Bash in North Wales
The Crimbo Gauntlet 2025 brought festive cheer, bruising blocks, and classic Blood Bowl chaos to Mold, as 22 coaches gathered at the Daniel Owen Centre for a one-day, three-round showdown. Hosted by the Deeside Defenders Games Club, this marked their fifth NAF-approved tournament and the fourth held at their new home, which continues to prove an excellent venue for competitive play.
With a full day of tightly scheduled games, a welcoming atmosphere, and a hearty lunchtime buffet provided by the on-site café, the Crimbo Gauntlet once again delivered the perfect mix of Christmas spirit and on-pitch brutality.
Welsh Tournament Series Finale
The Crimbo Gauntlet also served as the final event of the Welsh Tournament Series, adding extra importance to every match as coaches looked to finish their season on a high. With series points on the line and bragging rights at stake, the tension was high right through to the final round.
Final Standings
Top 3
- 1st: Place Hankok – Shambling Undead (Dead Koks)
- 2nd: Place Ronnie Mckee – Lizardmen (Hawarden Snakeskins)
- 3rd Place: Gary McDowell – Necromantic Horror (Chaney the red clawed werewolf)
Special Awards
- Most Touchdowns: Hankok – Shambling Undead
- Most Casualties: Tony Griffiths – Goblins
- Stunty Cup: Tony Griffiths – Goblins
- Best Painted: Hamez – Ogre
- Wooden Spoon: dale – Lizardmen
A particularly strong showing from the Stunty teams saw Goblins claim both Most Casualties and the Stunty Cup, much to the crowd’s delight.
Final Thoughts
As both a festive celebration and the Welsh Tournament Series finale, the Crimbo Gauntlet 2025 delivered exactly what it promised: fast-paced games, great organisation, and a cracking community vibe. A huge credit to the Deeside Defenders Games Club for another successful event, and a fitting way to close out the Blood Bowl year in Wales.
Roll on next season!