Kelvin Fernandez Claims $8,250 in Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out Final After Sabotage Showdown

A High-Stakes Finale in Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out

The final episode of Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out, titled “Sabotage at Sea,” aired on July 8, 2025, marking the conclusion of an intense and unpredictable season. The episode brought together chefs Kelvin Fernandez, Lana, Brit, and Julia for a series of high-pressure challenges that tested their skills, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Chef Kelvin Fernandez emerged victorious, securing a cash prize of $8,250 after navigating through a series of sabotage-filled rounds.

Throughout the finale, the chefs faced unexpected twists, including mid-cook chaos, bidding wars, and various handicaps designed to disrupt their cooking. One of the most challenging aspects was the requirement to cook with limited resources, such as using only one pot, swapping kitchens, and even being exiled to a lifeboat kitchen. These conditions forced the chefs to think quickly and adjust their strategies on the fly.

Despite starting with a strong bank of $23,750, Kelvin made bold moves during auctions, aiming to gain control over the competition and weaken his opponents. While this strategy helped him in some ways, it also came with risks. After completing his final dish under difficult conditions, Kelvin expressed pride in his work, stating, “No problems, only solutions.” His approach reflected his determination and focus throughout the competition.

Judge Jet Tila praised Kelvin’s final plate for its balance and proper execution, while host Brian Malarkey declared him the winner. The episode is now available to stream on HBO Max, offering fans a chance to relive the dramatic moments and see how the competition unfolded.

Italian Round: Pushing Kelvin to His Limits

The finale began with a round focused on creating a refined Italian dish using only one cooking vessel and an unlabeled pantry. This challenge immediately tested the chefs’ ability to identify ingredients and adapt their techniques. Jet Tila judged the round and commended Lana for her risotto, which he described as “really sinking” and earning her a $1,000 bonus.

Brit, however, was eliminated after presenting a ramen bolognese. Jet noted that the ramen noodles “took me straight to my childhood, which was not in Italy,” calling it the least authentic dish of the round. This left Kelvin, Julia, and Lana to move forward.

Kelvin admitted that he barely made it to the next round, expressing his desire to cook with proper equipment. Despite the challenges, he advanced with a narrow margin, determined to take control in the following phase.

Lifeboat Sabotage and Final Dish: Kelvin's Triumph

In the final round, the chefs were tasked with preparing an elevated entrée suitable for a captain’s table. Kelvin made a strategic move early on by spending $4,000 to steal Julia’s lobster and shrimp, saying, “I’m going to take the lobster and the shrimp ‘cause it sounds more luxurious.”

With $23,750 in his bank, he later bid $11,000 to exile Lana to the lifeboat kitchen, hoping to weaken her chances. However, a later sabotage turned the tables when Julia forced Kelvin to switch stations with Lana, sending him to the Exile Kitchen aboard the S.S. Malarkey.

Frustrated but undeterred, Kelvin focused on speed and flavor. He kept scallops, which cook quickly, and paired them with butter, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. He also added creamy crab rice and a lime brown butter sauce to complete his dish.

Jet Tila praised the scallop and highlighted the overall composition of the dish, noting, “There is enough crab in the rice that this makes this feel like a very luxury dish. Rice is cooked properly.” Brian Malarkey then announced Kelvin as the winner, awarding him $8,250 in prize money.

Kelvin’s victory was a testament to his resilience, creativity, and ability to adapt under pressure. As the season concluded, fans eagerly awaited future episodes and updates from the show.