Can winning come from more than just skill? Chef Pyet shows us it can. At 33, her fresh, daring dishes beat 15 seasoned pros on FOX. She blends Native American and Mexican American flavors for a bold twist on Indigenous Fusion Cuisine. Her win reminds us that a creative kitchen can honor old traditions while lighting the way for a bright future.
Meet the Next Level Chef Winner: Chef Pyet’s Triumph
At 33, Chef Pyet amazed everyone by winning the first-ever Next Level Chef contest. Out of 15 fierce competitors, she handled a tough final round and bested pro chef Maria Scott. Every challenge was a test of skill and creativity, and Chef Pyet showed she could keep her cool under pressure.
The live finale, hosted by food icon Gordon Ramsay on FOX, pushed every chef to their limits. Chef Pyet’s fresh ideas and careful execution caught the judges' attention right away. Her performance was so impressive that it stood out among a field of experienced chefs.
Her win is a big win for Indigenous Fusion Cuisine. With her Native American and Mexican American roots, Chef Pyet brought a unique blend of flavors to the table. Her signature dish, a bright, tangy wojapi berry sauce, won high praise from Ramsay, who was thrilled by how she mixed old traditions with a modern touch. This victory marks a turning point in her career and shines a spotlight on indigenous culinary traditions, giving them the recognition they deserve.
Next Level Chef Season One Champion Profile: Chef Pyet’s Culinary Background

Chef Pyet grew up with Native American and Mexican American roots. From an early age, she learned that food can connect the past and the present. Family dinners, community festivity, and time in the kitchen ignited her passion for blending flavors. This early life set the stage for a cooking style that is real, heartfelt, and true to her heritage.
In Los Angeles' busy food scene, Chef Pyet has earned her reputation. In 2021, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked her as the seventh best private chef in the city. Working as a traveling private chef, she consistently wows diners with creative dishes and engaging food stories. Even after facing hardships, including a period of homelessness, her journey shows remarkable resilience and speaks to both home cooks and culinary professionals.
Beyond her kitchen, Chef Pyet has built a strong presence on social media. She shares her cooking adventures and personal history with a loyal audience. Her TEDx Talk on reclaiming identity through Indigenous foodways brought her story to a wider stage. This powerful message reminds us that food is a meaningful way to celebrate culture and heal along the way.
Next Level Chef Winner’s Signature Dishes and Winning Strategy
Chef Pyet’s win came from mixing creative storytelling with bold flavors. She builds dishes that not only please the palate but also tell a meaningful story. This careful blend of narrative and cooking skill set her performance apart.
She chose special heirloom Native American ingredients like chokecherries and paired them with lively Mexican spices to create a unique taste. Her final dish featured a bold wojapi berry sauce that won over Gordon Ramsay and the judges. Every element was arranged to honor its cultural roots and personal meaning. It wasn’t just a recipe, it was a conversation between tradition and fresh ideas. By tying each ingredient back to her family heritage and journey, she showed the heart of Indigenous Fusion Cuisine.
During the challenge, Chef Pyet also worked with HexClad’s innovative cookware. This special tool helped her stay consistent under pressure while also highlighting her technical skills. Combining precise cooking with rich storytelling ingredients proved to be her winning strategy.
Next Level Chef Competition Timeline: Winners from Seasons 1–3

The Next Level Chef series began in 2022 and quickly became a favorite for food lovers. In Season 1, Chef Pyet, age 33, won by mixing bold cultural flavors with refined techniques. Season 2 turned up the heat when pro chef Tucker Ricchio, also 33, showcased his skills and took home a $250,000 prize after a tough competition with Chris Spinosa. In Season 3, social media chef Gabi Chappel, age 30, impressed the judges by blending fresh ideas with trusted techniques to win the title. Fans have seen each winner push the limits of traditional cooking by adding modern twists. The show stands as a strong example of passion, hard work, and creative excellence in the kitchen.
| Season | Winner | Age | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 (2022) | Chef Pyet | 33 | N/A |
| Season 2 | Tucker Ricchio | 33 | $250,000 |
| Season 3 | Gabi Chappel | 30 | N/A |
Next Level Chef Winner Impact: Post-Show Evolution & Industry Influence
Chef Pyet's big win opened doors for her at the Tournament of Champions with top U.S. chefs. She has appeared in the media a lot, showing off her kitchen skills and her knack for telling stories through food. This exposure has marked her as a rising star in the culinary scene.
Now, she hosts small dinners and hands-on workshops that celebrate her Indigenous and Mexican cooking traditions. These events give fans, fellow chefs, and insiders a close-up view of her creative process. They mix classic recipes with modern techniques in a friendly, relaxed setting.
Her work with brand partners and public events has put Indigenous Fusion Cuisine firmly in the spotlight. By growing her fan community both online and at live events, Chef Pyet continues to honor her roots. Her efforts are changing minds, inspiring new cooks, and building a lasting legacy in the food world.
Final Words
In the action, Chef Pyet rocked the final challenge with her renowned wojapi dish and clinched a hard-fought win. Her performance shined a light on how blending rich cultural roots with bold flavors can captivate even the toughest critics.
Her victory as a next level chef winner inspires the industry to push creative limits and honor heritage in every plate. This win not only boosts her career but gives the whole culinary world a reason to smile and keep cooking.
FAQ
Who is the winner of Next Level Chef season 1?
The winner of season 1, which took place in 2022, is Chef Pyet. She earned the title by besting 14 contestants and impressing Gordon Ramsay with her innovative culinary style.
Who won Next Level Chef season 2?
The winner of season 2 is Tucker Ricchio, who secured the $250,000 prize by defeating Chris Spinosa and showcasing his top-tier cooking skills.
Who is the champion of Next Level Chef season 3?
The champion of season 3 is Gabi Chappel, a 30-year-old chef who outperformed competitors, including Zach Laidlaw and Christina Miros, with her creative dishes.
What information is available about Next Level Chef season 4?
The details for season 4, including its winner, have not been covered in the provided timeline. Additional verified updates are expected as the series develops.
What details are known about Next Level Chef season 5?
The current timeline does not include specific details on season 5. Stay tuned for official updates on the winner and season highlights when available.
Who is the winner of Next Level Chef season 6?
Information on the season 6 winner is not provided at this time. Future updates will offer complete details once the season airs and results are confirmed.
Was there any controversy regarding a Next Level Chef winner?
The mention of a controversy related to a Next Level Chef winner has been noted, but there is no verified evidence supporting any controversy surrounding the competition’s results.
How did Austin win Next Level Chef?
The claim that Austin won Next Level Chef is unverified; official results list Chef Pyet, Tucker Ricchio, and Gabi Chappel as the winners for seasons 1, 2, and 3 respectively.
