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'MasterChef': A look at all the winners and where they are now

From opening restaurants to judging 'MasterChef' in Spanish, here's a look at past 'MasterChef' champions and what they've been up to
PUBLISHED MAY 25, 2022
(L to R) 'Masterchef' winners Dino Angelo Luciano, Claudia Sandoval, and Christine Ha (Instagram)
(L to R) 'Masterchef' winners Dino Angelo Luciano, Claudia Sandoval, and Christine Ha (Instagram)

Gordon Ramsay's 'MasterChef' premiered on Fox on July 27, 2010, after an episode of the spiritual cousin show 'Hell's Kitchen.' Unlike the latter, 'MasterChef' is open to novices who have primarily ever cooked at home. Every season, the judges must reduce the number of chef-testants until only one survives. The winner receives a $250,000 cash reward as well as the prized trophy, and some champions have even gotten cookbook agreements.

Numerous co-judges have served alongside Chef Ramsay on the game show over the years, including Aaron Sanchez, Christina Tosi, Joe Bastianich, and Graham Elliot. Note on scheduling: the show began airing once a year in 2010, however, the 11th season was momentarily delayed in 2020 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and eventually aired in 2021.

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Where is Whitney Miller, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 1?

Whitney Miller, the first-ever champion of 'MasterChef,' has been extremely busy since claiming the title in 2010. She has two cookbooks, Modern Hospitality: Simple Recipes with Southern Charm and Whitney Miller's New Southern Table; and regularly posts original recipes on her site as a mom of two. Whitney, who was known for her delectable desserts on 'MasterChef,' still knows how to please a sweet craving. Miller launched her cookie business, "Whitney's Cookies," in 2020.



 

Where is Jennifer Behm, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 2?

Jennifer Behm was inducted into the 'MasterChef' hall of fame in 2011 after winning Season 2. Following her victory, she married former 'Chopped' contestant Julio Lazzarini. Behm and Lazzarini together went on to start Pink Martini Catering, and Red Fin Crudo + Kitchen. Their restaurant sadly closed in the summer of 2020. The restaurant was one of many that did not survive the pandemic, although the two cooks are still available for special gatherings.



 

Where is Christine Hà, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 3?

Most MasterChef fans feel that Christine Hà is the most remarkable champion of all time. Not only were her culinary abilities exceptional, but she also outperformed the competition despite being legally blind. Christine has published a cookbook and served as a judge on 'MasterChef: Vietnam' after winning the title. She also co-hosted 'Four Senses,' a cooking show for visually impaired people. The Blind Goat, the chef's first restaurant, was inaugurated in 2018. She opened Xin Chao, a modern Vietnamese restaurant in Houston, last year. On Yelp, The Blind Goat has a four-star rating, and Xin Chao has a four-star rating as well.



 

Where is Luca Manfé, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 4?

Luca Manfé exemplifies the guts and commitment that makes 'MasterChef' such an entertaining cooking competition to watch. He tried out for Season 3 but didn't cut it. By Season 4, he had honed his culinary abilities and blown the competitors away with his Italian cuisine. After winning, he published "My Italian Kitchen: Favorite Family Recipes" On Amazon and has a 4.5-star rating. Luca is now a father and a husband. He owns and operates "Dinner With Luca," a catering company that caters to everything from intimate cocktail parties to large-scale events. He also offers online cooking workshops for anyone interested in learning how to prepare some of his favorite foods.



 

Where is Courtney Lapresi, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 5?

Season 5's victor Courtney Lapresi won the competition by making a final supper of cherry meringue for dessert, duck beak, and crispy pig's ear. The judges were impressed, and she received a $250,000 cash prize as well as a cookbook deal. Following that, she followed in the footsteps of the previous contestants and published her book, "Everyday Fancy: 65 Easy, Elegant Recipes for Meals, Snacks, Sweets, and Drinks." Courtney, unlike most other 'MasterChef' champions, did not pursue a profession in the culinary industry after winning. She instead jumped into sales and has worked with Tesla for several years. Although she does not cook professionally, it is evident from her Instagram that she has a profound love for fine food.

Courtney Lapresi (Instagram/@theposhtart)

Where is Claudia Sandoval, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 6?

In Season 6, Claudia Sandoval and her innovative Mexican food wowed the judges. Since then, she's been occupied and has kept herself busy. She published "Claudia's Cocina: A Taste of Mexico" after winning the competition. Her 'MasterChef' victory paved the way for her to become a judge on 'MasterChef: Latino.' Outside of television, she founded "Claudia's Cocina," a catering and consulting firm. She also owns "Cochi Dorado," a sophisticated Mexican bakery that delivers cookies, empanadas, and other delectable pastries across the country. In her new Discovery+ show, 'Taste of the Border,' she travels the 1,954-mile US-Mexico border, eating her way through a gastronomic road map and exploring often-overlooked border villages.



 

Where is Shaune O'Neal, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 7?

Shaune O'Neal was a DJ in Las Vegas when he entered the contest. Winning 'MasterChef Season 7' drastically altered the course of his career. He has since published his cookbook "My Modern American Table: Recipes for Inspired Home Cooks" and presented several dining events. He's made several media appearances as a food expert, as per his website, and he's also landed several brand collaborations with firms such as Pit Boss Grills, Morningstar Farms, and Macy's.



 

Where is Dino Angelo Luciano, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 8?

Dino Angelo Luciano is without a doubt one of the most notable 'MasterChef' champions in history. The erstwhile dancer drew fans' attention with his unique demeanor, and he drew the judge's interest with his culinary innovation. Dino has been busy hosting many exclusive dinners and popup dining experiences under the moniker 'The Gourmet Rabbit' since his victory. He recorded a hip-hop single under the alias Mal Constant in 2019, but it's uncertain if listeners may expect new music any time soon. Meanwhile, he's busy preparing vegan meals at his Montreal restaurant, Le Mariachi.



 

Where is Gerron Hurt, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 9?

Gerron Hurt was an underdog in the contest—finishing last multiple times throughout Season 9. However, by the end of the season, he had pleased the judges with his cooking and won the prize. In 2019, he featured as a traveling chef on 'Camp MasterChef.' Gerron returned to 'MasterChef' in Season 10 when the show's new contestants were tasked to produce a dish for his wedding. He also owns Southern Ego, a food truck that provides Southern-inspired foods such as bread pudding, mac and cheese, and chicken sandwiches.



 

Where is Dorian Hunter, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 10?

Dorian Hunter of Season 10 became the first Black woman to win 'MasterChef.' Her winning dinner included a lemon blueberry tart, short ribs, and grilled scallops, all influenced by her Southern background. Chef Hunter's ambitions continue unabated. While working on her books, she has been communicating with her fans by attending cooking and networking events. Hunter's website also emphasizes her intention to fund cancer research organizations to do her part. She also works as a content creator and frequently maintains her Instagram account, sharing photographs of delectable dishes with her followers. Hunter also keeps herself busy by cooking delicious food for private occasions regularly.



 

Where is Kelsey Murphy, the winner of 'MasterChef' Season 11?

Kelsey Murphy, a Fishers resident, has traversed the country since winning the 'MasterChef Season 11' culinary competition to make personal appearances or sell the show's line of cooking ware. She was most recently seen at a housewares show in Chicago with Martha Stewart, which was aired by the QVC and HSN television shopping networks. Murphy, on the other hand, will be staying at home for the time being; the newly-minted celebrity is launching a food stand at the Fishers Test Kitchen.



 

The new season of 'MasterChef: Back to Win' will premiere on Fox on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

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