David Williams
"MasterChef US" runner-up David Williams poses for a selfie dated Aug.18, 2015. Instagram/dwpoker

It’s been two weeks since the finale of “MasterChef US” Season 7 aired, and while winner Shaun O’Neale is busy preparing for his cookbook, his former contenders are still mulling over their next steps after the competition.

Both school teacher Brandi Mudd and professional poker player David Williams admit that while “MasterChef” changed their lives, they still don’t have any concrete plans in fully immersing themselves to the culinary world. Shaun, on the other hand, revealed earlier that he’s willing to leave his job as a DJ to pursue his food dreams.

David, 36, revealed that coming so close and falling short of victory took a toll on him. “Right now I have lost a lot of my passion to cook so I’ve taken a break,” he told CarterMatt. “I have had numerous investors approach me about opening my own restaurant or to print a cookbook. If that cooking passion comes back I could definitely see myself taking them up on their offers.”

In the “MasterChef US” Season 7 finale, Shaun bested both David and Brandi after a three-course challenge. He managed to win the votes of judges Gordon Ramsay and Christina Tosi, as well as guest chefs Wolfgang Puck and Daniel Boulud. For his entrée, he prepared halibut cheek with Vadouvan carrot puree, pickled mushrooms and uni foam, followed by his main dish, spice-rubbed venison with Cipollini onions, smoked plums, black truffle, and fiddlehead ferns. For dessert, he plated salted caramel tart with dark chocolate ganache and raspberry coulis, which Gordon described as “f---ing delicious.”

[READ: “‘MasterChef US’ Season 7 finale recap: Shaun O’Neale’s ‘f---ing delicious’ tart seals his victory; three-course challenge stumps top 3”]

David also set the records straight about his rivalry with Shaun, who also hailed from Las Vegas. “I think his rivalry maybe have had something to do with the location,” David said. “I did view him as one of the biggest threats and put him in my sights as a target along with the other strong competitors.”

Brandi’s plan for the future is still indecisive as of now she also told CarterMatt in an exclusive interview. “I know I eventually want to venture over to the culinary field. I’m trying out some different things now, like catering, and really just weighing out my options before I invest myself into anything permanent.”

The Kentucky-based budding chef also claimed that “MasterChef” has taught her that her culinary possibilities are endless. “MasterChef definitely altered my cooking style. I learned so many new techniques during my time there and was inspired in so many ways. I definitely plan on sticking to my roots, but adding in all of the knowledge I gained,” she continued.

In addition to scoring a cookbook deal, Shaun took home US$250,000 (AU$327,000) as the “MasterChef US” Season 7 winner. He recently gave a glimpse of what fans can expect in his cookbook, sharing a couple of snapshots on Instagram. [READ: “‘MasterChef US’ Season 7 winner Shaun O’Neale offers a teaser of his upcoming cookbook”]