Moreover, I think we can infer that Luke and the Rancor were both competitive additions to the game. Both have large health pools and high damage. In particular, they both have potential to damage multiple figures per round (Heroic, Brutality, Cleave). However, and even more importantly, I think these figures are found in winning lists because they severely punish players that do not know how to respond to them. Combine their high damage potential and survivability with some of the more choice command cards, and Jedi Luke and the Rancor can dictate the course of a game if given the opportunity.

The other most obvious trend we see is that there is a distinct lack of Imperial lists in this collection. One interpretation may be that the Imperial faction is weak relative to the Mercenary and Rebel factions. While I would find this explanation convincing in a larger pool of tournaments and players, I think this sample size is too small to confirm the relative strength of the Imperial faction to the winning lists above.

At this time, I have a different explanation that relies on a couple factors. First, I believe the recent scoring update influenced players to shy away from Imperial trooper lists. Being one of the most popular archetypes for the Imperial faction, a belief that this list type has been weakened would naturally reduce the number of players choosing to bring Imperial lists. Second, I believe players shied away from Imperial lists because players want to use the more iconic Star Wars characters: Jabba, the Rancor, and Luke Skywalker. While Captain Terro and Jet Troopers are great, they don't provide as much of a lore thrill as our favorite crime lord and Jedi knight.

I think over time, we will see the gradual return of Imperial lists to the winner’s circle. Not only does the Imperial faction have access to one of the most efficient cards in the game in Zillo Technique, but it was only a few months ago that an Imperial list won the Worlds Championship. We’ll have to wait and see if my thoughts on the Imperial’s competitive viability holds true, but at this stage I am not too concerned and am confident we’ll be seeing Imperial lists as winners in the future.