After conducting a nationwide search, 100 of the best amateur cooks in America including a police officer, an oil rig engineer, an interior designer, a forklift operator, a professional poker player, a classical pianist and a tattoo shop owner were flown to Los Angeles in the hopes of becoming the next MASTERCHEF and walking away with the life-changing grand prize. The hopefuls will prepare their signature dishes and present them to judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot. The amateur cooks will be put through the paces, and only the most deserving among them will win the coveted white apron and move on to the next round of the competition.

Nerves are tested as the judges continue to winnow down the Top 100 in their search for the America's best amateur cook.

The top 38 contestants are revealed.

The contestants prove they are proficient in basic kitchen techniques.

The contestants have one hour to make a dish using mystery ingredients; the winner picks the main ingredient in the elimination round.

The contestants form two teams that must cook a five-course meal for hundreds of diners; one contestant is sent home.

The contestants hope to impress the judges and advance to the next round.

The cooks compete for a spot in the next round.

The cooks compete for a spot in the next round.

The cooks compete for a spot in the next round.

The cooks compete for a spot in the next round.

The 10 remaining cooks compete for a spot in the next round.

The contestants try to impress the judges and advance to the next round.

The remaining contestants try to impress the judges.

After being spared from elimination, the eight remaining cooks again vie for a spot in the next round; two contestants are eliminated.

The Top 6 hopefuls compete in another grueling culinary challenge.

The five remaining chefs compete for a spot in the next round.

The four remaining contestants prepare dishes for the judges from around the world.

The winner is announced after a grueling final challenge in the Season 2 finale.

The winner is announced after a grueling final challenge in the Season 2 finale.