When it comes to competitive cooking, no one does it quite like Gordon Ramsay. Known for pushing culinary limits and raising the stakes in every kitchen he steps into, Ramsay’s Next Level Chef takes food reality television to a whole new height—literally. Set in a towering, multi-tiered kitchen designed to challenge chefs of all backgrounds, the show promises not just a test of skill, but also a true test of adaptability, grit, and raw talent.
The Top 14 Contestants: A Melting Pot of Passion
From social media sensations and self-taught home cooks to classically trained chefs and food truck owners, Next Level Chef thrives on its diverse pool of contestants. This season’s top 14 include:
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Julius “JuJu” James – A high-energy TikTok chef who turned his viral fame into real kitchen chops.
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Samantha Vega – A young sous-chef known for her elegant plating and calm under pressure.
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Marcus Hall – A Navy veteran turned food truck owner specializing in fusion street food.
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Lia Park – A pastry chef with a flair for molecular gastronomy.
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Benji Thomas – A southern BBQ pitmaster with a heart of gold and smoke in his veins.
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Carla “CJ” Jones – A tough-talking diner cook whose no-nonsense attitude hides a sensitive soul.
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Tomás Delgado – A Michelin-star-trained chef trying to prove he can thrive in any kitchen.
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Emily Hart – A home cook and mother of three with dreams bigger than her suburban oven.
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Dev Patel – An Indian-American chef known for fusing traditional spices with modern techniques.
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Raquel Stone – A fiery YouTube star who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
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Omar Richardson – A soulful chef with a background in Southern Creole cuisine.
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Grace Lin – A vegan chef determined to show that plant-based food can win competitions.
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Ethan Rowe – A culinary school dropout with something to prove.
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Vanessa Cruz – A high-pressure restaurant chef who thrives in chaotic kitchens.
Each contestant is mentored by one of the three culinary giants: Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais. Their guidance is crucial, especially when contestants must adapt to drastically different kitchen environments—from the luxurious “Top Level” stocked with state-of-the-art tools to the barebones “Basement Kitchen” where creativity and improvisation are king.
The First Elimination: A Shocking Exit
The first episode wastes no time in setting the tone. The contestants are immediately thrown into a high-stakes challenge that tests not just their cooking skills, but their ability to adapt to the random kitchen they’re assigned. In Next Level Chef, the level you’re on can make or break your dish, and the food elevator waits for no one.
Unfortunately, one chef’s dream had to end early—and the first elimination was nothing short of emotional. Ethan Rowe, the bold culinary school dropout, became the first casualty of the season. Despite his ambition and natural talent, Ethan’s dish fell flat in execution and flavor, and he was unable to recover under the pressure. Ramsay’s farewell was heartfelt but firm: “Sometimes talent needs more time to mature. Don’t stop cooking, Ethan.” The elimination was a wake-up call for the rest of the contestants. It was a reminder that Next Level Chef is not just about fancy ingredients or flashy presentation—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the will to fight for every single plate.
Why This Season Feels Like the Best One Yet
From the diverse range of contestants to the dynamic mentorship from Ramsay, Arrington, and Blais, this season of Next Level Chef is shaping up to be the most emotionally resonant and technically impressive yet. The production value is unmatched, with stunning visuals of the towering kitchen and adrenaline-pumping time challenges that keep viewers glued to the screen. What makes the show stand out, however, isn’t just the competition—it’s the heart. You see stories of redemption, grit, and growth in real-time. Watching a home cook stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a Michelin chef and hold their own? That’s next level inspiration.
What’s Next?
With 13 chefs left, the heat is only just beginning to rise. Who will rise through the ranks? Who will crack under the pressure? And who will surprise everyone with a culinary comeback? One thing’s for certain: in Next Level Chef, every moment counts, every dish tells a story, and every elimination hits harder than the last.
