Food Network's Brutal New Competition: 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing

Food Network's Brutal New Competition: 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing

I really thought I'd seen it all when it comes to cooking competitions, but Food Network's newest concept is like the Hunger Games for chefs (without all the straight-up murder, of course). The network is throwing down the gauntlet in its most brutal competition yet: 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing! Brace yourselves for a grueling culinary war where only one of 24 competitors will rise from the ashes of exhaustion (and probably a few overcooked slabs of meat) to claim victory.

24 Chefs. 24 Challenges. 24 Hours of Culinary Carnage.

'Where's the drama in that?' you ask. Celebrity chefs Michael Symon and Esther Choi preside over this gladiatorial arena, where our fearless culinary warriors will be pushed to their absolute limits, enduring an onslaught of 24 non-stop challenges in 24 hours (see a pattern here?). 

Choi says, "It's a culinary battle like no other with surprising twists and curveballs along the way. It's a test of endurance, creativity, and collaboration that push(es) these chefs to their limits."

Plenty of Drama In Store 

It sounds like there are plenty of tricks in store, designed to shatter nerves and send plates flying - you know, the makings of good ol' fashioned reality TV.

"This competition is as extreme as it sounds," said Symon. "Chefs often talk about the 24/7 nature of our industry, but this is the first competition to truly capture that intensity."

The Contestants of 24 in 24

The fearless list of competitors is comprised of an array of pros, rising stars, and wide-eyed rookies all yearning to prove they've got what it takes to hang with the legendary judges. Competitors on my radar to watch include Elizabeth Falkner, Carlos Anthony, Marcel Vigneron, Aarthi Sampath and Viet Pham, among others. 

All-Star Judges Will Put Culinary Skills to the Test 

The judges that will be dissecting every dish to separate the culinary masterminds (Marcel Vigneron, anyone?) from the over-seasoned pretenders will be Iron Chef Stephanie Izard, Jet Tila, Eric Adjepong, Maneet Chauhan, the Voltaggio brothers, Scott Conant and Brooke Williamson. Cooking for those all-stars? I'd be shaking in my non-slip shoes for sure.

$50,000 and a Dream Trip Await the Last Chef Standing

The prize will be $50,000 and what the Food Network calls "a trip of a lifetime." Not a bad paycheck for a day's work, but after something so intense, I'd start by awarding the winner with a well-deserved nap.

Don't want to miss a single burnt scallop or pressure cooker explosion? Head to FoodNetwork.com/24In24 for insights and to review recipes inspired by the show's insanity. Join the conversation on social with #24In24.