Who Became the Champion of Top Chef Season 22?

In a whirlwind of culinary creativity, Top Chef delivered an electrifying finale in its 22nd season with the episode aptly titled “Finito!” The stakes were sky-high as the final three chefs—Tristen Epps, Bailey Sullivan, and Shuai Wang—prepared to dazzle the judges with their imaginative four-course progressive meals. The sous chefs played a pivotal role, with Bailey selecting Lana Lagomarsini, Shuai choosing Paula Endara, and Tristen opting for Zubair Mohajir, all eliminated contestants who brought distinct talents to the table.

The panel of judges featured the regular stalwarts—Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons—along with acclaimed former contestants Gregory Gourdet and Richard Blais. This marked Blais’ first return since his stint on Next Level Chef and added weight to an already heavy-hitting lineup. Spoiler alert: if you’re still in the dark about the outcome, tread carefully from here!

The Champion of Top Chef: Destination Canada

The crown for Top Chef season 22 has been claimed by none other than Tristen Epps. Hailing from Virginia Beach and currently settled in Houston, Tristen’s journey this season has been a deeply personal one, marked by the loss of his father during filming. “I got here through a lot of support…I didn’t do it for me, I did it for so many people,” he expressed emotionally. “If I can say, I miss my dad so much. I almost quit because I was hurt, and somebody believed in me enough on their deathbed for me to stay. I’m so happy I made it worth it.”

Progressive Dinner Showdown Recap

As for the awe-inspiring meals, let’s break down the courses that defined this high-pressure finale:

Shuai’s Menu:

First course: Panipuri with gazpacho verde
Second course: Sour dumpling raviolo
Third course: Tangcu ossobuco
Fourth course: Ambrosia

Bailey’s Menu:

First course: Polpo e mozz
Second course: Anolini alpini
Third course: Blackened orate
Fourth course: Torta di pizzelle

Tristen’s Menu:

First course: Monkfish with baccala mbongo
Second course: Pollo “dorengo” with injera shrimp toast
Third course: Oxtail Milanese with Carolina Gold rice grits
Fourth course: Root vegetable cake with cassareep ice cream

Judges were blown away right from the first course, with Blais proclaiming, “If this was a fight, they all came out and punched each other in the face, hard.” However, it was the second course that solidified Tristen’s lead, as Bailey’s dish, while good, didn’t quite measure up to his stunning offerings. While Bailey’s fish was slightly overcooked in the third course and Shuai’s dish struggled against its competition, dessert proved tricky to judge. Yet, Tristen’s consistent performance kept him at the forefront, ultimately steering him toward victory.

As fans hold their breath for news on the next installment of Top Chef, NBCUniversal hasn’t yet confirmed a season 23 renewal. Speculations suggest an announcement could come in the fall, with potential premieres aimed for spring 2026, leaving audiences eager for more culinary battles.