24 in 24: Last Chef Standing

Michael Symon and Esther Choi welcome 24 elite chefs into the arena where they will spend the next 24 hours cooking. The first three-hour shift tests their speed, and Jet Tila separates the leaders of the pack from the chefs on the brink of elimination.

During hours three through six, the chefs must adapt to constant twists and turns. Michael Symon and Esther Choi have two chefs face elimination immediately, and the competitors navigate curveballs from Stephanie Izard in order to make it to hour seven.

Fatigue sets in as the chefs face hours seven and eight in this intense culinary journey. Michael Symon and Esther Choi put forth three challenges in one where the chefs must turn one bag of ingredients into three distinct meals for judge Scott Conant.

Michael Symon and Esther Choi present their toughest task yet -- teamwork. Working with chefs they just met mere hours ago, the competitors have to strategize, collaborate and execute under the critical eyes of guest judges Michael and Bryan Voltaggio.

Exhaustion becomes palpable as chefs enter hour 13 of their 24-hour competition. Michael Symon and Esther Choi challenge them with the unenviable task of turning microwave meals into works of art before judge Eric Adjepong decides who must clock out.

Michael Symon and Esther Choi begin the most devious shift of all as the chefs earn points during each challenge. They'll be tested in cooking, strategy and much more as judge Maneet Chauhan decides their fate just two shifts shy of a massive pay day.

Michael Symon and Esther Choi start hour 18 by testing the bruised, battered and exhausted chefs on their simplicity, one of the most difficult techniques to master. Judge Brooke Williamson decides which four chefs will receive a spot in the finale.

In the final hours, Michael Symon and Esther Choi revisit an old challenge where the chefs must cook the best dishes of their lives. Whoever can stave off the final daggers of exhaustion will walk away with $50,000 and an unforgettable trip to Hawaii.