As Tournament of Champions crowns its season 7 winner tonight, fans are already looking ahead to whatâs next for one of Food Networkâs biggest competition series.
Hereâs what we know so far about a season 8, which host Guy Fieri seemed to confirm during the season 7 finale. Be warned of spoilers ahead if you havenât watched the finale.
Is âTournament of Championsâ Renewed for Season 8?
As of now, Food Network has not officially announced whether Tournament of Champions will return for season 8. However, at the end of the season 7 finale, Fieri seemed to confirm its return next spring with his parting words to the runner-up. Again, spoilers ahead!
After the winner was revealed, Fieri said to runner-up, âChef Kevin Leeâheart, determination, hard work, drive, fight, all of it, packaged into one. What an incredible achievement. I know without a doubt you will be back for season 8. I look forward to seeing you in competitions in the future.â
Why a Season 8 Feels Like a Sure Thing
In addition to Fieriâs comment, Tournament of Champions remains one of Food Networkâs flagship events, built around its March Madness-style bracket, blind judging format, and high-stakes competition. It consistently draws top-tier culinary talent and has become a cornerstone of the networkâs early-year lineup.
Season 7, in particular, raised the stakes even higher. For the first time in the showâs history, a male chef is guaranteed to win the titleâmarking a major shift after six seasons of dominant female champions.
The season also introduced the ambitious âSecret Culinary Iconâ twist, bringing in legendary chefs as surprise No. 1 seeds: Ming Tsai, Lorena Garcia, Jonathan Waxman and AarĂłn SĂĄnchez.
Unfortunately, only Lorena made it past the first round, so the secret icon twist probably didnât play out quite how Guy Fieri and the Food Network imagined, but it was still really fun and I hope they bring it back for season 8.
Will âAll-Star Christmasâ Return Too?
Another big question: could the holiday spinoff come back?
The success of Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas suggests Food Network may have found a new annual extension of the franchise.
The special featured team-based competition and charity stakesâa different flavor from the main tournament, but one that clearly resonated with viewers.
If the network is looking to expand the TOC brand, a second installment of the holiday event feels like a natural next step.
When Would âTournament of Championsâ Season 8 Premiere?
If Tournament of Champions follows its established pattern, a potential season 8 would likely premiere on a Sunday night in late February or early March 2027. In the meantime, the third season of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing premieres next Sunday, April 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network.
The show has consistently occupied that late-winter window, positioning itself as Food Networkâs version of a bracket-style championship event that airs at the same as the NCAA March Madness basketball tournaments.
Between its strong performance, evolving format, and expanding universeânow including special events like All-Star Christmasâthe series remains one of the networkâs most reliable hits.
