Similarly , 27 contestants advanced ; wherein business owner Geoffrey Hill of Evanston , Illinois was proclaimed as MasterChef 2001 .
The second season started on April 7 , 2001 with a total of 13 half - hour - long episodes as well as 1 hour long special .
27 contestants advanced ; wherein business owner Geoffrey Hill of Evanston , Illinois was proclaimed as MasterChef 2001 .
The second season started on April 7 , 2001 with a total of 13 half - hour - long episodes as well as 1 hour long special .