Ashish and Loki win Bake Off: The Professionals 2026

Ashish and Loki from Edwardian Hotels have been crowned the winners of Bake Off: The Professionals 2026.

The pair defeated Aubin and Avneet from The Stafford London after Valentina and Aurora were eliminated at the halfway point of the Channel 4 final.

Judges Cherish Finden and Benoit Blin made their decision following what presenter Ellie Taylor described as “quite possibly the closest final in the history of Bake Off: The Professionals”.

Ashish and Loki’s victory completes a journey which began with the two Edwardian Hotels pastry chefs working together in the same kitchen for the first time.

What happened in the Bake Off: The Professionals 2026 final?

Three teams entered the final: Ashish and Loki, Aubin and Avneet, and Valentina and Aurora.

They faced a new 12-hour Masquerade Ball Banquet challenge, the longest single challenge ever set on Bake Off: The Professionals.

During the opening six hours, the teams produced two desserts before a halfway judging. Valentina and Aurora were eliminated, leaving Edwardian Hotels and The Stafford to complete their banquets and compete for the trophy.

Before announcing the result, Ellie said: “This has been quite possibly the closest final in the history of Bake Off: The Professionals, but after much deliberation, Benoit and Cherish have made their decision.”

Ashish and Loki were then named the winners of series 11, in front of friends and family from the competing teams.

Loki said: “I can’t believe this.”

Ashish added: “The emotions came out in that moment. My wife was really happy, she cried. It was on our wedding anniversary as well.”

Runner-up Avneet praised the winners, saying: “Ashish and Loki nailed it.”

Why did Ashish and Loki win Bake Off: The Professionals?

The final proved extremely close, but Ashish and Loki’s Masquerade Ball showpiece ultimately helped separate the two teams.

Cherish said: “I am so pleased for Ashish and Loki. In the end it came down to their amazing, stunning showpiece.

“They both have worked so hard. They are so determined, so passionate and most of all, very resilient. It’s incredible.”

Benoit added: “The closest decision. Every year I’m amazed we find pastry chefs of this calibre and talent.”

Ashish later revealed that the pair reached the end of the challenge without completing all their garnishes. He said the tense moment taught them to stay calm and adapt under pressure.

He also said receiving three consecutive “wows” from Cherish was a major highlight, although holding the trophy remained the best moment of the competition.

Who are Bake Off: The Professionals winners Ashish and Loki?

Ashish and Loki both work for Edwardian Hotels, but had not worked together in the same kitchen before entering the competition.

Team captain Ashish is based at The Edwardian Manchester. He grew up in northern India and began his career in a small cake shop before progressing through luxury five-star hotels.

He spent five years working in Dubai before moving to the UK in 2022 and now lives in Manchester with his wife.

Loki was born and raised in southern India and works as a pâtissière chef at The Londoner in London.

Away from the kitchen, she is a skilled artist and musician who also enjoys karaoke.

Although they were based in different cities and had not worked closely together, Ashish said the competition helped them quickly develop strong coordination and make use of each other’s strengths.

How did Ashish and Loki reach the final?

Ashish and Loki made an immediate impression by finishing first in their opening episode.

They remained in contention throughout the competition and placed second behind Emma and Flore in the quarter-final.

The pair then progressed through the semi-final, in which the teams were asked to create île flottante desserts and summer holiday-inspired showpieces.