Who won the Masters? Dramatic final-round twist crowns historic back-to-back champion

Rory McIlroy has won the Masters Tournament, holding off Scottie Scheffler in a tense finish to secure a one-shot victory at Augusta National.

The Northern Irish golfer finished at 12-under, edging world No. 1 Scheffler, who closed strong but fell just short at 11-under.

Back-to-back history made

McIlroy’s victory makes him the first player since Tiger Woods in 2001–02 to win the Masters in consecutive years, and only the fourth golfer ever to achieve the feat.

It also marks his sixth major championship, placing him among Europe’s most successful players in the modern era.

Final-round drama at Augusta

The win did not come easily.

After entering Sunday with the lead, McIlroy stumbled early and briefly lost control before regaining momentum on the back nine, particularly through Augusta’s iconic Amen Corner.

A birdie run at the 12th and 13th helped him rebuild his advantage, but late drama followed. A wayward drive on the 18th forced him into trouble, leading to a closing bogey that nearly opened the door.

Despite the pressure, McIlroy held firm to seal victory by a single shot.

Scheffler mounted a late charge with a bogey-free final round, including birdies on the closing stretch, but ultimately ran out of holes.

Chasers fall just short

A group including Tyrrell Hatton, Russell Henley, Justin Rose and Cameron Young finished tied for third at 10-under.

Rose, who had been firmly in contention, saw another chance slip away after costly moments around Amen Corner.

A defining moment

Having waited more than a decade to win his first Masters title and complete the career Grand Slam, McIlroy has now followed it up immediately with another.

Sealed under pressure and shaped by late drama, the victory strengthens his legacy as one of the defining golfers of his generation.