MasterChef Slovenija has been one of POP TV’s most-watched shows since debuting in April 2015, bringing the British cooking format to Slovenian screens with a €50,000 grand prize on the line. Here’s the complete breakdown of the show’s first two champions.
Quick Reference: MasterChef Slovenija Winners (Season 1–2)
| Sezona | Leto | Zmagovalec | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015–2016 | Sašo Miljuševič | €50,000 + trophy |
| 2 | 2016 | Darko Klemen | €50,000 + trophy |
MasterChef Slovenija: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Network | POP TV |
| Premiere | April 2015 |
| Format | 16 amateur cooks compete through weekly elimination challenges |
| Prize Money | €50,000 + MasterChef trophy and title |
| Finale Format | Two finalists face off in the grand final |
Season 1 (2015–2016): Sašo Miljuševič
MasterChef Slovenija premiered on POP TV in April 2015, introducing Slovenian audiences to the cooking competition format for the first time. Sašo Miljuševič, then 36 years old, became the very first MasterChef Slovenija champion, taking home the trophy, the title and €50,000.
Looking back on his win, Sašo has spoken candidly about how much the show transformed his life — bringing new friendships, new opportunities, and a completely new direction for his career. He continued to build on his culinary success afterward, going on to cater for high-profile clients, including preparing meals for an Egyptian consul and his family. Sašo has remained an active, visible figure in the MasterChef Slovenija community, often offering advice and encouragement to contestants in later seasons.
Season 2 (2016): Darko Klemen
Season 2 aired in 2016 and introduced a notable twist — the season featured a mix of regular amateur cooks alongside several Slovenian celebrities competing in the same lineup, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition. Darko Klemen emerged as the champion of this second season, once again claiming the €50,000 prize and the MasterChef trophy.
MasterChef Slovenija Judges
The judging panel has featured a rotating but recognizable cast of respected Slovenian chefs across its history, including:
- Luka Jezeršek — one of Slovenia’s best-known chefs, a constant presence across nearly every season
- Karim Merdjadi — celebrated chef known for his technical rigor
- Bine Volčič — chef and restaurateur
- Alma Rekić — judge in earlier seasons
By later seasons, the panel settled into what fans nicknamed “the three musketeers” — Bine Volčič, Luka Jezeršek and Karim Merdjadi — who went on to judge for several consecutive years.
MasterChef Slovenija: What Came After Season 2
The franchise has continued strong for over a decade, with new champions crowned nearly every year:
| Season | Year | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2017 | Sara Rutar (first female winner) |
| 4 | 2018 | Jaka Mankoč |
| 5 | 2019 | Anže Kuplenik |
| 6 | 2020 | Žan Milosavljević |
| 7 | 2021 | Bruno Šulman |
| 8 | 2022 | Luka Novak |
| 10 | 2024 | Michaela “Miša” Koplova (referenced as recent winner) |
| 11 | 2025 | Michaela “Miša” Koplova (third female winner) |
Notably, Sara Rutar (Season 3) made history as the first female winner of MasterChef Slovenija, a milestone that wouldn’t be repeated again until years later.
Fun Facts About MasterChef Slovenija
- Consistent prize: The €50,000 cash prize plus trophy has remained the standard reward since Season 1
- Celebrity twist: Season 2 featured a mixed cast of celebrities and amateur home cooks competing together
- Growing format: By Season 11 (2025), the show had expanded from an original 39 episodes to 50 episodes per season
- First female champion: Sara Rutar broke new ground in Season 3 (2017)
FAQs
Who won the first season of MasterChef Slovenija? Sašo Miljuševič won Season 1, which aired starting in April 2015.
Who won MasterChef Slovenija Season 2? Darko Klemen claimed the title in 2016.
How much prize money do MasterChef Slovenija winners receive? €50,000, along with the MasterChef trophy and title.
Who are the judges of MasterChef Slovenija? The most recognizable panel — nicknamed “the three musketeers” — features Luka Jezeršek, Karim Merdjadi and Bine Volčič.
Who was the first female winner of MasterChef Slovenija? Sara Rutar, who won Season 3 in 2017.