In the Season Eight premiere episode, 40 of America's best home cooks travel to Los Angeles to compete in the Masterchef Battle for a White Apron challenge, during which they will face off against each other to try to earn a place in the Top 20. Judging the battle rounds will be Gordon Ramsay, Christina Tosi, and new judge and award-winning chef Aarón Sánchez, who will taste for flavor, creativity and presentation. After each battle, the judges will decide whom they think deserves to make it to the next round and a chance to compete for the coveted title

In their first mystery box challenge of the season, the Top 20 will have to take 12 of the most popular ingredients found on any American home cook's shopping list and make the judges a MASTERCHEF-worthy dish. Whoever wins the challenge will have a huge advantage moving forward in the competition.