MasterChef Australia has officially wrapped for 2026 with 25-year-old master panini-maker Vinnie Gibaldi copping top dog spot! So, with a lifetime of bragging rights and cash moolah of $250K, here’s what the newly minted Aussie MasterChef plans to do with his prize.
Despite concerns over an overcooked duck, a pivot to fish and concerns about his pastry skills, Vinnie managed to nab the MasterChef Australia win with a banging 80 points.
Alongside his name being engraved into the iconic trophy (which I believe was intentionally edited to blind me throughout the grand finale), Vinnie also got a $250,000K prize.
MasterChef Australia 2026 winner Vinnie Gibaldi reveals what he will do with his prize money
In a deliciously cheeky tea spill with PEDESTRIAN.TV, the culinary champ admitted that he would be putting his new money towards his future with long-time girlfriend, Bridget, AKA Bridge, who also appeared in the grand finale.
“I really want to move out with my girlfriend Bridge, and that’s a great step in that direction,” he dished.
“At the same time, I’d love to get into the hospitality industry, and I think for now I want to take every opportunity and learn. But I feel like a pop-up one day a week wouldn’t be that bad of an idea.”
Vinnie also revealed that his aunty also owns a cafe in Collingwood, hinting at a potential family collaboration in the future.
“I’m pretty lucky because my aunt here has a cafe that she has in Collingwood, and she only works Monday to Friday. So she’s like, ‘You could use a space if you want,’ and I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s actually pretty cool.’ So maybe, you know, on the horizon, a bit of a pop-up on maybe Sunday mornings,” he shared.
Although Petro Papathomas placed second, he was also awarded a $40K cash prize for his amazing effort in the competition.
Speaking to P.TV, Petro said he recently had some renovations done and that he will be working “[his] ass off” to make it into hospo. However, he does have some plans in the works.
“I’ve had to renovate my kitchen and bathroom, so the money’s already going to go. Unfortunately, the 40k doesn’t get me a whole lot, so yeah, I’m just gonna have to work my ass off and try to make money in another way in the industry,” he shared.
“I’ve got some pop-ups and takeovers in the works, which is really exciting as well.”
MasterChef Australia‘s 2026 grand finale was quite the emotional one, especially when you’re rooting for a double win. So, honestly, I’m incredibly glad that Petro didn’t walk away empty-handed.
He deserved something, especially after cooking *that* dessert.
You can watch all of MasterChef Australia 2026 on 10Play.
The post MasterChef Australia 2026 Winner Vinnie Gibaldi Spills On His Plans For The $250K Prize appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
