MasterChef 14 finalists Chambo, Camilla, Carlota and Annie set for June 22 final after Pepe's messy exit and 'screw you' to judges
The semifinal of MasterChef 14 saw Pepe eliminated after a chaotic dessert preparation, telling judges 'screw you' before clearing the way for finalists Chambo, Camilla, Carlota and Annie to compete for the trophy on June 22.
Semifinal showdown
On Monday night, MasterChef 14 aired its penultimate episode, narrowing the field from five to four finalists. After three high-pressure cooking challenges, the judges sent Pepe home, leaving Chambo, Camilla, Carlota and Annie to face off in the grand final next Monday, 22 June. The episode drew an average of 746,000 viewers, a 12.3% share.
I'm very competitive; I wanted to reach the final. Falling one step short, frankly, pisses me off. But that's life, on to the next thing.
Holistic cuisine with a world-class chef
The first test introduced the contestants to holistic gastronomy under the guidance of Danish chef Rasmus Munk, holder of two Michelin stars and named the world's best chef in 2024 and 2025. They had to replicate three avant-garde dishes: "What Came First" (a crispy rooster head with smoked cheese), "1984" (an edible replica of Munk's eye, inspired by George Orwell), and "A Wish for Peace" (a caramelised origami made from kuzu root with Kyoto-style toasted rice ice cream). Annie earned the win and a holiday prize for the most accurate replica, while Camilla also impressed the jury with her balanced execution.
Outdoor service in Ávila decides first finalists
The contestants moved to restaurant Barro in Ávila, where chef Carlos Casillas runs a zero-waste kitchen focused on local produce. Captain Carlota split the group into two teams to prepare a tasting menu for 24 diners. Pepe ruined the dessert, forcing Casillas to substitute the next day's version, which left judge Jordi Cruz feeling embarrassed. Chambo also faltered, and the judges sent the entire losing team to elimination. Annie and Camilla, who had performed well, secured their places in the final directly.
Elimination by dessert and a record of dirtiness
The final test required replicating a pastry creation by Mar Ibáñez: a dessert with 25 separate components involving chocolate, mushrooms and apricot. Pepe quickly descended into chaos. He abandoned hygiene protocols, handling dairy and other ingredients with bare hands and, by his own admission, broke his "personal record of dirtiness." When the judges tried to advise him, he responded,
. The jury had no option but to eliminate him.screw you
Final countdown
Pepe, an outspoken contestant from Extremadura, later said he was proud of his journey, both culinary and personal, and that his girlfriend was waiting at home to travel and enjoy life. The remaining four now prepare for the 22 June final, where they will compete for the trophy and a €100,000 prize. Other contestants and the departing Pepe himself have named Chambo as the favourite to win.
