The highly anticipated 13th edition of MasterChef premiered on March 31, 2025, on La 1 de Televisión Española, igniting excitement among culinary enthusiasts across Spain. This season promises a vibrant mix of talent, creativity, and heartfelt stories, as 40 contestants vie for the coveted title of the best amateur chef in the country.
Judges Pepe Rodríguez, Samantha Vallejo-Nágera, and Jordi Cruz returned to evaluate the contestants’ culinary creations, which ranged from traditional dishes to innovative gastronomic experiments. The premiere episode showcased a final selection phase, where hopefuls cooked their hearts out to impress the judges and secure their place in the competition.
Among the contestants is a remarkable lineup that includes a 75-year-old tiktoker known for her economical apple pie recipe, a police officer from the GEO (Grupo Especial de Operaciones), a priestess from Ibiza, and a former contestant of MasterChef Junior USA. The diversity of backgrounds reflects the show’s commitment to showcasing talent across generations and experiences.
The judges evaluated the contestants’ dishes with assistance from renowned chef Toño Pérez, who holds three Michelin stars. Those who did not make the cut received gray aprons, indicating they would face one last elimination challenge before being sent home.
One standout contestant, Elena, shared her inspiring journey with the judges, recounting a near-death experience in 2012 when her heart stopped for seven minutes. "Bajando de un avión, se me para el corazón. Tuve una muerte súbita, estuve 7 minutos con el corazón parado. Estuve un mes en el hospital," she explained, demonstrating her resilience and passion for cooking.
Another contestant, Hurri, a member of the Special Operations Group of the National Police, expressed his desire to transition from a life of high-stakes missions to culinary creativity. "MasterChef va a ser la puerta de cumplir el sueño de mi familia," he said, highlighting the personal stakes involved for many participants.
The show’s format this year introduces a generational battle, where contestants from different age groups will compete against each other, bringing their unique culinary perspectives to the table. This year’s season is not just about competition; it also emphasizes solidarity and community engagement.
MasterChef 13 has committed to several charitable initiatives, including a tribute to the victims of the DANA disaster in Valencia, a charity cooking event for the Cáritas soup kitchen in Plasencia, and an animal adoption campaign in collaboration with local shelters. These efforts aim to highlight the importance of social responsibility while engaging viewers in meaningful causes.
Viewers can catch the show at 22:50 (peninsular time), right after La Revuelta, and each episode will run for approximately two and a half hours, concluding around 01:50. For those unable to watch live, episodes will be available on the RTVE Play platform.
The stakes are high this season, with the winner set to receive 100,000 euros, the coveted MasterChef trophy, and the opportunity to publish a recipe book. Additionally, the top three contestants will be awarded scholarships to prestigious culinary programs, including a Master’s degree in Cuisine, Technique, and Product at the Basque Culinary Center in San Sebastián.
This season promises not only culinary challenges but also a showcase of personal stories that resonate with audiences. The contestants’ diverse backgrounds and experiences enrich the competition, making it a compelling watch for fans of all ages.
As MasterChef 13 unfolds, viewers can expect to see contestants tackle extreme culinary challenges, including cooking with unusual ingredients and exploring different cooking techniques. The judges will push the contestants to their limits, ensuring that only the most talented and resilient chefs will make it to the final rounds.
In a world where culinary excellence is celebrated, MasterChef continues to inspire aspiring chefs and home cooks alike. With its blend of competition, creativity, and compassion, the show remains a beloved staple of Spanish television.
As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see who will ultimately claim the title and all the accompanying prizes. The journey of these contestants promises to be filled with emotion, laughter, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
