Ivana Rodríguez Wins Top Chef Finale and 100,000 Euro Prize
- Ivana Rodríguez has been crowned the winner of Top Chef: dulces y famosos, securing the title after a final showdown on April 16, 2026.
- Benita was the first to be eliminated following a challenge that required the participants to replicate the initial preparations of the competition.
- The competition reached a critical turning point during the third challenge, which tasked the three remaining finalists with creating a structure using three different types of chocolate.
Ivana Rodríguez has been crowned the winner of Top Chef: dulces y famosos, securing the title after a final showdown on April 16, 2026. The content creator emerged victorious in a pastry showcase duel against Roi Méndez, earning the right to donate the 100,000 euro prize to a non-governmental organization of her choice.
The final episode began with five contestants. Benita was the first to be eliminated following a challenge that required the participants to replicate the initial preparations of the competition. Samantha Ballentines was the second contestant to depart. Upon her exit, Ballentines expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the drag community on public television during prime time, noting the value given to that artistic branch.
The Elimination of Belén Esteban
The competition reached a critical turning point during the third challenge, which tasked the three remaining finalists with creating a structure using three different types of chocolate. The judging panel decided to advance Ivana Rodríguez and Roi Méndez to the final stage, resulting in the elimination of Belén Esteban.
Esteban, who finished in third place, concluded her participation with a personal dedication to her daughter, Andrea Janeiro Esteban, stating that she dedicated the achievement to her because she is far away.
This exit followed a period of high tension during the semifinals. Reports from April 9, 2026, indicated a breakdown in the relationship between Esteban and Rodríguez. Although they had previously shared a close friendship, the two clashed during a semifinal challenge where they were paired together. Esteban had expressed her discomfort with the pairing to host Paula Vázquez, stating she would have preferred to work with Samantha.
The Final Duel and Victory
The championship was decided in a final confrontation between Roi Méndez and Ivana Rodríguez. The two finalists were tasked with creating a pastry display. Rodríguez’s proposal impressed the jury, leading Paula Vázquez to announce her as the winner.
Ivana Rodríguez
Qué honor, muchísimas gracias, estoy en un sueño ahora mismo. Creo que me tienen que pellizcar por todos lados para darme cuenta de lo que acabo de ganar
Rodríguez’s victory was supported by her sister, Georgina Rodríguez, whose message prior to the final test provided emotional momentum for the contestant. Rodríguez acknowledged that her sister was the one who encouraged her to enter the program.
Throughout the competition, Rodríguez had balanced a competitive drive with personal vulnerability. In February 2026, she shared an emotional account of her history with her father, describing the many hours she spent in the hospital. Her journey in the competition was characterized by a transition from an influencer and member of a high-profile international sports family to a dedicated student of pastry arts.