Anna Hasselborg Wins Eighth Grand Slam Title at WFG Masters, Defeats Rachel Homan in Thrilling Final

Sweden's Anna Hasselborg and her team secured their eighth Grand Slam of Curling title at the 2025 WFG Masters, defeating Canada's Rachel Homan 7-5 in a thrilling women's final. This victory not only marks a significant achievement for Hasselborg but also signals a potential return to the top for one of curling's most celebrated teams. With a perfect 7-0 record throughout the tournament, Hasselborg's team showed impressive form, outlasting Homan in a hard-fought battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Final Match: Hasselborg vs. Homan

The highly anticipated final between Team Anna Hasselborg and Team Rachel Homan was nothing short of spectacular. Both teams had been dominant throughout the tournament, but it was Hasselborg who came out on top with a 7-5 victory. The match was a rollercoaster of high-stakes moments, with both teams exchanging points and momentum swings until the final end.

Early Momentum Shifts

Hasselborg’s team took an early lead by scoring two points in the eighth end, a critical moment that sealed their victory. However, Homan quickly responded, tying the game in the second end with a two-point conversion. The early stages were marked by strategic shot-making and defensive plays, with both teams vying for the hammer.

“I think it could be those little things in these kinds of games,” said Hasselborg. Her team took advantage of those "little things," including a stolen point in the fourth end and a well-executed draw in the eighth.

Key Moments and Turning Points

The match was filled with crucial shots that made the difference. One such moment came in the third end when Homan's team forced Hasselborg to execute a difficult draw to the four-foot circle for a single point. Homan's pressure continued in the fifth end, where she managed to tie the game with a two-point score, but Hasselborg was undeterred.

In the sixth end, Homan forced Hasselborg into a tough tap shot while facing three stones in the house. Despite the tricky conditions, Hasselborg maintained her composure, managing to keep the game close. Homan had a chance to take control in the seventh end, but a missed shot on her first stone allowed Hasselborg to seize momentum once again.

The Winning Shot

As the game approached its final end, it was clear that Hasselborg's experience and calm under pressure would be the deciding factor. With the score tied at 5-5 in the eighth end, Hasselborg executed a flawless draw to the button, securing two points and ensuring the victory. "It was the dream," said Hasselborg, reflecting on the final shot.

Hasselborg’s Path to Victory: A Well-Deserved Win

This victory marks Hasselborg’s first Grand Slam title since the Players' Championship in April 2022, and it comes after a period of strategic rebuilding for her team. The squad, which includes third Sara McManus, second Agnes Knochenhauer, and lead Sofia Mabergs, had focused on maintaining a steady level of performance rather than pushing for constant wins. The result of that patience and dedication was on full display at the WFG Masters.

A Well-Deserved Reward

For Hasselborg, the victory was about more than just the title; it was a testament to her team’s hard work and perseverance. "We decided to have two years that were more of a maintenance," she explained. "This year, we weren’t certain if it would pay off but all the hard work is definitely paying off." Hasselborg's emotional reaction after the win reflects the significance of the achievement: "I’m so proud of the way we are playing and to get the win out of that is also showing that we’re doing the right things."

The Prize and The Future

The win at the WFG Masters came with a $42,000 share of the $400,000 prize pool. More importantly, it solidified Hasselborg's place as one of the top teams in women's curling. Looking forward, the victory at the Masters marks a strong foundation for future tournaments, and Hasselborg believes this could be the start of a climb back to the top of the rankings.

Rachel Homan’s Resilience in Defeat

Though Team Rachel Homan fell short in the final, their performance was nothing to be ashamed of. Homan, along with third Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew, and lead Sarah Wilkes, displayed remarkable resilience throughout the tournament. The Ottawa-based team has been a dominant force in women's curling, having reached their fourth consecutive Grand Slam final, with a record 17 Grand Slam titles to their name.

Despite their impressive run, Homan couldn’t quite capture the title this time. However, the runner-up finish at the WFG Masters earned them $34,000 and further solidified their reputation as one of the top teams in the sport.

What’s Next for Team Hasselborg and the Grand Slam Circuit?

As Team Hasselborg celebrates their eighth Grand Slam title, all eyes will be on their upcoming competitions. The team’s recent performance signals a return to form, and they will be looking to continue their success as they head into the next stages of the curling season.

With the WFG Masters behind them, the next challenge will be to maintain their momentum and challenge other top teams like Team Homan and emerging contenders. For now, though, it’s all about savoring the moment.

Conclusion: A Historic Win for Anna Hasselborg

Anna Hasselborg's triumph at the 2025 WFG Masters represents not only her eighth Grand Slam title but also a testament to the team's strategic approach and perseverance. By holding off Rachel Homan in a dramatic final, Hasselborg has reaffirmed her place at the top of women's curling. As her team looks ahead, this victory could be the catalyst for a renewed push for dominance in the sport.

Follow the journey of Anna Hasselborg and other curling stars as they prepare for future tournaments in the Grand Slam circuit. Stay tuned for more curling news and insights from the world of competitive curling!