The culinary competition of the year is set to reach its dramatic conclusion this Sunday night, with My Kitchen Rules promising viewers the closest grand final battle in the show's history. Two powerhouse teams will face off for a life-changing $100,000 prize, with both pairs revealing their unique strategies for claiming the coveted title.
The Final Contenders
Best mates Justin and Will have been consistent front-runners throughout the entire competition, winning over judges and audiences with their heartfelt cooking and impeccable teamwork. The dads from NSW have built their success on cooking from the heart and have saved their best culinary tricks for this ultimate showdown.
Meanwhile, high-achievers Maria and Bailey from South Australia have experienced the full rollercoaster of MKR emotions, from crushing lows to spectacular highs. They found their winning formula in the semi-finals by embracing simplicity and precision, sending Queensland's Logan and Lil home with their impressive truffle pasta and duck egg crème caramel.
Confidence Under Pressure
Speaking on The Morning Show ahead of the final cook-off, Maria revealed that confidence has been the key to their success. "Bailey and I work amazing under pressure," Maria said via video link. "And obviously in the grand final there's so much pressure ... but we always push through for the goal, which is to win MKR."
Their semi-final performance certainly made an impression on their competitors. Justin admitted that while they weren't initially worried about facing Maria and Bailey, that changed after watching them cook in unison during the semi-finals. "Before that, they were just this weird dynamic up until the semi-finals," Justin confessed. "Then they were in unison and they worked so well as a team. So that made us a little bit nervous."
What's At Stake
The $100,000 prize money represents different dreams for each team. Maria plans to use her share to launch the first shopfront for her cookie business, Blondies, while Bailey aims to create an app that teaches young people how to cook.
For family men Justin and Will, the money would provide support for their children and treat their wives who have been holding down the fort at home while they cooked on national television. "It's not just about winning, everyone's going to win with this one," Will said emotionally. "We just want to make the kids proud. This has to be the cook of our lives."
The grand final will push both teams to their emotional and physical limits as they serve 100 plates to judges and guests. Judge Manu Feildel declared this "the closest grand final I can remember," while fellow judge Colin Fassnidge described the finalists as "the most exciting cooks I've seen."
Adding to the pressure, every contestant from the season will return to witness the ultimate showdown alongside family and friends. With tears guaranteed and nerves tested to the limit, Maria summed up both teams' determination: "We are never going to give up."
The MKR grand final airs Sunday at 7.00pm on Seven and 7plus, where one team will be crowned champions and walk away with $100,000.
