Food Network competitions often see familiar faces battling for culinary supremacy. On Tournament of Champions Season 6, the changes introduced at the beginning of the season gave an inking that a different final outcome would occur. In true random fashion, the Tournament of Champions Season 6 semi-finalists, finalists, and winner will continue this pattern.
When Season 6 debuted, all previous winners stepped away from the competition and became another a judge or a sideline commentator. That decision ensured that there would not be a repeat winner.
Additionally, Food Network fans thought that maybe a long-time favorite, like Jet Tila, or another male chef would make a run for the title. Unfortunately, Chef Jet lost earlier than expected and the other male chefs were taken down one at a time.
The Tournament of Champions Season 6 semi-finalists are all women chefs. This scenario means that both the finalists and the winner will be a woman, again. Even though the rule changes were designed to potentially create another outcome, the reality is that Tournament of Champions is dominated by women.
In the culinary world, many people will appreciate that Tournament of Champions celebrates women. Top Chef has only seen a handful of women chefs earn the title. Iron Chef had Cat Cora, Stephanie Izard, and Alex Guarnaschelli. Even though some of the best chefs in the world are women, it seems hard for them to break the glass ceiling of some food television competitions.
It is unclear whether it is the impact of the Randomizer or the blind tastings that help women chefs reign supreme in this particular Food Network show. Maybe women just creatively solve the puzzle of the challenge better. Additionally, they could be more inclined to think on their feet in the chaos of the moment.
On the other hand, it all could just be luck. A good spin on the Randomizer can set one chef up for success and other one for failure. Just like the old saying, sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.
Overall, it is a great scenario that Tournament of Champions has this outcome. Some food television fans will voice their opinions and hope that someone like Kevin Lee could have earned a spot in the finale or hoped that Jet Tila would have his moment of redemption.
Even though another woman chef will earn the belt, monetary prize and title, there is excitement in this final group. Antonia Lofaso is seeking the title that has eluded her. Britt Rescigno just seems to have the answer to anything that the Randomizer offers.
Additionally, it is wonderful to see Sara Bradley earn extra praise. After coming so close to winning Top Chef twice, a title could be hers.
More importantly, everyone loves Lee Anne Wong. Mama Wong has shaped so food television after years as a culinary producer on Top Chef. Seeing her get a moment in the spotlight is heartwarming. Plus, this title could spark a bigger discussion on the ongoing struggles of Hawaiian restaurants.
Which female chef will wear the Tournament of Champions Season 6 winner belt? Be sure to watch the finale on Food Network Sunday, April 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes can be streamed the next day on MAX.