In the first battle, the chefs are tasked with creating cold dishes, and one contender is confident about getting on the throne but nearly burns down the House of Knives instead. The Culinary Council is wowed by the level of cooking but gives control of the game to a chef who successfully elevates a humble classic into something new and exciting. However, that chef makes a shocking decision that proves how important strategy is in this game. The battle for the throne is fought over chicken and gives one contender a chance for revenge.

In a surprise twist, one chef will be banished at the end of the contender battle, setting up a potential double elimination. The intensity is sky high as the chefs create handheld dishes for their survival in the game. One contender confidently makes a signature dish while another races against the clock and risks serving the Culinary Council undercooked meat. The banished chef exits the arena and makes a stunning career announcement, and one contender becomes the first to willingly challenge the ruler for the throne.

A new culinary powerhouse enters the House of Knives arena hoping her Southern flair gets her onto the throne. The chefs create noodle dishes in the contender battle, and one competitor takes a risk and ventures outside her comfort zone. Two chefs hope unexpected dishes will get them a shot at the throne while another makes a critical mistake. In a highly anticipated matchup between two of the strongest chefs, the battle for the throne is fought over mushrooms.

The chefs are ordered to create brunch dishes and wow the judges with their innovative plates. The fierce battle for the throne is fought over clams.

A formidable new contender enters the game, and the chefs face their most difficult contender challenge yet: surf and turf.

The final contenders compete, and one chef is selected to challenge the ruler head-to-head for the culinary crown and the $100,000 prize.