In the first season, only 15 people were chosen from among the 9,000 in the initial casting selection and competed for the title of
MasterChef. The winner was given 100,000 euros, the opportunity to publish his own book of recipes, and the chance to attend the esteemed culinary school
Le Cordon Bleu. The initial selections began on February 4, 2013 in five areas of the country. All types of people came, including high-level executives, housewives, and construction workers. All of the candidates came together over their love of cooking. They had to be amateur cooks without culinary experience, but at the same time very talented. The contestants competed against each other in individual challenges in the kitchen and also in group challenges outside of the set kitchen. In October 2013, MasterChef received the
Ondas Awards for
Best entertainment program in Spanish television. ==Show format==