Hell’s Kitchen is an American cooking competition show that has captivated audiences since its premiere on May 30, 2005, on Fox. Hosted by the fiery British chef Gordon Ramsay, the series has produced 21 winners who have taken their culinary skills to new heights. Throughout this article, we will delve into the lives of these winners, uncovering their journeys before and after the show, and highlighting their contributions to the culinary world.
Since its inception, Hell’s Kitchen has not only entertained viewers with its intense cooking challenges but also provided aspiring chefs with an incredible opportunity. The grand prize includes a cash reward of $250,000 and a chance to work alongside Chef Ramsay himself. Many contestants have gone on to build successful careers, whether working in esteemed restaurants or launching their own culinary ventures.
As we explore the winners of Hell’s Kitchen, we’ll discover how each contestant’s unique background and experiences shaped their path to victory. From seasoned chefs to passionate newcomers, the diverse range of talent showcases the rich tapestry of the culinary arts. Join us as we take a closer look at the most recent season and the incredible winners who have emerged from this popular cooking competition!
Table of Contents
- Season 21 - Alex Belew
- Season 20 - Trenton Garvey
- Season 19 - Kori Sutton
- Season 18 - Ariel Contreras-Fox
- Season 17 - Michelle Tribble
- Season 16 - Kimberly-Ann Ryan
- Season 15 - Ariel Malone
- Season 14 - Meghan Gill
- Season 13 - La Tasha Mccutchen
- Season 12 - Scott Commings
- Season 11 - Ja’Nel Witt
- Season 10 - Christina Wilson
- Season 9 - Paul Niedermann
- Season 8 - Nona Sivley
- Season 7 - Holli Ugalde
- Season 6 - Dave Levey
- Season 5 - Danny Veltri
- Season 4 - Christina Machamer
- Season 3 - Rahman ‘Rock’ Harper
- Season 2 - Heather West
- Season 1 - Michael Wray
Season 21 - Alex Belew
- Full name: Alex Belew
- Place of birth: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, United States
Alex Belew from Murfreesboro, Tennessee was crowned by Hell's Kitchen as its 21st winner on February 2023. Alex was awarded the head chef position at the Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen restaurant in Caesars Atlantic City, with a $250,000 salary.
Prior to winning, Alex owned the restaurant, Dallas and Jane in Murfreesboro for four years from April 2018 to April 2022. He also had a meal prep company called Made South Meals. The chef is also the owner and executive chef of AB Hospitality.
Season 20 - Trenton Garvey
- Full name: Trenton Garvey
- Place of birth: Union, Missouri
Trenton Garvey won season 20 of Hell’s Kitchen in 2021 at 23. He collected $250,000 and landed a job as head chef at Gordon Ramsay Steak in Las Vegas. Before winning, Trenton was an executive chef at The Blue Duck, a popular restaurant in Maplewood, Mo. Currently, Chef Trenton works at The Bedford by Martha Stewart in Paris.
Season 19 - Kori Sutton
- Full name: Kori Sutton
- Age: 39 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Newport Beach, California, USA
Kori Sutton won season 19 of Hell’s Kitchen in 2021 at 37. She was awarded a head chef position at Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen Restaurant in Lake Tahoe with a $250 thousand salary. She previously worked as the culinary face of the Five Star Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
She also previously appeared on Top Chef Mexico and was a winner on Cutthroat Kitchen. Currently, Kori offers private chef services.
Season 18 - Ariel Contreras-Fox
- Full name: Ariel Contreras-Fox
- Date of birth: 31 October 1981
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Ariel Contreras-Fox emerged as a winner of season 18 in 2019. The New York-based chef was awarded the position of executive chef at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen Restaurant at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, however, she turned down the coveted position. Ariel now works as the vice president of Del Frisco's Double Eagle, Del Frisco's Grille, and Dos Caminos.
Season 17 - Michelle Tribble
- Full name: Michelle Tribble
- Date of birth: 20 December 1990
- Place of birth: Dallas, Texas, United States
Michelle Tribble won season 17 of Hell's Kitchen and became head chef at the new Hell’s Kitchen restaurant at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. However, she lost her role as a result of the pandemic.
The Texas native now works on the corporate culinary team for Gordon Ramsay North America as the culinary development executive chef.
Season 16 - Kimberly-Ann Ryan
- Full name: Kimberly-Ann Ryan
- Date of birth: 20 April 1985
- Place of birth: Traverse City, Michigan, United States
Kimberly-Ann Ryan is widely known for winning season 16 of the reality cooking series Hell's Kitchen in 2017. She also won a head chef position at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at The Venetian Las Vegas. Before she became part of the show, she worked as an event chef. Her first job was at The Cook’s House.
Season 15 - Ariel Malone
- Full name: Ariel Malone
- Place of birth: Hackensack, New Jersey, USA
Ariel Malone won season 15 of Hell's Kitchen title in 2016 at 26. After winning the reality show, she began working as head chef at BLT Steak in Bally’s Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, Ariel later left the job and started a private chef career. She frequently posts pictures of her dishes on social media.
Season 14 - Meghan Gill
- Full name: Meghan Gill
