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MasterChef 2024 winner announced following dramatic finale: 'Deserved win'
Nat Thaipun and Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry battled it out to the very end.
Season 16 of MasterChef Australia came to a dramatic end on Tuesday night with finalists Nat Thaipun and Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry going head-to-head for the title. Armed with very different skill sets, the top two had to impress the judges in a two-round cook starting with an ingredient knockout challenge and ending with a pressure test set by British superstar chef Clare Smyth.
Nat started off strong in round one by making a scotch egg with sai oua, a Northern Thai sausage, and nam prig noom, a Thai roasted green chilli dip, and scored a total of 36 points. Meanwhile, Pezza cooked a rib eye steak with fondant potatoes, brussels sprouts and peppercorn sauce and earned 33 points.
For round two they each had to recreate Clare Smyth’s epic ‘Core-teser’ dessert, her high-end take on a Malteser. The pair both received sevens across the board, taking Nat’s total score to 71 points and making her the winner of this year’s season.
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The Victorian-based barista was awarded $250,000 and a residency at Crown Melbourne’s ALUMNI restaurant, while Pezza received $40,000 and Savindri ‘Sav’ Perera took home $10,000 for coming third.
“I feel so good, this is crazy! It feels like a dream but it’s not, it just happened, I just won MasterChef Australia,” Nat said after being announced the champion.
Fans react to Nat's 'deserved' win
MasterChef fans took to social media following the episode to congratulate Nat, with many admitting they suspected she was going to win early on in the competition.
“Since the very first episode, it was between David, Mimi and Nat for me and I’m so glad my girl won. Definitely a deserved win!” one person wrote, while another added, “Nat winning the first immunity pin, immunity twice in Hong Kong and then the final immunity challenge. She really is the most deserving winner”.
“Nat was always a standout from the start. Winning the immunity pin at the season opening and then winning the competition at the end. Such a force,” a third remarked.
“I’m so proud of Nat! I love her creativity, her willingness to push boundaries, and her high-risk, high-reward approach,” someone else shared, followed by a different user who said, “Congrats Nat! Thank you for being the most amazing representation and being a bada** all season!”.
“Wonderful to see Nat win, especially with the pressure test a tie, making it on the strength of HER cooking not another's recipe,” another pointed out.
'This journey has ignited my heart'
Nat also took to Instagram to share a lengthy post celebrating her win, saying it felt like a “fever dream”.
“To everyone who’s been part of this journey, from chaotic kitchens to quiet reflections, thank you. You believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself,” she penned. “This victory is a collective triumph, a testament to the power of community, friendship, and the bonds forged over shared meals. As I take the next steps into this incredible food journey, I invite you to tune in. This journey has ignited my heart. First stop, London. Here we go.”
Judges celebrate Nat's win
The show’s judges left heartwarming comments on her post, with Sofia Levin writing: “It’s not every season that you see someone’s talent, as well as a unique cooking style, shine from day one. Absolutely deserved, Natty. So heartwarming to see you and the family so loving, connected and proud, too. Go forth!”
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“Natty, your unique flair was unmistakable right from the beginning but this competition runs you through so many kinds of mazes - physically mentally and creatively and you endured with flying colours,” Poh Ling Yeow replied. “I dare say this might be the most magical moment in your life. No one gets to take this away from you. I’m so excited to watch your climb because this is just the beginning. Go gettum lil wolf!”
Nat, who won the opportunity to go to London and cook alongside Jamie Oliver in his restaurant as part of the first immunity challenge, also received a comment from the iconic British chef himself.
“Such an amazing achievement Natty what a journey enjoy the results of your hard work 👏👏👏👏👏 big love Jamie ox,” he said.
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