After almost 12 nail-biting weeks of competition, the judges have crowned Nat Thaipun as the winner of MasterChef Australia season 16.
In a high stakes, high reward two-part final challenge, the 28-year-old knuckled down, producing two dishes that completely wowed judges Poh Ling Yeow, Andy Allen, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe-Novelli.
Her first was a Sai Oua Scotch Egg and earned her 36 points out of 40 in comparison to her competitor Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry’s 33.
In the second round, both Nat and Josh were tasked by Three-Hatted Michelin Star Chef Clare Smyth to recreate her 113-step dessert in only four hours.
While initially apprehensive given it was her first dessert pressure test in the competition, Nat remained calm under pressure and plated up a dish that earned her 71 total points to the 68 Josh was awarded.
Headed into the final, Nat was favoured to win with odds listed at $1.22 on betting platforms such as Sportsbet.
She was closely tailed by Tasmanian butcher Josh who had odds of $4.50 to win.
Going into the finale, the duo shared their excitement about making it to the final two with their social media followers.
“Well, something I thought would never happen is about to, me making the Grand Finale, and all I can say is I’m going to give it all I’ve got. I’d like to wish @nattywolf all the best in today’s cooks as I have said all along you’ve been the one to catch in this competition and I’m really proud to be here beside you. Let’s cook our hearts out and enjoy today,” penned Pezza.
“Heading into the finals, I’m feeling all the gratitude and reflection. This ride has been epic, and I’m ready for whatever’s next,” Nat added.
Nat follows in the footsteps of father-of-two Brent Draper who took home the trophy in 2023.
Over the years, past winners have gone on to open their own restaurants, release best-selling cookbooks, and quit their day jobs to pursue their culinary careers, proving that the beloved reality cooking show can truly change lives – and we are certain both Nat and Pezza will be no exception!
