MasterChef Australia: Back To Win came to a close for 2025 with a thrilling grand finale on Tuesday night.
Laura Sharrad went up against Callum Hann in a nail-biting final episode that saw two of the show’s most beloved contestants duke it out over two courses.
By the end of the episode, Laura emerged as the winner, and walks away with a $250,000 cash prize and the title of MasterChef.
‘This is the most surreal feeling in the whole entire world,’ Laura said as she broke down over the good news.
‘I’m truly so proud of myself for coming back for a third time and completely setting myself up for heartbreak,’ she continued.
‘And pulling off what I never thought I really could do, but I’ve wanted to for so long. I’ve dreamt of this moment since I was 13.
MasterChef Australia: Back To Win came to a close for 2025 with a thrilling grand finale on Tuesday night. Laura Sharrad went up against Callum Hann in a nail-biting final episode that saw two of the show’s most beloved contestants duke it out over two courses
‘To have my family here, watching me cook, has been the most truly special experience of my life,’ Laura explained.
‘I just want to thank Callum, more than anyone. Just the support that you’ve shown me throughout this competition both times has been so truly special. So thank you so much for everything.’
There was an additional touching moment as judge Andy Allen told Laura that the spirit of late judge Jock Zonfrillo lived on through her cooking.
Callum was awarded $10,000 for coming in second place.
First, the cooks faced off in a tense challenge that saw them tasked with creating a dish using potato and rosemary.
Laura went for a potato risotto with samphire and pipis, while Callum created one-bite oyster chips.
In an unprecedented result, the pair went into round two tied for first place, each getting a score of 38 out of 40 for their seafood dishes.
The second round was a pressure test which saw the contestants recreate the ‘Botanical Garden’ dessert from renowned pastry chef Miko Aspiras.
By the end of the episode, Laura emerged as the winner, and walks away with a $250,000 cash prize and the title of MasterChef
‘I’ve dreamt of this moment since I was 13,’ Laura said as she broke down
It was a challenging and emotional three-hour cook, with both Callum and Laura breaking down in tears once they finished the 149-step process.
Laura became tearful once more as she revealed how proud she was to achieve what she had on the show while also being a busy mum.
Laura’s version of the dessert was close, but some elements, such as her aloe vera twig, were imperfect.
Overall, the judges felt she had ‘smashed it out of the park’ – albeit with minor flaws.
Callum faced the panel next, and admitted that he was immensely grateful to be part of the show.
His version of Miko’s dessert was less of a hit with the judges, who said his ganache was too thick – and his profiteroles were uneven.
However, he did better on the aloe vera element than Laura, with his chocolate well tempered and his visual presentation praised for his attention to detail.
Callum got a score of 35 out of 40 for his dessert, with his final score for the night was 73.
The second round was a pressure test which saw the contestants recreate the ‘Botanical Garden’ dessert from renowned pastry chef Miko Aspiras (pictured with Laura’s version)
It was a challenging and emotional three-hour cook, with both Callum and Laura breaking down in tears once they finished the 149-step process
Laura got a score of 36 out of 40 for her dessert, with her final score for the episode ringing in at 74.
On Monday, the contestant kicked out just short of vying for the Back To Win crown was revealed.
Laura, Callum and Jamie Fleming went head-to-head in a challenge that required them to make a three-course menu for 20 people.
In the end, it was Jamie who fell short, after his overly ambitious menu left him having to make multiple substitutions to finish on time.
While he missed out on the $250,000 prize, Jamie did win $10,000 in travel vouchers.
