MasterChef Winner Vinnie Just Revealed What He’s Doing With The $250,000 Prize—And Fans Are Speechless
The MasterChef Australia 2026 Grand Finale is finally here, with contestants Petro and Vinnie in the Top 2, battling it out for the top prize.
While the hit reality cooking show is known for its wholesome nature, this season brought its fair share of high-pressure moments and fan complaints ranging from hygiene concerns and budget cuts to elimination outrage and backlash over judge decisions.
Although love was still very much in the air this year, as the contestants were shown supporting each other through thick and thin each episode, so much so that it sparked rumours of a secret romance brewing between two of the contestants.
In the end, the Grand Finale finally aired on Sunday, August 9, with the result unknown to even the winner themselves until that evening.
MasterChef Australia has been doing pre-recorded dual or multiple winner endings for quite some time now as a way to protect the result from spoilers and keep the magic alive.
If you thought you were feeling stressed, imagine how Petro and Vinnie felt!
So, without further ado, here is the winner of MasterChef Australia 2026, with the crowned chef telling WHO their plans for the grand prize.
The winner of MasterChef Australia 2026 is Vinnie.
For the Grand Finale, the contestants went head-to-head in two challenges – a Mystery Box challenge and a pressure test.
In the first challenge, the contestants were given 75 minutes to prepare a dish that celebrated the guest judges who appeared throughout the season.
In the final challenge, Vinnie and Petro were tasked with a five-hour pressure test, replicating renowned pastry chef Cherish Finden’s extravagant Chinese Afternoon Tea. This included nine intricate petit gateaux – a monster of a challenge!
‘I was running on empty by the end.’
Both contestants revealed that the Grand Finale challenge was one of the “hardest things” they had to do in the competition.
“The pressure test was really intense,” Petro said. “Reading a recipe and cooking for that long, after backing up straight from the semi-final, was probably the hardest thing I had to do in the competition.
“I was running on empty by the end.”
Vinnie seconded this sentiment, describing it as such a “mental battle”.
“The pressure was so full on during the finale,” he said. “Not only had everything we’d been practicing and working for led up to these last moments, but having all my friends and some of my family there just added to the pressure.
“I wanted to make them prouder than ever, while trying to stay as calm as possible. It was just as much a mental battle as it was physical.”
Vinnie reveals plans for $250,000 prize money
Vinnie told WHO their plans with the $250,000 cash prize, revealing some exciting collaborations for the future.
“Honestly, I’ve always been taught to share when you have things to share,” he said. “So first I’d make sure those close to me were in a good place.
“I’d love to move out with my partner Bridge and put some towards a place together.”
Vinnie added: “Ultimately, I’d love to open up a little place of my own, whether that’s paninis or a wine bar. I’d put my heart and soul into it.”
We can’t wait to see what this MasterChef Australia 2026 winner achieves!