OKC's Kevin Lee Set for Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions Return

The chef will compete in the show's third season after previous quarterfinal finishes.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Food Network's Tournament of Champions will soon return for its third season, and Oklahoma City chef Kevin Lee will be competing for the third time. Lee first appeared on the show in 2024 and has made it to the quarterfinals in his previous two seasons. This year, Lee comes in with more experience and a new restaurant under his belt, but the competition will feature some new high-profile chefs as the top seeds in each bracket division.

Why it matters

Tournament of Champions is one of Food Network's most popular and prestigious cooking competition shows, featuring some of the best chefs in the industry. Lee's return to the show for a third time showcases his culinary skills and the growing reputation of the Oklahoma City food scene.

The details

In his previous two appearances on Tournament of Champions, Lee earned the nickname the "Dragon Slayer" from host Guy Fieri for his ability to defeat high-profile chefs like former TOC champion Brooke Williamson. This season, the show will feature a new twist, with "global food icons" serving as the No. 1 seeds in each of the four bracket divisions, though their identities will not be revealed until they compete.

  • Lee first appeared on Tournament of Champions in 2024.
  • Tournament of Champions VII will kick off on March 1, 2026.

The players

Kevin Lee

An Oklahoma City chef who has competed on Tournament of Champions for the past three seasons, making it to the quarterfinals each time.

Guy Fieri

The host of Tournament of Champions on Food Network.

Brooke Williamson

A former Tournament of Champions champion who Lee has defeated in previous seasons.

Antonia Lofaso

A chef who has edged out Lee in the quarterfinals of Tournament of Champions in his previous two appearances on the show.

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What they’re saying

“This season, when TOC VII kicks off on March 1, Lee comes into the competition with a bit more experience and a brand new restaurant under his belt, but the show also features a few new twists.”

— Ja Nae Williams, Author (oklahoman.com)

“The No. 1-seeded chefs in each of the four bracket divisions are what Food Network is calling "global food icons.”

— Ja Nae Williams, Author (oklahoman.com)

What’s next

Tournament of Champions VII will premiere on Food Network on March 1, 2026, with Kevin Lee competing for the third time.

The takeaway

Kevin Lee's return to Tournament of Champions for a third season showcases his culinary skills and the growing reputation of the Oklahoma City food scene. The new twist of "global food icons" serving as the top seeds will add an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the competition.