CLAUDIA SANDOVAL CROWNED "MASTERCHEF" WINNER

California Events Manager Earns the Sixth Season Trophy, A Cookbook Deal and the $250,000 Grand Prize

Tonight, Season Six of MASTERCHEF came to an unforgettable conclusion as host, executive producer and judge Gordon Ramsay, along with fellow judges Graham Elliot and Christina Tosi, named Claudia Sandoval the winner of FOX's hit home cooking competition series. Sandoval, 31, is an events manager from La Mesa, CA. In addition to earning the MASTERCHEF title, Sandoval walked away with a cookbook deal and the $250,000 grand prize.

Watch/Share Sandoval's reaction to winning MASTERCHEF: https://youtu.be/XbPsUqycf7Y

"To be crowned the first Latina MASTERCHEF is a dream come true," said Sandoval. "This hard-earned title represents success over every struggle I've ever had as a first-generation American and a single mom. I can't wait to move my daughter and myself out of our one-bedroom apartment and get started on sharing our family collection of authentic Mexican recipes in my cookbook! I hope you're ready America, this Latina has BIG plans! Si Se Puede!"

"Claudia was a strong competitor from the beginning," said Ramsay. "Her passion and unique dishes were what impressed us the most, and we look forward to seeing where her new culinary career will lead her."

In tonight's sensational season finale episode, Sandoval competed in two head-to-head competitions. First, she competed in the MASTERCHEF classic dishes challenge against Stephen Lee, which earned her a place in the finale. Then, Sandoval faced the intense culinary showdown with Derrick Peltz, a 28-year-old drummer from Fort Myers, FL. For the final challenge, Sandoval created an elevated three-course meal: an appetizer of Huatilacoche Tamale with Crispy Pork Chicharone, Cactus Salsa and Avocado Cr�me; a main course of Grilled Swordfish with Chayote, Chickpeas and Mexican Squash; and a Poached Pear with Key Lime Custard, Candied Lime and Pepita Cinnamon Brittle. In the end, it was Sandoval's exquisite flavors and thoughtful dishes that won over the judges and earned her the MASTERCHEF title.

At the end of its sixth season, MASTERCHEF ranks as the season's No. 1 cooking show on television, among Adults 18-49 and Total Viewers.

MASTERCHEF is once again giving talented home cooks the chance to prove they have what it takes to make their marks on the culinary world. Auditions for Season Seven of MASTERCHEF continue this fall, with open casting calls in Chicago and Louisville (Sept. 26); Jackson, MS, and New York City (Oct. 3); and Los Angeles (Oct. 10). Visit masterchefcasting.com to pre-register and for the most up-to-date audition information.

MASTERCHEF is produced by Endemol Shine North America and One Potato Two Potato, and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam and Endemol Shine. Elisabeth Murdoch, Eden Gaha, Robin Ashbrook, Gordon Ramsay, Adeline Ramage Rooney, Patricia Llewellyn and Ben Adler serve as executive producers. "Like" MASTERCHEF on Facebook at facebook.com/MasterChef. Follow the series on Twitter @MASTERCHEFonFOX and join the discussion with #Masterchef. Follow the judges on Twitter: Gordon Ramsay - @gordonramsay; Graham Elliot - @grahamelliot; Christina Tosi - @christinatosi.

About One Potato Two Potato

Renowned for award-winning original programming, One Potato Two Potato produces high-quality TV shows on both sides of the Atlantic, including the smash-hit HOTEL HELL, the blockbuster MASTERCHEF and irresistible spin-off MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, all for FOX; as well as "Best New Restaurant" and competition series "Food Court Wars." In the U.K., OPTP produces "Gordon Ramsay Behind Bars" and "Gordon Ramsay's Great Escape," for Channel 4; food biography and nostalgia series "My Kitchen," for UKTV's Good Food Channel; and "Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch," starring Tilly Ramsay for U.K. children's channel CBBC. OPTP has also produced two instructional cookery series featuring Gordon Ramsay, "Ultimate Home Cooking" and "Ultimate Cookery Course," both of which have sold all over the globe.

About Endemol Shine North America

Endemol Shine North America delivers world-class content and compelling storytelling to multiple platforms in the U.S. and across the globe. Endemol Shine North America is part of Endemol Shine Group, the newly launched global content creator, producer and distributor with a diverse portfolio of companies in the U.S. that are behind some of the most prominent hit television formats and series in the world. Its Endemol Shine Latino division oversees all Spanish-language sales and development in both the U.S. and Mexico. And subsidiary production companies include Authentic Entertainment, Original Media, True Entertainment and 51 Minds Entertainment. In addition, Endemol Shine North America has a strategic partnership with Ryan Seacrest Productions. Endemol Shine Group's companies in North America are behind hit series, including "Below Deck" (Bravo), "Big Brother" (CBS), "The Biggest Loser" (NBC), BULLSEYE (FOX), "Fake Off (TruTV), "Hell on Wheels" (AMC), "Ink Master" (Spike), "It Takes a Church" (GSN), "Kingdom" (DirecTV), "Knife Fight" (Esquire), MASTERCHEF (FOX), MASTERCHEF JUNIOR (FOX), "Restaurant Startup" (CNBC), "Swamp People" (History), "The Island" (NBC), "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" (Bravo), "Steve Harvey" (NBCU),"T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle" (VH1), "Steve Austin's Broken Skull Challenge" (CMT), "Wipeout" (ABC) and many more.