# MasterChef Profissionais Season 6 Progress > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/masterchef-television-programming-in-brazil > Updated: 2026-10-19T01:26:57.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 4. The sixth season of ‘MasterChef Profissionais’ has premiered on the Band network in Brazil, marking the return of the professional format after a three-year hiatus. The competition features 18 contestants, consisting of nine returning veterans—including Léo Salles, Irina Cordeiro, and Fernanda Oliveira—and nine newcomers. In the premiere episode, which featured a service challenge for 100 guests, Irina Cordeiro earned the season’s first pin. However, Vinicius Cavalcante became the first contestant eliminated following a difficult pastry challenge involving the construction of a ‘religieuse tower’. By the third episode, the competition introduced a Mystery Box challenge requiring contestants to use chicken heads to create sophisticated, high-gastronomy dishes. Following this, a second stage focused on emotional memory and wine pairing, where participants created original recipes inspired by wines linked to personal experiences such as family, travel, or achievements. The judging panel continues to feature Erick Jacquin, Helena Rizzo, and Henrique Fogaça, with former presenter Ana Paula Padrão making a special appearance during the premiere. The competition offers a prize of R$ 300,000, the MasterChef trophy, a culinary trip to Italy, and various professional kitchen equipment and vouchers. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: MasterChef Profissionais features chicken head challenge MasterChef Profissionais contestants face a challenging Mystery Box featuring chicken heads, followed by an elimination round centered on wine pairing and personal culinary memories. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/masterchef-profissionais-features-chicken-head-challenge ### 2026-10-05: MasterChef Profissionais returns with veterans and new challenges MasterChef Profissionais returns to Band with 18 contestants, including nine veterans. Irina Cordeiro earned the first pin, while Vinicius Cavalcante was the first eliminated in the season premiere. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/masterchef-profissionais-returns-to-band-with-new-season ### 2026-10-03: MasterChef Profissionais returns to Band with 18 contestants The sixth season of ‘MasterChef Profissionais’ returns to Band with 18 contestants and an expanded judging panel featuring six experts for the premiere episode. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/masterchef-profissionais-returns-to-band-with-18-contestants ### 2026-10-02: MasterChef Celebrity seasons spark ratings and tension MasterChef Celebrity's new seasons in Argentina and Chile are generating high ratings and significant interpersonal tension among contestants, hosts, and judges. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mara-luisa-godoy-defends-chef-fernanda-fuentes-during-masterchef-chile-launch --- Cite as: MasterChef Profissionais Season 6 Progress. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/masterchef-television-programming-in-brazil