Petrina and Zain were selected to battle in a cookoff where they had to create a high-quality beef dish with ingredients chosen by Chef Lee. Petrina lost the cookoff due to her decision to use Tonka Beans as a side dish with Wagyu Beef, which ended her time on the show.

The final three contestants were Chef Emily Brubaker, Chef Lee Frank, and Chef Zain Ismail. Their nominators joined them in the kitchen: Emily's husband Jake Brubaker, Lee's sous chef Jonathan Vasquez, and Zain's executive chef Cole Lawson.

Ronny, the Blue Team Captain, struggled with being assertive and unifying his team, focusing mainly on his own dish. Zain, the Green Team Captain, actively guided her team despite challenges with a team member's ego, which led to chaos but ultimately helped her team win and earned her the title of MVC.

The chefs showed significant personal growth by learning to give direction, be leaders, and make calculated decisions for the good of the competition. This transformation was evident as they moved from being scattered and mad to refined chefs ready to fight their way to the top in José and Martha's kitchen.

Nominators, who originally put the chefs forward for the competition, came to assist in the kitchen during the finale. Their presence brought high emotions and support, highlighting the chefs' journeys and personal growth throughout the series.