Nurse Vinnie Gibaldi is the 2026 MasterChef winner, and he credits his nursing experience with helping him to keep his cool during the stressful grand finale to secure the $250,000 prize.

“Nursing has taught me so much in terms of staying calm and staying present when you need it most,” he told AusDoc after his win on Sunday night.

“On the ward and when there is an emergency, you have to be, because someone’s life is at stake.

“That is embedded in me and any high-pressure situation now. It definitely worked in my favour on Sunday.”