Since its 2010 debut, MasterChef USA has transformed home cooks into culinary icons under the rigorous judgment of chefs like Gordon Ramsay , Joe Bastianich , and Aarón Sánchez . Winners walk away with a , a trophy, and often their own cookbook.

The landmark 10th season was won by Dorian Hunter, a former nurse from Kansas. Her soulful, Southern-inspired finale menu—including candied yams and oxtail—was a love letter to her late mother.

Here is a definitive look at every winner of MasterChef USA , their journey on the show, and where they are now.