MasterChef 2025: Global Culinary Competition Faces Historic Changes and New Directions

Global Transformation of MasterChef in 2025

MasterChef, recognized as the world’s most successful cookery television format by Guinness World Records, has now been commissioned across 70 markets with over 700 seasons and more than 16,000 episodes aired to date.

American MasterChef: Dynamic Duos

The American version’s fifteenth season, dubbed ‘MasterChef: Dynamic Duos,’ premiered on May 21, 2025, introducing a groundbreaking format where contestants compete in pairs for the first time ever, vying for the trophy, title, and $250,000 prize. The show welcomed Tiffany Derry as the new judge, joining veterans Gordon Ramsay and Joe Bastianich, following Aarón Sánchez’s departure.

British MasterChef: Unprecedented Changes

The BBC has confirmed that the amateur series of MasterChef will broadcast from August 6 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, maintaining its position as a ‘life-changing’ competition for amateur chefs. Following a tumultuous period with both presenters under investigation, Irish chef Anna Haugh has stepped in as a judge. Having previously appeared as a guest judge, she was well-positioned to offer contestants feedback.

International Expansions

In Canada, CTV has announced a fresh new season of MasterChef Canada for 2025/26, where everyday Canadians will compete in high-stakes cooking challenges for the title and a $100,000 cash prize. Meanwhile, MasterChef Australia’s series 17 premiered on April 28, 2025, featuring a ‘Back to Win’ concept with 24 returning contestants, culminating in Laura Sharrad’s victory over Callum Hann in the grand finale on August 12, 2025.

Professional Series Evolution

The Professional version continues with Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing returning as judges in 2025, featuring four weeks of heats followed by semi-finals and finals, with the ultimate winner to be crowned in December 2025.