After all of the challenges, eliminations, and arguments, “MasterChef” Season 16 comes to an end tonight on FOX. The “MasterChef” 2026 finale will see the judges — Gordon Ramsay, Tiffany Derry, and Joe Bastianich — reveal the winner of “MasterChef: Global Gauntlet.” The final three home cooks are ready to compete in their final challenge of the season, but who will win “MasterChef” 2026 tonight? Check out our thoughts below in our “MasterChef” spoilers and predictions.
Last Week on ‘MasterChef’ 2026
Last week on “MasterChef” Season 16, the home cooks had the infamous Keeping Up with Gordon Ramsay challenge. However, this one came with a twist.
Yes, the final five home cooks had to keep up with Gordon. However, they first had to keep up with Chef Tiffany! The home cook with the least favorite dish after that challenge would be eliminated.
The remaining four home cooks would then battle it out while trying to keep up with Gordon. The least favorite dish during this part of the challenge would also be eliminated. Yes, a double elimination the week before the finale!
In the first round, we saw Basia eliminated from the competition. Then, during the second part, it was Julia who failed to keep up with Gordon, sending her home from the competition.
With that, it left us with a Top 3 of Jake Kelley, Heidi Muston, and Peter Egede. They will start competing for that “MasterChef” title tonight on FOX.
Who Wins on ‘MasterChef’?
FOX, for some reason, is airing the “MasterChef” Season 16 finale in two parts. Part 1 airs tonight, with Part 2 coming next week. Yes, we will have to wait a week to find out who the winner is.
For the finale, the home cooks will be tasked with creating a three-course meal that is inspired by their roots and their journey on the show. We are down to Peter and Heidi from Team Africa, and Jake from Team Americas.
The winner of Season 16 will be crowned, but not until next week. However, who is going to win it all?
This will be an interesting one, as all three of these home cooks have had standout moments this season. I feel Heidi has been a strong competitor for Team Africa. She has never been in the bottom, so no elimination scares for her.
For Peter, he has been a strong contender for Team Africa, also. He got laid off from his banking job, so he decided to go all-in on his passion for cooking. It seems like it’s this or nothing, so that drive has been keeping him motivated every week.
Jake has been one of the standouts this season. He definitely had a slow start to the season, almost going home during the first week of challenges. However, his flavors kept him in the competition. Since then, he has become stronger and stronger. He does try to do a lot with every dish, which has come back to bite him during the competition.
However, I don’t think it’s going to bite him in the finale. I feel they are all strong home cooks, but I feel there is something appealing about Jake and his story. I feel he turns that appeal into a win this season.
Who do you think wins on “MasterChef” 2026?
Watch Part 1 of the “MasterChef” 2026 Finale with us during our LIVE RECAP here!
