‘MasterChef’ Heads Back to the Kitchen! Meet the Top 20 Cheftestants

MasterChef will be back in the kitchen for its 13^th season on May 24. Gordon Ramsay will once again host the cooking competition, and he will be joined by resident judges Aarón Sánchez and Joe Bastianich.

The theme for MasterChef season 13 is United Tastes of America, where each of the home cooks will compete based upon their region. The U.S. has been divided into four parts: West, Northeast, Midwest and South. The home cooks will battle it out for their region.

When does MasterChef Season 13 premiere?

Mark your calendars. MasterChef season 13 premieres May 24.

What time is MasterChef Season 13 on?

MasterChef airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

Who are the MasterChef Season 13 judges?

Gordon Ramsay

Aarón Sánchez

Joe Bastianich

Who will be the guest judges for MasterChef season 13?

They include Daphne Oz, Graham Elliot, Susan Feniger, Tiffany Derry, Andre Rush, and the return of season 11 winner Kelsey Murphy.

Related: MasterChef: Legends Winner Kelsey Murphy Reveals Her Plan for Becoming the Next Gordon Ramsay

How many MasterChef contestants are there for season 12?

There will be 20 aprons given out this season, five from each of the regions: Northeast, Midwest, West and South.

Who are the MasterChef contestants for season 13?

Northeast

Richie M., 28
Silver Springs, MD
Music Producer
Crispy Skin Salmon

Nina B., 44
Woolwich, ME
Marketing Manager
Venison Bok Choy Dumplings

Purvi D., 48
East Windsor, NJ
Credit & Collection Manager
Vanilla Bundt Cakes with Indian Flavors

Brynn W., 33
Providence, RI
Bartender
Harissa Black Sea Bass

Ryan W., 33
Millstone Township, NJ
Construction Superintendant
Steak & Eggs

Midwest

Grant G., 32
Altoona, Iowa
Brewery Sales Director
Roasted Sweet Corn Agnolotti

Sarah F., 32
Springfield, MO
Social Media Manager
Springfield Cashew Chicken

Charles H., 34
Columbus, Ohio
Hairstylist
Amok (Cambodian)

Wayne L., 51
Columbus, Ohio
Media Company Owner
Venison Filet

Kyle H., 41
Kansas City, MO
Beer Sommelier
Seared Pork Chop

West

Lizzie H., 29
Fairbanks, Alaska
Preschool Teachers Aide
Roasted Alaskan Halibut

Amanda K., 44
Sherman Oaks, Calif.
Stay-At-Home Mom
Herb Crusted Halibut

Madame Donut, 48
Maui, Hawaii
Donut Shop Owner
Ahi Tuna Musubi

Kennedy U., 26
Denver, CO
Festival Vendor
Elk Tenderloin

James B., 31
Portland, OR
Mushroom Jerky Manufacturer
Glorious Gloria Crab Cakes

South

Reagan S., 44
New Orleans, LA
Paralegal

Kendal A., 27
Olive Branch, MS
Trucking Company Owner

Jennifer M., 42
Little Rock, AR
Lifestyle Blogger

Sav M., 26
Gadsden, AL
Farm Owner

Kolby C., 30
Houston, TX
Entrepreneur

What challenges will the contestants face in season 13?

As is usual each season, the cheftestants will face a series of cooking challenges. This season includes a State Fair challenge, a series of Mystery Box challenges, cooking a meal at Dodger Stadium, and the fan-favorite Tag Team event, where they must create a Michelin-star quality three-course meal!

What does the MasterChef winner get for Season 13?

The winner of MasterChef season 13 will walk away with a cash prize of $250,000 and the title of America’s MasterChef.

Who won MasterChef season 12?

After several complicated cooks, 20-year-old Dara Yu from Culver City, Calif., was awarded the $250,000 grand prize and a complete state-of-the-art kitchen from Viking!

"I'm so grateful for this experience and my MasterChef family,” said Dara. “It's given me incredible opportunities over the past 8 years and I'm excited to see what the future holds. I hope that I can continue to inspire young people to follow their passion and believe in themselves!"

Related: MasterChef Season 12 Winner Dara Yu on Why Her Age Doesn't Matter and What She Plans to Do Next

Can the home cooks on MasterChef use recipes?

That is a no. What they can do is ask questions before cooking begins if there is a food with which they are unfamiliar, but no recipes are allowed in the kitchen.

Where can I watch or stream MasterChef on TV or online?

All 12 seasons are available on Hulu, or on the Fox Now app and several seasons are available for purchase on Prime Video.

Where is MasterChef filmed?

The kitchen set for MasterChef is located in a studio facility in the San Fernando Valley in California.

MasterChef: United Tastes of America will premiere May 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX and next day on Hulu.

Next, MasterChef Star Gordon Ramsay Has Lots of Help in the Kitchen! Get to Know His 5 Kids