Vinnie Gibaldi has been crowned the winner of MasterChef Australia 2026, taking home the $250,000 prize after beating Petro Papathomas in a tense two-part final.
The pair went head-to-head in the final cook-off, with Gibaldi ultimately finishing with 80 points out of a possible 90, compared with Papathomas’s 67.
The first challenge was a 75-minute Mystery Box cook, where the finalists had to create a dish inspired by one of the season’s guest judges.
Gibaldi initially ran into trouble after overcooking his duck, but quickly changed direction and produced a fish dish using flathead. His recovery impressed the judges, earning him 37 points to Papathomas’s 32.
“Vinnie, this dish is better than what you set out to do at the start of the cook,” judge Andy Allen said.
“Mate, that is showing the cook you are.”
The second challenge proved even more demanding, with pastry chef Cherish Finden asking the finalists to recreate three intricate petit gateaux for a Chinese afternoon tea.
Both contestants made mistakes during the five-hour challenge, but Gibaldi’s dishes ultimately edged out Papathomas’s.
Gibaldi scored 45 points in the final challenge, while Papathomas received 35, securing the title for the 2026 season.
After his win, Gibaldi struggled to put his emotions into words.
“I don’t really have any words; that’s just insane. I couldn’t have imagined it from the first day, but I am so, so grateful,” he said.
Gibaldi walks away with $250,000 and the MasterChef title, while Papathomas received $40,000 for finishing second.
Aaron Kher took third place and $10,000.
Image: Channel 10
