MasterChef: The Professionals 2026: Who won the 18th series?

Another year, another series of MasterChef: The Professionals. For the past seven weeks we’ve watched as a brand new batch of hopeful chefs battled it out in a whirlwind of challenges, each vying for the top spot. The hit programme, which has just completed its 18th year, saw an incredibly high calibre of skill and dedication among its 32 contestants, but only one could be crowned the winner. 

Things were a bit different for 2026. Whilst Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing returned to judge for 2026, Gregg Wallace is no longer part of MasterChef: The Professionals, having been replaced by Matt Tebbutt following allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite a hiatus back in 2022 to focus on her family and restaurant, Monica returned in 2023 bringing her beloved no-nonsense approach to judging to the MasterChef kitchen. Previous years also saw Michel Roux Jr, former chef patron of Le Gavroche, as a judge, although he departed in 2014 with Wareing taking his place.

The show followed a similar structure to previous years, with 32 chefs split into heats to start with. Subsequent challenges typically include cooking for critics or guest chefs, mass catering tests, invention trials, service in a top restaurant and a chef’s table. By the final week, there were only four contestants left, who battled it out for the title of the series champion. While there isn’t actually a prize per se, winners of this prestigious competition are often catapulted into stardom. Winners often go on to work in top restaurants, write cookbooks or even open their own restaurants.

Another series has come to an end. But in case you missed it, below you’ll find everything you need to know about Masterchef: The Professionals 2026 - including who was competing, what happened throughout the competition and who was crowned the winner.

When did MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 start?

MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 started on Tuesday 10 February with three episodes airing every week for seven weeks.

Who were the judges on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?

2026 saw a switch up with the MasterChef: The Professionals judges. Monica Galetti and Marcus Wareing returned for another year, this time accompanied by Saturday Kitchen presenter Matt Tebbutt, who replaced Gregg Wallace following allegations of sexual misconduct. Although it was recently announced that Matt Tebbutt would only be participating for the one season, with no plans to return next year.

Who won MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?

It was 40-year-old Gareth Baty who was awarded the trophy and given the title of MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 champion. Gareth is a private chef, originally from Cumbria, who wowed the judges with his food which Marcus described as 'bold, flavoursome and from the heart' with Monica adding that his final three dishes were 'faultless'.

Commenting on his win, Gareth said: 'This means everything to me, it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had. It’s absolutely incredible, I’m over the moon. If I’ve learned anything through this competition it’s cooking food you believe in and cooking from the heart can take you a long way. Hopefully this journey is just the beginning.'

Gareth's winning menu:

Starter: Langoustine and green apple tartar, served with a kefir and caviar sauce that had been split with dill oil, topped with tomato tuille, dusted with tomato powder, served with a marie rose langoustine mayonnaise.

Main: Chicken breast roulade wrapped in a chicken and truffle mousse, with king oyster mushroom, set puree and tarragon mayonnaise, served with a side of shoestring fries, finished with a madeira sauce.

Dessert: A layer of milk chocolate cremeux, and dulce de leche cremeux, topped with a brandy snap and brandy poached pears, finished with a ginger and brandy sauce.

 Who was in the MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 final three?

Following seven weeks of intense competition, including an intense knock out week, and high-stakes semi final, only three chefs could make it through to the final. The final three this year were:

MasterChef: The Professionals Final Three: Luke, Mark, Gareth [left to right, top to bottom]

Luke

Bringing a wealth of experience to the competition, Luke started working in kitchens at just 14 years old. He then went on to complete his training at South Downs College, where he worked throughout his training in a variety of kitchens, before taking on his first ‘proper’ job at Jamie’s Italian in Portsmouth, where he worked his way up the ranks. Since then, he’s worked as Head Chef at The Still & West pub, and the 2AA Rosette pub, the Wykeham Arms.

Mark

Having grown up in Dublin, Mark’s culinary skills are mostly self-taught, having taken a short professional culinary course before landing his first chef position at Coppinger Row in Dublin. Following that, he headed to London, where he worked at The Dairy in Clapham, which probably had the most influential impact on him as a chef. He has since run his own American BBQ pop-up, Snake Oil in Margate, now working at Willys in Margate.

Gareth

Gareth was inspired to cook at an early age, following in the footsteps of his mother who was also a chef. She taught him to love food, and this passion has taken him across the world from Berners Tavern in London to Harlem Food Bar in New York. Nowadays, Gareth works as a private chef, running his own business creating personalised dining experiences for his clients.

What are the challenges on MasterChef: The Professionals?

The challenges on MasterChef: The Professionals differ slightly from the regular series, with more complex tasks given to contestants, as might be expected. From coming up with high-end dining concepts on the spot to stripping techniques back and making a meal without any fancy chef equipment, the cooks are really put through their paces. Below are details on the most common challenges, so you know what to expect from MasterChef: The Professionals this year.

Skills test

For many this is the most stressful round to watch as chefs are given a classic dish or technique to tackle under the watchful eye of the judges. The judges typically take turns demonstrating how they would like each challenge completed before contestants are called in to have a go themselves with minimal instructions. There’s always a pastry chef who is horrified by having to debone an animal and always someone who has never made pasta. Enjoy.

Signature dish

The signature dish challenge is played out each and every year and requires the team of hopefuls to showcase their cooking style in just one plate of food. There are bound to be ups and downs, with some triumphing and others seeing their dreams shatter on the unveiling of a solid chocolate fondant or an overcooked piece of meat.

Invention test

The invention test really sorts the wheat from the chaff, where chefs are given one humble ingredient and are tasked with creating something beautiful from it, with the choice of just a few other larder ingredients. In previous shows Marcus has given everyone rice to cook with, to see what they can make from such an everyday product. Other invention tests will take place throughout the competition, with the format usually allowing the chefs to choose from a limited range of ingredients in order to produce a specific sweet or savoury task set by the judges. 

Pop-up challenge

Previously, the contestants had to take on a pop-up food stand at Pergola London food market. This MasterChef challenge was aired over two episodes and saw street food at the centre of the chefs’ offerings. There was an audience of the MasterChef judges as well as invited foodie royalty, who all voted on their favourite dishes to crown a winner. 

A personal dish

Another stalwart of the MasterChef lineup, the personal dish round challenges the contestants to produce one plate of food that evokes a memory, reminds them of a favourite person or holds sentimental value to them for some reason. The stories here are usually as good as the cooking, with everyone putting their all into making their friends and family proud after having name-checked them as the inspiration.

The chef’s table

Arguably the most important challenge of all the rounds, the chef’s table is an annual event held in central London. High-profile industry professionals are invited along, including Michelin-starred chefs (holding an intimidating 20 stars between them typically), to try the dishes of the MasterChef: The Professionals hopefuls. 

What is the prize on MasterChef: The Professionals?

Surprisingly, after weeks of intense competition, contestants receive no prize other than the prestige of winning. Everything is at stake when you are being judged on your livelihood though. The real prize is the new connections and opportunities that come with the publicity from the show. In fact, many winners go on to open their own restaurants or write cookbooks, and become celebrities in their own right.

If you're keen to brush up on your own culinary skills, check out this handy guide to the best cooking classes in the UK.