World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters the 2026 Masters Tournament as the clear betting favorite to claim his third green jacket in five years, with early odds listing him between +400 and +550 across major sportsbooks just days before the first round at Augusta National.

Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler

Scheffler, who has won two of the last three Masters (2022 and 2024), has posted consistent contention at the event despite a fourth-place finish in 2025. His iron play, short game and ability to navigate Augusta's demanding layout make him the most reliable contender in a star-studded field.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam with a dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose in 2025, sits as a co-second or third favorite at around +1000 to +1100. A back-to-back win would make him the first repeat Masters champion since Tiger Woods in 2001-02, but recent form concerns and a reported back issue have caused his odds to drift slightly from earlier futures.

Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm round out the top tier, both hovering near +1000 across books like FanDuel and DraftKings. DeChambeau has shown strong recent Augusta form with back-to-back high finishes, while Rahm, the 2023 winner, continues to post solid major results even while competing primarily on LIV Golf.

Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Åberg follow closely at +1400 to +2000, with Schauffele boasting multiple top-10s at the Masters in recent years and Åberg emerging as one of the game's brightest young talents.

Top 5 Early Picks for 2026 Masters Winner (Based on Consensus Odds and Form as of Early April 2026)

Here are the top five contenders according to aggregated betting odds from sportsbooks including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and others:

  1. Scottie Scheffler (+400 to +550) — The overwhelming favorite. Scheffler has added multiple majors since his last Masters win and remains the best all-around player in the world. His ball-striking gives him an edge on Augusta's fast, firm greens and tricky second shots. Many models project him near the top of the leaderboard.
  2. Bryson DeChambeau (+1000) — The two-time U.S. Open champion has transformed his approach to Augusta, emphasizing precision over raw power. Recent strong showings make him a live threat for his first green jacket.
  3. Jon Rahm (+850 to +1200) — The 2023 Masters winner brings proven Augusta success and elite short game. Despite LIV Golf commitments, he has stayed competitive in majors and offers strong each-way value.
  4. Rory McIlroy (+1000 to +1100) — As defending champion and fresh off completing the Grand Slam, McIlroy carries immense momentum and Augusta experience (multiple top-10s). A repeat would be historic, but nagging fitness questions add uncertainty.
  5. Xander Schauffele (+1400 to +1800) or Ludvig Åberg (+1400 to +2000) — Schauffele delivers consistent contention at majors with five recent top-10s at the Masters. Åberg, a rising star, has the length and composure to contend in only his second or third appearance.

Current 2026 Masters Odds Snapshot (Approximate Consensus as of April 3, 2026)

  • Scottie Scheffler: +405 to +550
  • Jon Rahm: +850 to +1200
  • Rory McIlroy: +1000 to +1100
  • Bryson DeChambeau: +1000 to +1075
  • Xander Schauffele: +1400 to +1800
  • Ludvig Åberg: +1400 to +2000
  • Cameron Young / Matt Fitzpatrick / Tommy Fleetwood: +2000 to +2500 range
  • Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Patrick Reed: +2500 to +3800

Odds vary by sportsbook and continue to fluctuate with late withdrawals, practice round performances and weather forecasts. Augusta National's par-72 layout rewards precision iron play, scrambling and experience on its lightning-fast greens — factors that favor veterans like Scheffler, McIlroy and Rahm while leaving room for surprises from players such as Fitzpatrick or Reed, who have strong course history.

The 2026 field features approximately 90-93 players, including all past champions with lifetime exemptions, recent major winners and top-ranked professionals. Tiger Woods remains a sentimental longshot at +15000 despite limited recent competitive play.

Analysts note that while Scheffler is the deserved favorite, the Masters has a history of delivering drama. Past champions like McIlroy (now seeking repeat) and Rahm know the unique demands of the course, while emerging talents like Åberg could capitalize on any early mistakes by the frontrunners.

Practice rounds this week will offer key insights into form, particularly how players handle the par-5s (where recent winners have feasted) and the treacherous back nine. Weather in early April often plays a role, with wind and firm conditions amplifying the difficulty.

For bettors, value may lie beyond the top names. Some experts highlight Matt Fitzpatrick at +2500 for his recent form surge, while others point to consistent Augusta performers like Patrick Reed (+3000-plus) who have multiple top-10s here.

The tournament tees off April 9, with the traditional par-3 contest on Wednesday. All eyes will be on whether Scheffler can solidify his status as the game's dominant force or if McIlroy can etch his name deeper into Masters lore with a historic defense.

Regardless of the outcome, the 2026 Masters promises another week of unforgettable moments at golf's most iconic venue.