The inaugural Guy’s Grocery Games: Global Games is down to its final showdown, with Kevin Lee, representing Korean cuisine, and Claudette Zepeda, representing Mexico, earning the last two spots in the championship. The highly anticipated finale, airing on August 5, 2026, will see the two acclaimed chefs battle through two final challenges for the $50,000 grand prize and the title of the first-ever Global Games champion.

While both finalists have proven they belong on Food Network’s biggest stage, many viewers and competition followers believe Kevin Lee enters the finale with a slight edge, giving him roughly a 55–60% chance of winning.

Kevin’s greatest advantage lies in his exceptionally well-rounded culinary background. Trained across Korean, French, and Japanese cuisine, he possesses the kind of technical versatility that allows him to adapt quickly to almost any challenge. Throughout his competitive career, he has already demonstrated his ability to defeat some of Food Network’s toughest competitors, including victories over renowned chefs such as Alex Guarnaschelli and Brooke Williamson in previous competitions.

His cooking style also seems perfectly tailored for Guy’s Grocery Games, where speed, organization, and adaptability often matter just as much as creativity. Kevin is known for making fast decisions under pressure, minimizing costly mistakes, and maximizing whatever ingredients he finds on the grocery store shelves. Rather than allowing the game’s unpredictable twists to disrupt his rhythm, he has consistently shown an ability to stay composed while producing polished, restaurant-quality dishes.

Outside television, Kevin’s credentials are equally impressive. His restaurant, Birdies, has received a James Beard Award nomination, further cementing his reputation as one of the rising talents in American dining. That level of professional recognition suggests he has both the technical foundation and competitive mindset needed to thrive in a high-pressure finale.

Still, Kevin is not without weaknesses.

Some observers believe his biggest challenge is that he occasionally favors precision and consistency over bold, risk-taking creativity. In a championship where judges may reward unforgettable flavors and daring ideas, playing it too safe could leave the door open for his opponent.

That is exactly where Claudette Zepeda becomes dangerous. Known for fearless flavors and emotional, vibrant Mexican cuisine, Claudette has repeatedly demonstrated that she is willing to take risks that many chefs would avoid. If the finale rewards originality and impact over flawless execution, she has every opportunity to pull off the upset.

For that reason, the championship is far from a foregone conclusion. Kevin Lee may enter as the slight favorite thanks to his technical excellence and proven consistency, but in a competition as unpredictable as Guy’s Grocery Games, a single inspired decision—or one small mistake—could completely change the outcome.

When the final basket is opened and the last plates reach the judges, the margin between victory and defeat may be smaller than anyone expects.