Nagpur’s Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe have emerged as the winner of MasterChef India 2026, lifting the trophy of MasterChef India Season 9 after an impressive culinary journey. The grand finale aired on March 6 on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV, bringing the season to a thrilling conclusion.
The Nagpur-based brothers impressed the judges throughout the competition with their seamless teamwork and their ability to combine traditional Indian flavours with modern presentation. Their final dishes in the grand finale earned high praise from the judges and ultimately secured them the title.
Who Is the Winner of MasterChef India 2026?
The winner of MasterChef India 2026 is the brother duo Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe from Nagpur, Maharashtra. The café owners consistently delivered innovative dishes during the competition and quickly became one of the judges’ favourite teams.
Their cooking style focused on preserving authentic Indian flavours while presenting them in a contemporary format. This balance of tradition and creativity helped them stand out from other contestants throughout the season.
The brothers were also among the first teams to reach the finale, and their dishes received several “spoon taps” from the judges — a recognition given to exceptional plates in the MasterChef kitchen.
Grand Finale of MasterChef India Season 9
The finale of MasterChef India Season 9 was a celebration of Indian culinary talent and creativity. The final cook-off featured three strong family teams competing for the coveted trophy and the Golden Chef Coat.
The Top 3 finalists were:
Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe – Nagpur, Maharashtra – Brothers
Anju Pradhan and Manju Ojha – Odisha – Sisters
Chandana and Sai Sri Rachakonda – Hyderabad – Mother-Daughter
Each team presented their best dishes in the final round, showcasing regional flavours, innovative techniques and personal stories behind their food.
In the end, the Gandhe brothers’ final spread impressed the judges the most, helping them secure the championship.
Judges of MasterChef India Season 9
The show continued to be judged by three of India’s most respected culinary figures:
Vikas Khanna
Ranveer Brar
Kunal Kapur
The judges evaluated every dish based on taste, creativity, technique and presentation throughout the competition. Their guidance played a major role in shaping the contestants’ culinary journeys.
The grand finale also featured a special appearance by legendary chef Sanjeev Kapoor, making the final episode even more memorable for viewers and contestants.
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Nagpur Celebrates the MasterChef India 2026 Winners
Following the announcement, celebrations erupted in Nagpur as fans and supporters congratulated the Gandhe brothers for their achievement.
Social media was filled with congratulatory messages, with many calling their victory a proud moment for Maharashtra’s Orange City.
Earlier in the season, Maharashtra Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had also congratulated the duo on social media, praising their performance and representing Nagpur on a national platform.
Their win has turned them into local icons and culinary ambassadors for their region.
A Unique Season With Family Duos
MasterChef India Season 9 introduced a new “jodi format”, where family members competed as teams instead of individual contestants.
This format added emotional depth to the competition as siblings, parents and relatives cooked together, sharing their culinary traditions and personal stories.
The season featured multiple cooking challenges including mystery boxes, pressure tests and elimination rounds that tested contestants’ creativity, teamwork and ability to perform under pressure.
A Victory Built on Teamwork and Passion
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe’s victory reflects the power of teamwork and passion for food. Their journey on MasterChef India Season 9 showcased how traditional Indian cuisine can be reinvented with modern techniques while still preserving its authentic essence.
By becoming the winner of MasterChef India 2026, the Gandhe brothers have not only secured the prestigious trophy but also inspired many aspiring chefs across India who dream of turning their love for cooking into a successful career.
