Winning a massive TV competition at age 11 isn't normal. Most kids that age are worried about middle school drama or finally hitting a growth spurt. But for the winner of MasterChef Junior, that moment of lifting a heavy trophy amidst a shower of gold confetti is just the beginning of a weird, high-pressure, and totally unique life.
Honestly, the show has changed a lot since Alexander Weiss first stepped into the kitchen back in 2013. We've seen kids move from making simple pasta to plating wagyu filet mignon with red wine reductions that would make a Michelin-star chef sweat.
Bryson McGlynn: The Most Recent MasterChef Junior Winner
Let’s talk about Bryson McGlynn. In 2024, this 11-year-old from Opelika, Alabama, basically schooled everyone on how to mix Southern roots with high-end technique. He’s known as "Cheese Curd"—a nickname he got from his dad—and he didn't just win by playing it safe.
Bryson took home the Season 9 title by serving marinated red prawns with Creole hush puppies. You’ve gotta love the guts it takes to serve a hush puppy to Gordon Ramsay. But he pulled it off. He won the $100,000 prize and that iconic trophy, but what he did afterward is what actually matters for his career.
By 2026, Bryson has been busy. He didn't just take the money and run; he’s been popping up at MasterChef All-Stars LIVE events and even teamed up with Hyatt Dreams Resorts to put his own menu items in their hotels. It’s a massive jump from cooking in an Alabama kitchen to having your recipes served at international resorts.
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What happened to the OGs?
People always wonder if these kids actually keep cooking. Or do they just go back to being "normal" teenagers? It's a mix.
- Alexander Weiss (Season 1): He’s the blueprint. After winning, he went to the Culinary Institute of America. By 2025, he was working as a private chef in California. He’s the proof that the show can actually be a career starter, not just a 15-minute fame cycle.
- Logan Guleff (Season 2): Logan is kind of a genius. He didn’t just cook; he became a brand. He was one of Time’s Most Influential Teens and even gave a TEDx talk. He's moved into the tech side of food lately, creating virtual dining experiences.
- Liya Chu (Season 8): Liya brought a lot of her family’s Taiwanese heritage to the screen. She’s still very active on social media, showing that for the modern winner, staying relevant is half the battle.
Why Winning MasterChef Junior is Harder Than the Adult Version
Okay, maybe not "harder" in terms of technical skill, but the emotional stakes are wild. Imagine being 10 years old and having Gordon Ramsay yell—even if it's his "gentle" version of yelling—at your undercooked duck.
In Season 9, Bryson had to mimic Ramsay breaking down a duck in real-time. If you’ve ever tried to follow a YouTube tutorial for a complex recipe, imagine doing that while a world-famous chef is moving at the speed of light and cameras are shoved in your face.
The show has a formula, sure. But the talent level is genuinely rising. These kids aren't just "good for their age." They’re producing plates that would pass in any upscale bistro in New York or London.
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The $100,000 Question
What do they do with the money? $100,000 is a lot for a kid, but it's usually tucked away into college funds or used to kickstart very specific dreams. Bryson mentioned wanting a food truck. Others have used it to travel the world and stage (intern) at famous restaurants.
It’s not just about the cash, though. The real prize is the "MasterChef" name. It opens doors that are usually bolted shut for anyone under the age of 21.
Realities of the Kitchen After the Cameras Stop
Post-show life is a bit of a comedown. You go from being a TV star to being a kid who still has to do math homework.
Not every winner of MasterChef Junior stays in the industry. Addison Osta Smith (Season 4), the first female winner, has stayed in the public eye but pivoted more toward social media and entertainment. Nathan Odom (Season 3) went deep into Japanese cuisine, literally moving to Japan to study under a 3-star chef.
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It takes a specific kind of kid to handle the transition. The ones who succeed are usually the ones whose parents keep them grounded while letting them take those huge opportunities—like cooking for governors or appearing on talk shows.
Is the Show Rigged?
You’ll always see some Reddit threads claiming the show is scripted or that the judges pick the "best story" over the best cook. Honestly? Watching the raw talent in the finales makes that hard to believe. You can’t fake a perfectly seared scallop or a flawless chocolate ganache. The pressure is real, the heat in the kitchen is real, and the tears are definitely real.
Actionable Steps for Aspiring Young Chefs
If you're looking at these winners and thinking your kid (or you) could be next, here’s how the winners actually got there:
- Start a "Food Journal": Almost every winner mentions keeping notes on flavors. Don't just cook; understand why salt changes a tomato or how acid cuts through fat.
- Master the Basics first: Before you try a deconstructed tart, learn to cook an omelet and a perfect steak. Ramsay always tests the basics.
- Build a Social Presence: Producers often find contestants through Instagram or TikTok. Bryson’s "Cooking with Cheese Curd" account was a huge factor in him getting noticed.
- Practice Under Pressure: Set a timer for 60 minutes and try to cook a three-course meal. It sounds fun until the 10-minute mark hits.
- Get a Mentor: Whether it's a local chef or just a parent who knows their way around a grill, having someone to critique your food is vital.
Winning the show is a long shot, but the skills these kids learn—perseverance, time management, and handling criticism—stay with them forever, whether they end up in a professional kitchen or a boardroom. For the winner of MasterChef Junior, the trophy is just the garnish on a much bigger plate.
To keep up with the latest from the MasterChef world, you should check out the official Fox website or follow the former champions on Instagram, where most of them post their current projects and pop-up dinner schedules.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the casting calls on the Fox website if you have a young chef in the house.
- Watch the Season 9 finale again to see Bryson's winning "Southern-fusion" menu in detail.
- Follow "Cookin' With Cheese Curd" to see how a modern winner builds a brand after the show ends.