grandstand finish

Plural

grandstand finishes

an exciting or dramatic conclusion to a sporting event, often with a close or unexpected outcome

The marathon came to a grandstand finish as the two lead runners sprinted neck and neck towards the finish line, with the eventual winner crossing by a mere fraction of a second.
The soccer match ended in a grandstand finish with a last-minute goal from the underdog team, stunning the crowd and securing their improbable victory.
The Formula 1 race concluded in a grandstand finish as the drivers jockeyed for position in the final laps, with the eventual winner overtaking their rival in a daring maneuver just before the checkered flag.
The boxing match ended in a grandstand finish with both fighters exchanging furious blows in the final round, leaving the outcome uncertain until the judges' decision was announced.
The golf tournament reached a grandstand finish as the leader narrowly missed a putt on the final hole, opening the door for a sudden-death playoff to determine the winner.