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Renowned Food Network personality Guy Fieri shared why the seventh season of Tournament of Champions holds a special place in his heart, highlighting the profound stories of the chefs competing in this prestigious culinary showdown. As the creator of Tournament of Champions, which made its debut in 2020, Guy has been a familiar face on numerous other shows, including Guy’s Big Bite, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Ultimate Recipe Showdown, Guy Off the Hook, Minute to Win It, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Guy’s Family Road Trip.
Tournament of Champions pits chefs against one another in a suspenseful bracket-style contest, with a Randomizer dictating their ingredients, cooking techniques, tools, and time limits. Celebrity judges then conduct blind tastings to declare the winner of each duel. Notable victors from previous seasons include Brooke Williamson (season 1), Maneet Chauhan (seasons 2 and 5), Tiffani Faison (season 3), Mei Lin (season 4), and Antonia Lofaso (season 6).
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared by Food Network, Guy revealed the deep impact of Tournament of Champions VII on him, stating, “This is probably, out of all the TOCs, the most emotional for me.” He particularly highlighted the journey of Chef Shirley Chung, who joined the competition in 2022. In May 2024, Shirley faced a daunting diagnosis of stage four squamous cell carcinoma tongue cancer and underwent chemotherapy. By 2025, she joyously announced her complete remission.
Guy Fieri Explains Why Tournament Of Champions VII Was So Emotional For Him
In a Food Network Instagram post, Guy explained why Tournament of Champions VII moved him so much. He said, “This is probably, out of all the TOCs, the most emotional for me.” Guy spoke about Chef Shirley Chung, who began competing in Tournament of Champions in 2022. In May 2024, she was diagnosed with stage four squamous cell carcinoma tongue cancer and underwent chemotherapy. In 2025, Shirley announced that she was in 100% remission.
Guy praised Shirley, stating, “Shirley Chung coming back to compete. You know, facing stage four tongue cancer. Taking the whole TOC VI–the whole year–off, and surviving, and being cancer-free. And then coming back to compete? Mind-blowing.”
Guy also mentioned Chef Tobias Dorzon, who was shot 11 times in an apparent robbery on November 5, 2024. Guy said, “Tobias Dorzon. You know, being shot 11 times. Potentially gonna have amputations. Not gonna walk again. To go to rehab, you come back, and come compete in TOC VII. What a warrior.”
In addition to Shirley and Tobias’ inspiring stories, Guy also talked about other competitors who impressed him. He stated, “There’s Jet Tila for his fifth time in the Final 4. There’s newcomers coming through Qualifiers getting to the Final 4.”
Guy Wouldn’t Trade His Role In Tournament Of Champions For Anything
Although being the host of Tournament of Champions VII can be challenging for Guy because of its emotional toll, he wouldn’t have it any other way. Guy said, “It’s the high highs and the low lows of TOC. For me, as the creator and as the host, the producer, and a friend to all these chefs that are here, it’s a very difficult spot to be in. But one I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
Tournament of Champions is one of the most demanding competitions on television, but, because of how taxing it is, it’s also one of the most rewarding. As its host, Guy is genuinely amazed by the efforts of all of the chefs, and it’s obvious that he truly cares about them. Tournament of Champions VII already seems like it’ll be an emotional and inspirational journey that transcends the kitchen and teaches viewers about life.
Tournament of Champions VII premieres March 1 at 8 p.m. ET on Food Network.
Source: Food Network/Instagram