Date: Saturday 12th July 2024
Venue: Duke’s Gaming, Pontypool, South Wales
Players: 18 Coaches (Cap: 22)
Format: Resurrection / 4 Games
NAF Link: NAF Tournament Page
Tourplay Results: Tourplay Page
Twitch Replay: Watch on Twitch
A Scorcher in South Wales
Duke’s Summer Bowl ‘25 brought 18 coaches together for a single-day resurrection-format Blood Bowl tournament at Duke’s Gaming in Pontypool. Despite a warm summer day, the venue’s air conditioning kept everyone cool, at least until the dice started heating up.
Duke’s itself (dukes-gaming.com), a small and intimate venue tucked into the heart of Pontypool, proved to be a fantastic host. For a few coaches, it was their first time there, but the welcoming atmosphere, smooth organisation, and strong community spirit made it feel like home turf by the end of the day.

Streaming, Stats & Standings
Several games were livestreamed throughout the day and can still be watched via Twitch m.twitch.tv/videos/2510330323 a great way to relive some of the event’s biggest moments (or scout for your next match-up). For team lists, match results, and detailed breakdowns, you can visit the event’s Tourplay page.
Final Rankings

- 1st place: 8ulldog – Lizardmen (Radioactive Reptiles)
- 2nd place: Rubick – Human (Here for the Beer)
- 3rd place: Steveo – Nurgle (Summer Sniffles)
Other Awards
- Most Touchdowns: ebbw – Vampire
- Most Casualties: Mutlow – Dwarf
- Best Painted: Hobnail – Lizardmen
- Wooden Spoon: IAMBATMAN – Vampire
How did I do?
I took my new Nurgle team with me, “Summer Sniffles,” and. managed to claw my way to third place with a solid 3-1 record, backed by the ever-stabby Skitter Stab-Stab, the team mixed grindy resilience with sneaky plays. Skitter didn’t make it through every game unscathed (one match saw him fatally redeployed). I’ve been wanting to try out this team with Skitter for a while, and this ruleset was the perfect chance for it (I know Mr Willis has also been vocal about trying this team out, but I got there first, so there 😂), the team gelled well and proved Nurgle can thrive in the sun, spores and all.
Final Thoughts
Duke’s Summer Bowl ’25 delivered everything you’d want from a local Blood Bowl event: great games, a welcoming crowd, solid organisation, and a competitive but friendly atmosphere. With a strong turnout, close games, and a few memorable upsets, it’s safe to say fun was had by all, and well done to 8ulldog for winning 1st place.

A big thank-you goes out to David Hopkins, who organised and ran the event smoothly from start to finish. From handling lists and pairings to keeping everything on schedule, David’s efforts were key to making the day a success.
Looking forward to seeing what’s in store next year!
Part of the Welsh Tournament Series
Duke’s Summer Bowl is proud to be part of the Welsh Tournament Series, a year-long celebration of competitive Blood Bowl across Wales. Players earn points for standings throughout the season, adding an extra layer of rivalry and reward.
More info: bloodbowlwales.co.uk/welsh-tournament-series
Great day had a fantastic run with my shambling undead. Big thanks to Dave Hopkins
Had a brilliant game against your undead (despite the many double skulls rolled), just couldn’t push through your defences, but Skitter pulled through in the end.