# MasterChef television competition launches in Europe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/masterchef-television-competition-launches-in-europe > Updated: 2026-09-05T05:08:31.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 5. New seasons of the MasterChef culinary competition are scheduled to launch in Poland and Slovenia. In Poland, the 15th anniversary season will premiere on September 6 on TVN. The competition begins in Krakow with 100 candidates vying for 24 spots. The judging panel includes Pascal Brodnicki, Magda Gessler, Michel Moran, and Przemek Klima. This season will feature international culinary trips to Naples, London, and Argentina, with a grand prize consisting of 250,000 PLN, a cookbook opportunity, and a MasterChef statue. In Slovenia, the 12th season is set to begin on POP TV with a scheduled premiere on August 31. The judging panel features Luka Jezeršek, Karim Merdjadi, and Mojmir Šiftar. Jezeršek has emphasized the importance of fundamental knife skills, noting that many contestants overlook the necessity of a clean cut. He described the panel as complementary, providing business, dessert, and technical perspectives. Judge Merdjadi noted that while personal stories are part of the show, he focuses primarily on the quality of the dish and technical execution. He specifically highlighted cream whipping as a frequently underestimated technique requiring precise timing. Meanwhile, Šiftar advised contestants to take a minute to plan under pressure rather than rushing into disorganized preparation. To minimize waste, the production team distributes ingredients nearing expiration to the 60 to 70 crew members. As the Slovenian season approaches, production efforts are focusing on managing the intense psychological pressure faced by the 16 contestants. Editor Katarina Šušterič noted that contestants often sacrifice personal lives and careers, leading to significant stress. To support them, the crew provides professional guidance and motivational music. The judges also act as mentors to motivate performance. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: MasterChef Slovenia focuses on contestant support and new talent MasterChef Slovenia contestants face high pressure, supported by a dedicated production team and mentors. Participant Tadej Oblak, a designer from Amsterdam, aims to turn his culinary passion into a business. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/masterchef-slovenia-focuses-on-contestant-support-and-new-talent ### 2026-08-20: MasterChef Slovenija prepares for 12th season premiere MasterChef Slovenija returns for its 12th season on August 31, with judge Karim Merdjadi emphasizing technical culinary quality over contestants' personal stories. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/masterchef-slovenija-prepares-for-12th-season-premiere-1 ### 2026-08-17: MasterChef Slovenija prepares for 12th season premiere MasterChef Slovenija returns for its 12th season on August 31, featuring a complementary judging panel and a focus on culinary fundamentals and food sustainability. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/masterchef-slovenija-prepares-for-12th-season-premiere ### 2026-08-12: MasterChef culinary competition launches new seasons in Poland and Slovenia New seasons of MasterChef are launching in Poland and Slovenia, featuring international travel, new judges, and a focus on seasonal culinary techniques. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/masterchef-culinary-competition-launches-new-seasons-in-poland-and-slovenia ### 2026-08-01: Pro TV launches new seasons of The Voice and MasterChef Romania Pro TV rolls out new seasons of The Voice (Sept 4) and MasterChef Romania (Sept 7) in 2026, adding interactive rules and larger productions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pro-tv-launches-new-seasons-of-the-voice-and-masterchef-romania --- Cite as: MasterChef television competition launches in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/masterchef-television-competition-launches-in-europe