Gordon Ramsay Reveals the Most Challenging Part for Cooks on 'Next Level Chef' Season 2

Ramsay says he's 'absolutely after the crown this year'.

Gordon Ramsay, Nyseha Arrington and Richard Blais are back in Las Vegas on the set of Next Level Chef for a second season of the three-tier cooking competition.

For the uninitiated, each of the three floors of the set contains a different kitchen environment from the best of the best equipment and ingredients on the top level to the most basic on the bottom level, all to demonstrate Gordon’s belief that the true test of great chefs is not only what they can do in the best of circumstances, but what kind of magic they can create in the worst!

The number of contestants has increased this year from 15 to 18, and again this season, they have been culled from the best line cooks, home chefs, social media stars, and food truck owners.

Gordon tells us in this exclusive interview that “they're truly Next Level this season. They’re all coming from different backgrounds and walks of life. We have some heavy hitters from the social media world who I think are out to prove they're not just limited in their experience to TikTok.”

Related: Cooking With Gas! What It All Boils Down to for Season 2 of Next Level Chef

The MasterChef talked to us more about what to expect this season, including how he selected his team, what he learned from Season 1, and how last season’s winner Stephanie “Pyet” Despain is doing.

Season 1 of a new show is always a learning experience. What did you learn that you will change or improve for Season 2?

We're getting straight into the competition this year. Nyesha, Richard, and I have done our research on our teams, and we’re really excited to put them all to the test. I'm also excited for viewers to see more of the level battles as we get later on in the competition!

Since you say the true test of a chef is what kind of magic they can create in the worst environment, what surprised you—good or bad—about the dishes that were produced last season?

Just the quality of the dishes. I know Next Level is the name of the show, but truly the dishes being made out of all three kitchens are Next Level!

Related: 16 Things You Didn't Know About Hell’s Kitchen Star Gordon Ramsay

Cooking in the bottom level kitchen is the biggest challenge, but what are some of the other challenges of competing on Next Level Chef?

Is the bottom level really that challenging? I think it's my favorite of them all! I'd say the mid-round drops are really challenging this year. Imagine you're cooking a dish and you have everything planned and then boom! You need to incorporate another level of flavor. It can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how well you did in the first grab!

What did you look for when picking the six chefs for your team?

Drive, hunger, and I think those willing to learn. If they're willing to learn, then we have a real shot of winning this season!

Last year, you started out with 15 contestants. You have 18 this season. Is that due to the success that you are adding more episodes?

It’s the success of the show, but I also definitely wanted to see more single competition on the levels.

Nyesha won with Pyet last season. Does that make you and Richard more competitive this season?

Me? Competitive? Absolutely! I'm after the crown this year!

How is Stephanie “Pyet” Despain doing since her win?

She's doing great! I invited her to London to do a pop-up at my Lucky Cat restaurant and work with the team there to hone her skills for future restaurant endeavors!

Next Level Chef season 2 will premiere immediately following Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Feb. 12, before moving into its regular time period on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. on FOX.

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