A group of 43 talented home cooks participate in the battle of the apron challenge, where they will compete for a position in the top 24.

The judges each will have eight aprons to hand out to the home cooks whom they deem worthy.

The final home cooks compete for the last 9 aprons to fill the final spots of the field of 24 competing for the Master Chef title.

In the first mystery box challenge of the season the top 24 must prep, cook, and plate one dish featuring an ingredient unique to each of their home states.

The remaining five cooks receive a heart-warming mystery box challenge in which contestants create a dish inspired by their loved ones.

The three finalists (Ashley, Cesar and Gerron) compete in the final rounds to become the winner of the 9th season of 'Masterchef'.

The home cook with the best overall menu is crowned the winner wih a prize of a quarter of a million dollars and the coveted title of MasterChef.