Starting November 16, a new season of Chefi la cuțite kicks off — and it’s a game changer: each judge will have their own team!

Chef Richard Abou Zaki, Chef Alexandru Sautner, Chef Orlando Zaharia, and Chef Ștefan Popescu enter the fiery competition of Chefi la cuțite Season 16 on November 16, airing on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY! This is the season that changes the game, bringing major twists that make the culinary showdown more intense than ever. Huge emotions, strong ambitions, and boundless excitement fill the air as Irina Fodor opens the new season with a big announcement: each judge will now have their own team!

Until now, the two judges with the lowest scores in the amulet rankings shared the leadership of one team. From this season onward, each Chef will lead their own group of contestants — even the one ranked last. “I’ve wanted this from the very beginning. To be independent, not to share the leadership of a team if the amulet rankings put you in that situation,” confessed Chef Orlando Zaharia with emotion. “What a huge joy! The stakes are higher than ever for us — it’s clear this will be a memorable season,” declared Chef Alexandru Sautner. “We were all waiting and hoping for this to happen: four teams! This makes the competition much more exciting — we’ll each fight with our own people,” said Chef Richard Abou Zaki. “Irina really surprised us in the best way! I can’t wait to get into the battle with my own team,” added Chef Ștefan Popescu.

In addition to the new twist in the amulet battles — now taking place in iconic locations across the country — the news that there will be four teams in the competition starting with Season 16 has brought great enthusiasm among the Chefs. But that’s not the only surprise: the judges will also discover a brand-new rule that will boost the adrenaline in the most anticipated culinary show of the fall.