Elfyn Evans clinched his first world title when his main rival Oliver Solberg crashed two corners from the end of Sardinia Rally, the final event of the season.
"It has not sunk in just yet. I was quite sure it was over. I threw everything at it. I feel for Oliver," said Evans at the finish.
The Welshman had finished second in the standings in five of the last six seasons. When he crossed the line at the end of his final stage with Solberg still on the course and leading, the Welshman lamented: "It seems like we are back in the same situation."
Evans started the weekend with a 21-point lead over Toyota teammate Solberg.
The Swede attacked, winning four stages to collect bonus points for leading on Saturday night. He opened Sunday by winning a fifth stage.
Meanwhile, the Welshman drove conservatively, not finishing in the top three on any stage between Thursday's opener and stage 15 on Sunday, by which time it was clear his championship lead was under threat.
On the next stage, the second last, Evans had to stop to change a puncture, losing more than a minute to the Swede.
Entering the final 'Power Stage', which offers the five fastest finishers bonus points, Solberg trailed by just one point in the driver standings.
The equation was simple at the start of the 7.1 km stage plunging down towards the Mediterranean over a mix of gravel and sand: whichever of Evans and Solberg was fastest would be crowned world champion.
As leader, Solberg went last. He had not finished when Evans crossed the line and immediately faced a microphone.
"I'm pretty sure it won't be enough," said Evans. "I'm not giving up but I'm being honest."
Solberg was faster than Evans at the first two timing points but two corners from the end he went off.
The Swede crossed the line eighth 14.5sec behind stage winner Thierry Neuville of Hyundai but crucially 8.9sec behind third-placed Evans.
Solberg won the race, by 57.6 seconds from Sebastien Ogier with Sami Pajari, in a third Toyota next another 39.8sec behind.
Evans finished fifth 4min 48.1sec behind Solberg but won the world title by five points from Solberg with Pajari a single point further back in third.