The highly anticipated seventh season of Food Network’s “Tournament of Champions” is set to debut on Sunday, March 1, at 8 p.m. ET, featuring two talented chefs with connections to New Jersey. Chefs David Viana and Britt Rescigno are among the 32 competitors vying for the coveted title and a grand prize of $150,000.
Chef David Viana is well-known in the Shore dining scene, with roots in notable establishments such as Judy & Harry’s in Asbury Park, Lita and La Otra in Aberdeen, and Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge. His culinary skills recently earned him a nomination for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category.
Britt Rescigno has made a name for herself in the culinary world as the owner of an Italian restaurant in Idaho, but her journey began at her family’s eatery, Allen’s Clam Bar, in New Gretna. She honed her craft working at restaurants on Long Beach Island.
Both chefs bring a wealth of television experience to the competition. Viana has previously participated in Bravo’s “Top Chef” in 2018 and has appeared on “Tournament of Champions” and “Alex vs. America” in 2025. In contrast, Rescigno is a veteran of various Food Network shows, including multiple seasons of “Tournament of Champions,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Chopped,” and “Guy’s Grocery Games,” where she currently serves as a judge.
In the season premiere, Viana will face Chef Marcel Vigneron, who was a runner-up on the second season of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Rescigno’s first challenge will be against Chef Giuseppe Tentori, a Michelin-starred chef from Chicago.
Other notable contestants this season include acclaimed chefs such as Adam Sobel, Bryan Voltaggio, Jet Tila, and many more. The competition culminates in an intense final battle scheduled to air on Sunday, April 19.
This season promises to deliver thrilling culinary showdowns that will not only entertain but also showcase the exceptional talent emerging from the New Jersey culinary scene.