Where are the past winners of Tournament of Champions now? Details explored

The Tournament of Champions has never been a walk in the park. With a randomizer that throws curveballs like anchovies and ice cream into the same round, and a panel of judges who are the absolute best in the biz, it’s one of the toughest cooking competitions on television. Since its debut, Tournament of Champions has crowned five chefs who proved they could handle the heat: Brooke Williamson, Maneet Chauhan, Tiffani Faison, Mei Lin, and Antonia Lofaso.

Each of these culinary rockstars has a busy life beyond the Food Network arena. While we’ve seen them sweat it out on-screen, most of their days are spent running kitchens, crafting menus, and dishing out meals that win over regular diners, not just TV judges. So, where are they now? Let’s break it down by season, in order of their victories.

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Brooke Williamson, winner of Tournament of Champions Season 1

Brooke Williamson kicked things off in 2020 by winning the first-ever Tournament of Champions. She edged out Amanda Freitag in the final round by just one point. While she had previous competition experience from Top Chef, Brooke was still considered an underdog when she entered the Tournament of Champions. That made her win all the more memorable.

Today, Brooke is co-owner of Playa Provisions in Los Angeles. This 7,000-square-foot beachfront property isn’t just a restaurant — it’s four in one. You can grab breakfast or lunch at King Beach Café, enjoy brunch or dinner at Dockside, indulge in dessert at Small Batch, and unwind with a drink at Grain Whiskey Bar. The range of experiences makes Playa Provisions a must-visit for fans and foodies alike.

Fun fact: Brooke has now competed in three Tournament of Champions final eliminations, showing she’s a consistent force in the kitchen arena.

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Maneet Chauhan, two-time Tournament of Champions winner

Maneet Chauhan didn’t just win once — she did it twice. The first time was in 2021, when she beat Brooke 93 to 90 in the final elimination of Tournament of Champions Season 2. Then she returned in 2024 for Season 5 and narrowly beat Antonia Lofaso 90 to 89.

Outside of the competition, Maneet is a culinary powerhouse in Nashville. She co-owns Chauhan Ale & Masala House, a globally inspired Indian restaurant that blends Southern comfort with bold Indian flavors. Diners can expect dishes like masala rib-eye and frites — fusion cooking that tells a story.

If you’re in Nashville and craving something that mixes tradition with innovation, Maneet’s spot is where it’s at. Her win on Tournament of Champions proves she knows how to handle bold pairings both on the plate and under pressure.

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Tiffani Faison, Season 3’s Tournament of Champions winner

Tiffani Faison clinched her win in 2022 during Season 3 of Tournament of Champions. She came back strong after a tough loss in Season 2, showing exactly the kind of grit this competition demands. Tiffani is no stranger to Food Network shows — she’s also appeared on BBQ Brawl, Chopped, and more.

Based in Boston, Tiffani runs Sweet Cheeks Q, a Texas-style BBQ joint she opened back in 2011. It’s part of her larger restaurant group, Big Heart Hospitality. The menu includes everything from appetizers and entrees to dessert, cocktails, and even wine. But Sweet Cheeks Q is just the beginning.

She also owns several other Boston hot spots: Fool’s Errand, Dive Bar, Tenderoni’s Pizza, and Bubble Bath. Each location brings something different to the table, from classic pies to playful sips. For someone who thrives under pressure on the Tournament of Champions, juggling five restaurants is just another day at the office.

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Mei Lin, Season 4 champion of Tournament of Champions

In 2023, Mei Lin took home the belt in Tournament of Champions Season 4, beating Maneet Chauhan by three points in the final. Before opening her own restaurants, Mei worked as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef — not exactly your average resume item.

Today, she’s making waves in the Los Angeles food scene. Mei recently opened 88 Club in Beverly Hills, a sleek and modern spot offering a contemporary twist on Chinese cuisine. The food is served family-style, making it easy to sample a variety of dishes. Her menu is built on balance: a mix of heritage, creativity, and precision. And yes, the cocktails are just as bold as the food.

Mei also owns Daybird, a fast-casual Szechuan hot fried chicken joint located in Silver Lake. Opened in 2021, it’s a critically acclaimed hit that proves Mei doesn’t just cook to impress judges — she cooks to impress crowds.

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Antonia Lofaso, Season 6’s long-awaited win

Antonia Lofaso finally snagged the win in 2025’s Season 6 of Tournament of Champions. After competing in all six seasons and reaching the finals twice, her victory felt like a culmination of years of fierce competition. She defeated Sara Bradley by six points in the final battle.

Reflecting on her win, Antonia told Food Network,

“I always felt like a fierce competitor, but my focus was stronger, and I felt stronger.”

That mindset helped her clinch a well-earned title in Tournament of Champions history.

Off-screen, Antonia runs three top-tier dining spots in Los Angeles. There’s Scopa in Venice Beach for hearty Italian dishes, DAMA downtown for Latin American cuisine, and Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City for an eclectic blend of global flavors. She also offers private dining experiences through Antonia Lofaso Catering, which brings her culinary creativity straight to your event.

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Their stories prove the title isn’t just about cooking on camera. It’s about building something lasting in the real world. And whether it’s a waffle taco at Playa Provisions or a sizzling rib-eye at Chauhan Ale & Masala House, fans can taste the victory themselves.

In a competition that’s as unpredictable as its randomizer, one thing’s certain — Tournament of Champions creates champions worth remembering.