Twenty-six years old, Favour Bessan, popularly known as Favy, has emerged as the winner of the maiden edition of MasterChef Nigeria, making history as the country’s first-ever MasterChef champion and taking home the trophy alongside a N73 million grand prize.
  
Favy clinched the title after defeating fellow finalist Fads in the grand finale, where both contestants were challenged to prepare three-course menus that reflected their culinary identities.
  
Her winning menu, featuring smoked salmon with potato mash and roasted bell pepper soup as the starter, impressed the judges with its balance of flavour, creativity, presentation and storytelling.
  
The victory crowned an outstanding performance throughout the 13-week competition. Favy had earlier become the first contestant to win the competition’s Immunity Pin, a strategic advantage that secured her place in the semi-finals.
  
Speaking after her victory, an emotional Favy described the achievement as “a dream come true” and dedicated her win to aspiring home cooks across Nigeria, urging them to remain passionate, resilient and committed to their craft.
  
The inaugural season of MasterChef Nigeria premiered on April 26. It featured 13 weeks of mystery box challenges, pressure tests, team cook-offs and elimination rounds aimed at showcasing culinary talent while celebrating Nigeria’s rich food culture.
  
Managing Director of Primedia Africa, producers of MasterChef Nigeria, Tamara van Eeckhoven, thanked the contestants, judges, sponsors and viewers for making the debut season a success.
  
The maiden edition brought together home cooks from across the country, providing a national platform for aspiring chefs to showcase their culinary skills and creativity, while producing Nigeria’s first MasterChef champion.