The tenth episode of the series aired on La 1 on a Monday in late May. MasterChef 12 delivered a double episode within a single week following Pilar’s recent elimination. The show started with a taster challenge, then moved to an outdoor test, and culminated in a duel eliminator. Pulga exited the competition after failing to best any of his fellow contestants.
The contestants were asked to craft dishes that could entice the panel of judges and appeal to a range of dietary needs. Menus were adapted to accommodate allergies and intolerances highlighted by participants from earlier seasons and from MasterChef Junior. In this round, Pulga and Samya struggled to satisfy the diners or prepare competitive meals. In contrast, Ángela, Celeste, and Alberto produced meals that were both affordable and tasty, elevating Alberto’s performance to standout status.
During the outdoor challenge, Celeste took on a dual leadership role, guiding Ángela, María, and Gonzalo on one team and Pulga, Alberto, and Samya on the other. Alberto, who had the liberty to select teammates’ meals, described the task as chaotic. Celeste criticized her second squad for lacking coordination. Five contestants received black aprons due to crowding errors with leadership, while Angela stepped forward confidently, keeping control amid the disorder.
Celebrity chef Jordi Roca participated in the dessert duel and also joined the elimination round of MasterChef. Angela selected Pulga as a possible ally to improve his chances of survival. Pulga chose to challenge Alberto first, but neither completed his plate, leading them to face Celeste. After Angela received a black apron from the audience for her efforts, Pulga found himself outmatched in the second duel and faced María in the final round. Although María delivered a well-prepared dish, the judges declared her the winner, resulting in Pulga’s departure. This moment had been anticipated by Pulga for some time.
The judges highlighted Pulga’s perseverance, noting his emotional gratitude for the experience. He stated that the competition had helped him learn respect, improve his cooking, and accept that victory does not always come on the first try. He emphasized that while he did not win the top prize, he left with meaningful memories and growth from the journey.