Greek-Australian cook Petro Papathomas has secured a place in the MasterChef Australia 2026<\/a><\/em> grand final, setting up a two-person showdown for the $250,000 prize.<\/h2>\nPapathomas and fellow finalist Vinnie Gibaldi advanced after eliminating Aaron Kher in the semi-final. The pair will compete in the season 18 finale for the title.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s quite unbelievable,\u201d Papathomas told media after securing his spot. \u201cI never went into MasterChef<\/em> with any expectations on how far I would get. I would have taken top 10.\u201d<\/p>\nThroughout the competition, Papathomas has been praised for his calm approach and creative cooking. He credits his success to hard work and constant experimentation.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1920x1080-2026-08-03t171600.733-6a70406c94f27-1-1024x576.webp\")
<\/source><\/picture>Petro Papathomas MasterChef
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cI studied a lot outside of the competition,\u201d he said. \u201cI always try to do something different, whether that\u2019s flavour or design. I tried to be inspired each time I walked into that kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n
If he wins the $250,000 prize, Papathomas plans to use the money to further his culinary education.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would actually go to a lot of restaurants,\u201d he explained. \u201cI\u2019ve become quite addicted to learning new techniques and new flavours. I would probably take half a year off and learn at some of the best restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n
What to expect in the grand final<\/h3>\n
The finalists will face two major challenges. The first is a 75-minute Mystery Box task in which they must create a dish celebrating the guest judges who appeared during the season.<\/p>\n
They will then attempt to recreate an elaborate Chinese Afternoon Tea designed by internationally renowned pastry chef Cherish Finden. The pair will have five hours to produce three of her petit gateaux, making nine pieces in total.<\/p>\n
The MasterChef Australia 2026<\/em> grand final airs on Sunday, 9 August at 7pm on Channel 10 and 10 Play.<\/p>\nRead moreArchdiocese Urges Greek Australians To Declare Their Religion on Census\\\\<\/p>\n
Throughout the competition, Papathomas has been praised for his calm approach and creative cooking. He credits his success to hard work and constant experimentation.<\/p>\n \u201cI studied a lot outside of the competition,\u201d he said. \u201cI always try to do something different, whether that\u2019s flavour or design. I tried to be inspired each time I walked into that kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n If he wins the $250,000 prize, Papathomas plans to use the money to further his culinary education.<\/p>\n \u201cI would actually go to a lot of restaurants,\u201d he explained. \u201cI\u2019ve become quite addicted to learning new techniques and new flavours. I would probably take half a year off and learn at some of the best restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n The finalists will face two major challenges. The first is a 75-minute Mystery Box task in which they must create a dish celebrating the guest judges who appeared during the season.<\/p>\n They will then attempt to recreate an elaborate Chinese Afternoon Tea designed by internationally renowned pastry chef Cherish Finden. The pair will have five hours to produce three of her petit gateaux, making nine pieces in total.<\/p>\n The MasterChef Australia 2026<\/em> grand final airs on Sunday, 9 August at 7pm on Channel 10 and 10 Play.<\/p>\n Read moreArchdiocese Urges Greek Australians To Declare Their Religion on Census\\\\<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1920x1080-2026-08-03t171600.733-6a70406c94f27-1-1024x576.webp)
<\/source><\/picture>
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhat to expect in the grand final<\/h3>\n