MasterChef India Season 9 has officially announced its champion. The winner of MasterChef India 2026 is Nagpur’s Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe, who impressed judges with their fusion of traditional flavours and modern presentation in the grand finale. This victory marks a significant moment as they are the winner of MasterChef India 2026.
Who Won MasterChef India 2026 Season 9
The winner of MasterChef India 2026 is the Nagpur-based brothers Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe. The duo lifted the MasterChef India Season 9 trophy after impressing judges Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur with their final dishes.
As the winner of MasterChef India 2026, the Gandhe brothers have not only showcased their culinary skills but have also inspired countless aspiring chefs.
Throughout the season, Vikram and Ajinkya consistently stood out for their strong teamwork and refined cooking style. The brothers, who run a café together in Nagpur, demonstrated how traditional Indian ingredients can be reimagined through modern plating and presentation.
The judges frequently praised their dishes for their balance of flavours, creativity and technique. Their ability to stay calm under pressure and support each other in the kitchen helped them become one of the strongest teams of the season.
They were also among the first teams to qualify as finalists and received multiple “spoon taps” from the judges during the competition, indicating exceptional dishes.
Their final menu in the grand finale impressed the judges with both concept and execution, ultimately securing them the title of MasterChef India Season 9 champions.
Celebration in Nagpur After the Victory
The title of winner of MasterChef India 2026 has brought pride to their hometown, and celebrations erupted as news spread.
The brothers’ victory sparked celebrations in Nagpur, with fans and supporters taking to social media to congratulate them.
The entire city rallied behind the duo during the finale, turning social media timelines into a wave of support for the hometown contestants.
Even Maharashtra Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had earlier congratulated the Gandhe brothers on social media, calling their achievement a proud moment for Nagpur.
The recognition from political leaders and the public further highlighted the impact of their victory, positioning them as culinary ambassadors for their region.
MasterChef India Season 9 Introduced a New “Jodi” Format
The ninth season of MasterChef India premiered in January 2026 and introduced a new format where contestants competed as family pairs rather than individuals.
This format brought emotional depth to the competition as family members cooked together while sharing their personal stories and cultural food traditions.
The show continued to be judged by three renowned chefs:
Vikas Khanna
Ranveer Brar
Kunal Kapur
Their expertise and guidance played a crucial role in evaluating the contestants’ dishes throughout the season.
MasterChef India 9 Finalists
The finale featured three strong family teams competing for the trophy.
Finalist Teams:
Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe – Brothers – Nagpur, Maharashtra
Anju Pradhan and Manju Ojha – Sisters – Odisha
Chandana and Sai Sri Rachakonda – Mother-Daughter – Hyderabad, Telangana
All three teams delivered impressive performances throughout the competition, making the finale one of the most exciting episodes of the season.
Special Appearance in the Grand Finale
The grand finale episode also featured a special appearance by legendary chef Sanjeev Kapoor, making the final cook-off even more special for viewers and contestants.
His presence added prestige to the finale as the finalists presented their final dishes in front of some of India’s most respected culinary figures.
A Memorable Season for Indian Cooking Fans
From mystery box challenges to intense elimination rounds, MasterChef India Season 9 showcased the richness of Indian cuisine and the power of family collaboration.
With their victory, Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe have not only won the trophy but also inspired many aspiring chefs by proving that passion, teamwork and creativity can turn home-style cooking into culinary excellence.
The journey of becoming the winner of MasterChef India 2026 reflects their dedication and hard work throughout the season.
FAQ
More on the Winner of MasterChef India 2026
Who is the winner of MasterChef India 2026?
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe from Nagpur are the winners of MasterChef India Season 9 in 2026.
Why is the winner of MasterChef India 2026 significant?
The winner of MasterChef India 2026 is significant as it showcases the talent and culinary excellence emerging from the region.
When was the MasterChef India 2026 finale aired?
The grand finale aired on March 6, 2026 on Sony TV and SonyLIV.
What does it mean to be the winner of MasterChef India 2026?
Being the winner of MasterChef India 2026 symbolizes excellence in culinary arts and the achievement of dreams.
