Episode #2.1next Level Chef : Season 2 Episode 1 -

The mentors were assigned to their starting kitchens by a random draw, which determined the difficulty of their first challenge:

: The grand prize remained a $250,000 cash reward and a one-year mentorship from all three world-class chefs. The Teams and Starting Kitchens Episode #2.1Next Level Chef : Season 2 Episode 1

: A new strategic element allowing chefs to gain or take away time during challenges. The mentors were assigned to their starting kitchens

The premiere of Next Level Chef Season 2, titled "," originally aired on February 12, 2023 , immediately following Super Bowl LVII. The episode introduced 18 contestants divided into three categories: professional chefs, home cooks, and social media chefs. Episode Overview and Format Changes The episode introduced 18 contestants divided into three

New competitive elements were introduced to heighten the stakes:

This season departed from the inaugural season's "draft" format. Instead, the 18 chefs were by mentors Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais before the premiere.

: The chef who cooked the best dish on each team received an immunity pin. This pin could be surrendered later in the season to avoid a head-to-head elimination challenge.