Ystads last took the title in 2022, but were a cut above the rest in the regular season this time, winning 20 and drawing three of their 26 matches to finish top of the standings. They then brushed IF Hallby and IK Savehof aside in the Playoffs to reach the Final.
They were strong favourites against Hammarby, who only finished seventh, two points inside the top eight, even though they had beaten IFK Kristiansand and OV Helsingborg comfortably in the Playoffs.
Hammarby's improved form almost carried them over the line in game one, but Ystads held on to win 32-31 at home, before the Bajen levelled the series with a 37-35 win at home in game two.
Ystads did just enough once again in the next meeting, winning 33-32, meaning a win Stockholm in game four would seal the title.
The match followed the same pattern as the rest of the series, and approaching the final minutes the scores were tied at 29-29. But two goals from Oskar Joelsson coupled with key saves from goalkeeper Alexander Linden swung the tie in the visitors' favour.
A final goal from Linus Fernebrand put the icing on the cake and Ystads took a 32-29 in the Eriksdalshallen.
Martin Dolk top scored in the match with nine strikes for Hammarby, while eight goals made Julius Lindskog Andersson the top scorer for Ystads.
Linden was the match winner for his side, recording a 33% save rate across the match while also stepping up in the big moments. After the match, the 21-year-old told the league's website, "This is the biggest thing so far in my career."
Twice the age of the goalkeeper is his teammate Kim Andersson, the right-back who began hs career with Ystads and played 240 times for Sweden in an 18-year international career. The 42-year-old's final match in the sport ends with him receiving his fourth Swedish league winner's medal.
"It's hard to describe this. Right now I feel an emptiness. Until the final whistle, you were still active. Now you're done with that part. At the same time, I'm very happy and grateful to have been a part of Ystads IF this season," said the 2007 EHF Champions League winner.
Winning the Handbollsligan does not guarantee a Champions League place for Andersson's teammates next season, though they will have the right to apply for a place in the elite 16-team competition.