The winner must be thanking his lucky stars ? all 21 of them. That's right. Alain Ducasse, the Mon?gasque master who has been helming esteemed eateries for nearly 40 years, is the proud recipient of more than a score of Michelin stars.

The legendary French-born Monégasque chef Alain Ducasse is famously associated with the number 21, having held 21 Michelin stars across his global empire of restaurants at various points in his career. He was the first chef to own three restaurants with three Michelin stars in three different cities simultaneously (New York, Paris, and Monte Carlo). While the exact number of stars fluctuates as restaurants open, close, or are re-evaluated, Ducasse remains the second-most decorated chef in history, trailing only the late Joël Robuchon (who held 31). In 2026, Ducasse continues to operate high-end establishments like Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London and Le Louis XV in Monaco. His culinary philosophy focuses on "essentialism," highlighting the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients, and his massive star count serves as a testament to his incredible influence and exacting standards in the world of haute cuisine.