Thunder Forge Gaming Hosts Intense Competition
With the change in seasons, downtown Tipp City has started to blossom once more. A couple of weekends ago, Tipp City's restaurants and businesses were booming with customers. Many of whom traveled to Tipp City for one of their most anticipated events of the year. From 9:30 a.m. on Saturday to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, the dedicated and talented players of Warhammer 40,000 gathered downtown at Thunder Forge Gaming for an unforgettable weekend of fun at the ThunderMania Grand Tournament.
With the help of his friends at Thunder Forge, Thomas Burton created two days of intense tabletop gaming for the unique community of Warhammer enthusiasts. Each of his competitors gathered their troops of knights, space marines, goblins, and other fantastical creatures to battle for the title of “Forgemaster.” Thomas created multiple terrains and battlefields for each player to compete on. Tabletops that matched the effort and creativity of each player’s models. From fantasy settings to deserts and lightning, Thomas went the extra mile to immerse his players in the world of ThunderMania. In addition to competing for the Forgemaster title, competitors were also recognized for their originality and detail displayed in their competing models.
The world of Warhammer begins in grey. Much like similar tabletop games, players purchase their models and paint them to either match the theme of the game or their personality. During the ThunderMania event, there were thousands of little characters, from dragons to robots, each painted and detailed to the liking of the contestants. Many players enjoy the art aspect just as much as the competition. This is why Thomas made sure to recognize those who put in the extra effort to paint their models exceptionally.
After hours of armies and opponents fighting in one strategic battle after another, the winners were determined. Thomas has an appreciation for the effort and talent it takes each player to paint and customize their minis before a competition. Therefore, he awarded the “Best Single Painted Mini” placard to Steven McNamara and the “Best Painted Army” award to Robert Shepard. Burton also recognizes the effort that it takes to start fresh in a complicated game like Warhammer. Therefore, he created a special award and plaque for “Up and Coming Forger,” which was given to player David Peck. Following the awards for painting, the winners of the tournament itself were announced. Third place was awarded to Jerry, and second to a Michael M. In a close competition, first place and the ThunderMania champion title was given to a player by the name of David. In addition to a plaque, he also received one of the newest Warhammer armies.
Although there were winners and losers, just as in any game, morale was higher than ever after the competition. The Players were shaking hands, laughing, and sharing memories from the past 48 hours. In the short time that Thunder Forge Gaming has been a part of Tipp City, Thomas Burton has built a home for those who love art, games, strategy, and learning. The community at Thunder Forge was visible from beyond the tables and in the hearts of each player at the 2025 ThunderMania competition. The weekend left players not only excited for their next chance at victory, but also to see their Warhammer family again.