Fans of MasterChef Poland are mourning one of the show’s most memorable home cooks. Mariusz Komenda, who battled his way to the semifinals of the competition’s eighth season, has died after a months-long fight with a serious illness, ESKA reported on October 7, 2026. He was a familiar face in his hometown of Środa Śląska, where he spent years feeding his community from his own restaurant kitchen.
Here’s what we know so far about his cause of death, his time on the show and the life he built after it.
How Did Mariusz Komenda Die?
Mariusz died after battling a malignant brain tumor. He was diagnosed in early 2026 and underwent two complex surgeries as doctors fought to slow the disease. Supporters also launched a fundraiser to help cover the cost of further treatment.
The local news portal Roland was the first to share word of his death, describing the chef as a respected cook and restaurateur who had struggled with a serious illness in recent months. The outlet opened its tribute with a heartfelt message.
“We have received the news of Mariusz Komenda’s death with great sadness.”
His exact date of death has not been publicly shared. He joins the stars we’ve lost in 2026.
What Season of ‘MasterChef’ Was Mariusz Komenda On?
Mariusz competed on the eighth season of MasterChef Poland, which aired in 2019. He cooked his way through round after round and earned a spot among the semifinalists, which sent him on the show’s trip to Mexico with the rest of the season’s top cooks.
He didn’t take home the title, but his run left a lasting impression, and the tributes since his death point to the passion and characteristic smile he brought to the kitchen.
Who Was Mariusz Komenda?
Away from the cameras, Mariusz poured his love of food into his own restaurant in Środa Śląska, a small town in southwestern Poland. He stepped away from that business in 2023, but he wasn’t finished cooking for long.
In 2025, he opened a brand new venue alongside his son, turning his career into a family affair. The new chapter began just a year before his diagnosis, making the timing of his illness all the more heartbreaking.
How Old Was Mariusz Komenda?
Mariusz was 44 when he died.
His passing has left a deep void for his family, his customers and the MasterChef fans who cheered him on in 2019. For the people who knew him best, the memories of his culinary passion and that unmistakable smile will live on.
