After months of braising, deglazing, and infusing, MasterChef 2018 finally came to a cooking climax tonight.
Sashi Cheliah and Ben Borsh went head-to-head in a nail-biting grand finale in the MasterChef kitchen.
And then Sashi was crowned MasterChef 2018 while scoring a record breaking 93 points – the highest score ever seen in a grand finale.
He beat Ben by a whopping 16 points.
“MasterChef has been an amazing ride for me. I never thought I would come this far in the competition and to win is icing on the cake. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the judges for their guidance and motivation, which has helped me develop into a better cook, and to Shannon who was a great mentor during the immunity challenges and semi-final,” he said.
Congratulations @sashi_cheliah, Australia’s #MasterChefAU for 2018! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/Fp6WEmMuV8
Advertisement— #MasterChefAU (@masterchefau) July 31, 2018
“MasterChef has given me the opportunity to work with great chefs from around the world, and I have made great friends that will be cherished for the rest of my life.”
On behalf of the judges, Gary Mehigan said: “Every year we have our collective fingers and toes crossed that the last person standing, the winner, will be a fabulous ambassador for MasterChef Australia. Sashi, you have proven yourself to be a brilliant cook, a creative thinker, a team player, a determined, kind soul with a dream to change your life and forge a new future in food.
“More than this however, you are someone we have fallen in love with, someone we admire and respect, who has carried themselves wonderfully throughout this competition. You have left your mark on everyone you have met and we couldn’t be more thrilled and proud.
“Sashi, enjoy your success and the brilliant career that will follow. Your life has changed forever.”
Sashi was a fan favourite throughout the season. The 39-year-old prison officer was born in Singapore and is the eldest of seven children.
Sashi grew up around food in his mother’s cafe, and often watched his mum and aunties prepare big feasts for the family. He worked for the Singapore Police Force for nearly a decade before relocating to Australia in 2011.
Ben is a builder from Queensland. The 31-year-old was a controversial figure this season. He gained a reputation for serving same-same simple seafood dishes and gaining excessive praise from the judges.
During last night’s semi-final a lot of fans accused the Masterchef judges of showing favouritism towards Ben.
you expected more from Khan’s complex dish but raved about Ben’s simple fish and two carrots that he does every episode? what!!!! #MasterChefAU
— isabel❓ (@isabelkatfm) July 30, 2018
George : ‘I love Ben the most’
Gary: ‘No I love Ben the most!’
Matt: ‘I wore purple because it’s Ben’s favourite colour’
— Dave (@davey0511) July 30, 2018
What does everyone think of Ben’s fish dish(s) Inventive or same same but different? #MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/l72N1yx2lk
— Shirley (@Sparkytang) July 30, 2018
When the winner was announced, fans showed their overwhelming support for Sashi on social media:
Great going Sash! You deserved it! Well done #MasterChefAU
— Scar chastic (@tejasss007) July 31, 2018
Congrats @sashi_cheliah !! A worthy #MasterChefAu winner!! Mum and I backed you all the way to win!! Well done mate! x
— ???? Beki Pennywise ???? (@QueenPennywise) July 31, 2018
You can’t stop the Sashi-train! Toot toot!!! ???????? @sashi_cheliah you legend ???????????????? #MasterChefAU
— Simone Townsend (@craigandsim) July 31, 2018
ALL HAIL THE FLAVOUR KING! ???? #MasterChefAU
— Joey “GO TIGES!” Nicita ???????? (@JoeyNicita) July 31, 2018
Sashi is such a lovely guy. Just truly humble and honest soul who happens to be a fierce chef! Congratulations @sashi_cheliah #MasterChefAU
— ddot (@ddot_) July 31, 2018