SIPP investors are often told the same thing: buy a low-cost global index tracker, leave it alone, and let compounding do the rest. It’s simple advice, and over time it has worked remarkably well for a lot of people. But is it still a winning strategy in 2026?
A good example is the Vanguard FTSE All-World. Over the last 10 years, this global index tracker has delivered a fairly impressive average return of 11.4% a year.
In terms of money, that means a £10,000 initial investment made in June 2016 would now be worth roughly £31,099.89. That’s not bad at all. But it pales in comparison to what some smart investors have earned…
The power of stock picking
Games Workshop (LSE:GAW) has been one of the best-performing UK shares of the last decade. Over the same 10-year period, the shares have delivered a staggering 6,279% total return. That’s the equivalent of 51.5% per year – almost five times global index trackers, and more than double even Warren Buffett’s 19.9% annualised average.
To put this into perspective, that same £10,000 investment is now worth a staggering £636,980.78!
This kind of performance doesn’t happen by accident. Games Workshop has built a distinctive business around its Warhammer universe, with strong pricing power, loyal customers, and a growing licensing stream.
Obviously, not all UK shares have been as successful as this enterprise. But it goes to show the sorts of returns stock pickers can potentially earn by making the right moves. And for long-term SIPP investors, it’s a fascinating example of what a concentrated quality stock can do over time.
That doesn’t mean broad index funds aren’t sensible, it’s just that there are other routes to unlocking exceptional long-term returns.
So, here’s a question: is Games Workshop still a good investment in June 2026?
Still worth considering?
The next major growth catalyst for this business is the launch of Warhammer: 40,000 11th Edition later this month.
New editions of its flagship IP have historically delivered a significant lift in miniatures sales and renewed interest from hobbyists, encouraging existing players to refresh their collections while attracting newcomers simultaneously.
That kind of product cycle can be a real earnings driver, especially when the company is already operating from a position of strength.
However, Games Workshop shares aren’t risk-free.
Prolonged supply chain disruptions for petrochemical plastics can limit product availability for customers. And escalating geopolitical conflicts similarly weigh on margins as international shipping costs, particularly to Asia and Australia, march upwards.
Don’t forget the company manufactures almost everything from its factory in Nottingham. And while it does have inventory reserves, this is nonetheless a risk for investors to monitor carefully.
What’s the verdict?
Despite having a £6.6bn market cap, Games Workshop is still a pretty niche business. And while it’s been a phenomenal performer, the company has only recently started gaining momentum in other non-miniature verticals through its licensing strategy.
So far it’s proving to be a powerful onboarding tool to lure new customers to its core miniatures business. And while the risks can’t be ignored, I believe the growth story is far from over. That’s why I’ve already added Games Workshop shares to my SIPP. And it’s not the only UK stock that’s caught my eye.
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Zaven Boyrazian owns shares in Games Workshop.
