Favy Emerges First-Ever MasterChef Nigeria Winner, Bags ₦73 Million Grand Prize

Favy Emerges First-Ever MasterChef Nigeria Winner, Bags ₦73 Million Grand Prize

LAGOS, Nigeria – Favour Bessan, popularly known as Favy, has made history as the first-ever winner of MasterChef Nigeria, clinching the inaugural Season 1 title and a ₦73 million grand prize after a thrilling 13-week culinary competition.

Favy, 26, defeated fellow finalist Fads in the highly anticipated grand finale aired on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The pair faced an intense final cook-off judged by acclaimed chefs Chef Stone and Chef Eros, who assessed their creativity, technical ability, composure and storytelling through food.

For the decisive challenge, both finalists were required to prepare a three-course menu that reflected their unique culinary identities. Before the competition began, Chef Stone challenged them to "cook from your heart" and express themselves through their dishes.

Favy impressed the judges with a menu that showcased confidence, creativity and technical excellence. Her starter of smoked salmon served with potato mash and roasted bell pepper soup set the tone for a performance that ultimately earned her the coveted MasterChef Nigeria trophy.

Her victory capped an outstanding campaign throughout the competition, during which she consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation and composure under pressure. She also became the first contestant to win the show's Immunity Pin, a strategic advantage that helped secure her place in the semi-finals.

Speaking after being crowned champion, an emotional Favy described the achievement as "a dream come true," dedicating her victory to aspiring home cooks across Nigeria and encouraging them to pursue their passion with determination and hard work.

Since its premiere on April 26, 2026, MasterChef Nigeria has celebrated the country's rich culinary heritage, showcasing talented home cooks through a series of mystery box challenges, pressure tests, team cook-offs and elimination rounds that captivated audiences nationwide.

Reacting to the successful conclusion of the inaugural season, Managing Director of Primedia Africa, Tamara van Eeckhoven, praised the contestants, judges, sponsors and viewers for making the competition a success.

She noted that MasterChef Nigeria was created to celebrate the nation's extraordinary culinary talent, adding that Favy's journey perfectly reflected the values of passion, resilience, creativity and excellence that define the competition.

Van Eeckhoven also thanked headline sponsor Power Oil alongside other sponsors and partners, including Addme, Minimie Chinchin, Indomie, Dano Milk, Malta Guinness, Kellogg's, Power Pasta, Sonia Tomato Mix, Pretty Lady Rice, Wild Africa, South African Tourism, Lagos Fashion Week, Golden Penny Flour, Golden Penny Sugar, Golden Penny Garri, Golden Penny Semolina, Golden Penny Chocolate Spread, Golden Penny Wheat, Deli and Kola, Simi Teds, and The Alternative Bank for supporting the show's successful debut.

With its inaugural season concluded, MasterChef Nigeria has established itself as a major platform for promoting Nigerian cuisine, inspiring a new generation of culinary talent and positioning the country's food culture on a broader global stage.

For Favy, the historic victory marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting culinary career, while the success of the first season lays the foundation for the future growth of MasterChef Nigeria.

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