The World Test Championship began in 2019, with New Zealand lifting the first title after beating India in the final. The WTC introduced a league-style format for Test cricket, giving every series more meaning.
For two years, ten teams play matches across the world, earning points that decide which two sides reach the final. The top two teams then face each other to determine the champion.
This article presents the complete WTC Winners List from 2019 to 2025. It also covers results, key highlights, and the performances that shaped each edition of the championship.
WTC Winners: Year-Wise Champions and Results
The WTC tournament has crowned its champions across the first three cycles, with each final delivering memorable moments in Test cricket.
| Year(s) | Winner | Runner-Up | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021 | New Zealand | India | Won by 8 wickets | Rose Bowl, Southampton |
| 2021–2023 | Australia | India | Won by 209 runs | The Oval, London |
| 2023–2025 | South Africa | Australia | Won by 5 wickets | Lord’s, London |
Now, let us quickly look at each WTC tournament and see how the winners were crowned
WTC Winners List: Tournament Summaries
Each WTC edition featured unique challenges, with different teams rising to claim the Test Mace through skill and determination.
2019–2021 Tournament
The first World Test Championship kicked off with the 2019 Ashes between England and Australia.
The tournament faced a big disruption when COVID-19 stopped matches in March 2020, but cricket resumed a few months later.
New Zealand made it to the final after Australia’s series against South Africa was cancelled, and India joined as the second finalist. It set up the first-ever WTC final.
The final was held at the Rose Bowl in Southampton from June 18–23, 2021. Rain delayed play on two days, but New Zealand won on the reserve day.
Kane Williamson led the team, and Kyle Jamieson shone with his bowling to earn Player of the Match.
2021–2023 Tournament
The second World Test Championship cycle started in August 2021 with the Pataudi Trophy between India and England.
The ICC introduced a new points system to make the competition fairer across a series of different lengths.
Australia secured its spot in the final after winning the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
India joined them when Sri Lanka failed to beat New Zealand in a key series, setting up the championship clash.
The final took place at The Oval in London from June 7–11, 2023. Australia won by 209 runs, with Pat Cummins leading the team and Travis Head’s century in the first innings earning him Player of the Match.
2023–2025 Tournament
The third World Test Championship cycle began on June 16, 2023, with the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. The ICC confirmed Lord’s as the venue for the 2025 final well in advance, giving teams a clear target.
South Africa and Australia qualified for the final, where the Proteas chased 282 runs to win by five wickets.
Aiden Markram remained unbeaten on 136, with captain Temba Bavuma providing crucial support to guide the team to victory.
The win ended South Africa’s 27-year wait for an ICC title, a historic moment for the team. Markram also contributed with the ball, taking 1/5 across both innings, showing his all-round impact in the final.
WTC Winners List: Key Stats
Across its first three cycles, the World Test Championship has seen remarkable performances from players and teams, setting new records in elite Test cricket
| Category | Player / Team | Span / Match | Key Details | Opposition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Total | England | 823/7d | 150 overs, RR 5.48 | Pakistan |
| Lowest Total | West Indies | 27 | 14.3 overs, RR 1.86 | Australia |
| Most Runs | JE Root (ENG) | 2019–2025 | 6080 Runs | – |
| Most Wickets | NM Lyon (AUS) | 2019–2025 | 219 Wickets | – |
| Most Dismissals | AT Carey (AUS) | 2021–2025 | 177 Dismissals | – |
| Highest Partnership by Runs | JE Root, HC Brook | 4th Wicket | 454 Runs | Pakistan |
Source: The above stats are taken from ESPNcricinfo, which tracks detailed records and performances across all WTC matches.
The World Test Championship has seen standout performances, with players and teams making a big impact in important moments.
Partnerships, batting, bowling, and fielding have often decided the outcome of matches.
Players like JE Root, NM Lyon, and AT Carey, along with teams achieving record highs and lows, show the skill and determination that define each WTC cycle.
When is the Next ICC World Test Championship Event?
The ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 began on 17 June 2025 and will continue until mid-2027, with the top two teams facing off in the final.
After seven matches, Australia leads the points table, followed by Sri Lanka and India. Fans can check the latest points, match results, upcoming fixtures, and viewing options to stay updated on the ongoing WTC cycle.
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Conclusion: From 2019 to 2025, The WTC Winners Shaped Cricket History
Since 2019, three nations have lifted the WTC Trophy: New Zealand (2021), Australia (2023), and South Africa (2025). India reached two finals but finished as runners-up both times.
The WTC has given Test cricket added meaning, turning series into crucial contests and making the final a high-stakes event. The Test Mace remains the ultimate prize in the longest format.
It will be interesting to see who emerges as the ultimate winner in the ongoing WTC 2025–2027 Tournament.
FAQs
No team has qualified for all three finals of the WTC so far. India made it to the final during the first two editions, but ended up on losing side both times.
No venue has hosted multiple WTC finals yet. Lord’s in London and The Oval in London have each hosted one final.
No captain has led multiple teams to the WTC finals. Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma each captained their respective nations in one final.
No team has chased 300 or more runs in a WTC final. South Africa’s chase of 282 in 2025 remains the highest successful run chase in WTC final history.
