After an incredible 2024 season, the winner of MasterChef Australia this year has finally been decided…
Nat Thaipun has won the title after a final high-pressure and high-intensity challenge that pushed both remaining cooks to their limits.
Judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli were beyond impressed with the skills both Nat and runner-up Josh Perry showed, and the incredible progress they’ve shown over the course of the season.
Nat received a score of 71 points out of a possible 90, just beating Josh as he had a score of 68 out of 90.
Nat’s victory clearly meant a lot to her, as she was instantly brought to tears when it was announced she had just claimed the title as well as $250,000.
“It feels so good! It feels like a dream, but it’s not,” she said in disbelief.
It was all love between the two finalists, with both cooks sharing heartfelt and genuine tributes to one another ahead of the big day.
“My finals buddy—congrats! No matter what happens tomorrow, your growth and hunger for knowledge make you the fiercest competitor. Let’s do this!,” Nat wrote.
Meanwhile, Josh shared, “I’d like to wish [Nat] 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.”
Nat had a stellar season, and was a frontrunner to win from the very start.
The 28-year-old produced some of the best dishes the judges have seen in the competition so far, and even won the first and only immunity pin early on.
Nat constantly nodded to her heritage with her Thai-inspired cooking, and created incredible dishes packed full of flavour, creativity and technicality.
“It’s a proud moment when a judge tells me they’ve never eaten it before. That’s what I’m aiming for: to showcase Thai foods and dishes that people have never seen, because they’re so good,” she previously told TV Week.
But she wasn’t just a frontrunner in the judges eyes, but in fans’ eyes too.
The Victorian local was tipped to win the competition from the very start, with viewers taking to the popular betting site Sportsbet to share their predictions.
She remained in first place from the first episode right up until the finale.
Runner-up Josh “Pezza” Perry was also beloved by fans from the very start of the season thanks to his lovable personality and simplistic approach to cooking.
His philosophy was to create simple dishes that were executed well, and he was often inspired by the women in his family, which really resonated with viewers.
Whilst he came second, the 43-year-old from Tasmania was beyond grateful for the opportunity to partake in MasterChef and soaked up every minute of the experience.
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