Petro Papathomas has experienced one of the most remarkable transformations of the MasterChef Australia season, rising from the final contestant selected for the Top 24 to securing his place among the competition’s final three.

Yet behind the career-changing achievement is a deeply personal loss that means even his proudest moment in the kitchen may never feel entirely complete.

The 30-year-old former accountant entered the competition with a relatively clear plan for his future. He hoped the experience would help him launch a halloumi business before eventually opening a restaurant of his own.

After months of cooking alongside talented contestants and learning from some of the industry’s leading figures, however, his ambitions have expanded far beyond that original dream.

Petro now hopes to spend time travelling, exploring unfamiliar cuisines and working in professional kitchens under respected chefs. Rather than immediately opening his own venue, he wants to continue developing his techniques, understanding new flavours and building the experience needed for a long-term career in food.

A surreal moment with Meghan Markle

One of the defining moments of Petro’s journey arrived during Meghan Markle’s Mystery Box challenge.

His dish impressed the special guest enough to earn him a direct place in the Top 3, completing an extraordinary rise for the contestant who had once been the last person admitted into the main competition.

Although Meghan is known globally as the Duchess of Sussex, Petro admitted that meeting the former Suits actress left him particularly starstruck.

Having watched the television drama before entering the competition, he found the experience of presenting his food to her almost surreal. Her thoughtful response to his dish made the achievement even more meaningful, creating a memory Petro believes he will carry long after leaving the kitchen.

But the joy of that success was accompanied by an intensely painful chapter away from the cameras.

A devastating loss during filming

Midway through production, Petro’s beloved grandmother, whom he called YiaYia, passed away.

The pair had shared an especially close relationship, and the suddenness of her passing made the loss even more difficult. Because she was in Melbourne, Petro was able to leave filming briefly and spend time with her shortly before she died.

Her absence has since become inseparable from his experience on the program.

YiaYia had always encouraged Petro’s passion for food and remained one of the strongest believers in his abilities. Her support followed him into every challenge, even as the competition became more demanding and the possibility of reaching the finale began to feel real.

“She’s been with me in every cook,” Petro said.

Now standing within reach of the title, Petro knows that any future celebration would also carry a profound sense of loss.

Should he make it to the final challenge, YiaYia would have been the first person he wanted beside him. Instead, the biggest moment of his culinary journey will be shaped not only by how far he has come, but by the person whose support helped him believe he could get there.