Mariusz Komenda, a chef who starred in the eighth series of MasterChef Poland, has died at the age of 44 after battling an aggressive brain tumour. His death was confirmed on October 7.
Komenda was rushed to hospital with a suspected stroke in January 2026, where scans revealed a tumour on his brain in the right thalamus, above the brainstem. He underwent two surgeries, radiotherapy and rehabilitation, but has now died.
MasterChef journey and career
Komenda appeared in the 2019 series of MasterChef Poland, reaching the semi-final. He later returned to the show as a guest and a judge to help other contestants.
This year, he faced what was described as the “hardest fight of his life” after his diagnosis. Doctors removed a glioma from his brain in one surgery and took out a piece of his skull in another.
Fundraiser and tributes
Komenda was forced to start a fundraiser to help afford travel for treatment, as well as the drugs and scans he needed, with a target of £31,000.
Tributes have flooded in from his former co-stars. Grzegorz Zawierucha, winner of the 2019 series, wrote: “Maniuś… I can’t manage to write anything. Goodbye, brother. See you. Prepare the most delicious dinner today, my friend.”
His co-star Mateusz Krojenka said he was “wrecked” by the news, praising Komenda’s “infectious smile”.
Statement from MasterChef Poland
MasterChef Poland said in a statement: “It is hard to find words that could express our grief. Mariusz, we will miss you very much.” It added that Komenda would be remembered for his “passion, energy and love of cooking”.
Komenda opened Sztuka Restaurant in his hometown of Środa Śląska, Poland. In April 2026, he also launched Mexican restaurant Father & Son with his son Mateusza.
