The winner of MasterChef Australia 2023 is announced as the emotional final episode of Jock Zonfrillo airs following the popular judge’s tragic death
Brent Draper was crowned the winner of the 2023 season by MasterChef Australia in an emotional grand finale on Sunday night.
He receives the title “MasterChef” and a total prize money of 250,000 US dollars.
The former Tradie received a consistent 8 and 9 out of 10 from the judges for his final dish, beating out runner-up Rhiannon Anderson.
“What a journey. You know, from season one to now… MasterChef is such a big deal in my life now. “It changed my life,” said Brent after his win.
“It put me on a different path, made me learn new things about myself and, oh man, I’m just so, so, so proud,” he continued.
Brent Draper (pictured) was crowned the winner of the 2023 MasterChef Australia season in an emotional grand finale on Sunday night
Brent made history at MasterChef Australia three years ago when he became the first person to voluntarily leave the show in season 13.
At the time, he choked back tears as he announced the pressure was too much for him and he wanted to leave to protect his sanity.
The chef told the Daily Telegraph in April that he was ready for a comeback, having regularly seen a doctor and a psychologist since leaving the show in 2020.
“I have work to do here, I’ve done all the hard work mentally,” he said.
He walks away with $250,000 in prize money, beating runner-up Rhiannon Anderson. Pictured with Rhiannon and judges Andy Allen, Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong
“I sort of have my tool kit and now I understand what I’ve been through, I understand fears, and I’m a different person for this experience, this first season of MasterChef.”
The finale also marked the last episode chef Jock Zonfrillo recorded before his death in May.
The show ended with a montage of some highlights from Jock’s series and a touching moment was his last goodbye.
“For the last time, go home, make yourself a cup of tea, put your feet up, be nice to each other and see you back here tomorrow,” Jock was heard saying as a photo of the cast and crew appeared on screen .
Brent made history at MasterChef Australia three years ago when he became the first person to voluntarily leave the show
Jock died in his hotel room at Zagame’s House on Lygon Street in Carlton, Melbourne on 30 April and was found by police around 2am on Monday 1 May.
The tragic loss came on the same day that Channel Ten was scheduled to premiere the fifteenth season of MasterChef Australia.
He is survived by his third wife Lauren and his four children: adult daughters Ava and Sophia from his first two marriages, and Alfie and Isla with Lauren.
The media personality was slated for several promotional appearances for Season 15 of MasterChef when he suddenly passed away.
The finale marked the last episode Jock recorded before his death in May