The 32-year-old surged across the line in a time of 2hr 1min 30sec in a thrilling men's cross-country 50 kilometres mass start classic.

Golberg's compatriot and five-time Olympic champion Johannes Høsflot Klæbo had to settle for silver as he finished just one second off the pace.

Sweden's William Poromaa then made up the top three 0.2 after Klæbo in a photo-finish.

The result marked the fourth World Championships gold medal of Golberg's career after winning team sprint and the 4x10km relay also in Slovenia.

He also has a 4x10km relay win from Oberstdorf 2021.

"It's easy to say yes (to that) right now," he said.

"To win the 50km in classic style is every skier's dream.

"To win at the World Champs' is even bigger.

"It's been a dream, for sure.

"To win an individual medal has been a big goal for me and I was lucky to do it in the first race and have my shoulders down (for the rest of the competitions).

"Today I had everything to win and had a really, really good day with good skis so I'm so happy."

The conclusion of the Championships sees Norway finish on top with 12 gold, 10 silver and five bronze medals.

Sweden claimed second place with four gold, three silver, and five bronze medals while Germany's three gold, six silver, and three bronzes puts them third.