“Top Chef” is arguably one of the more popular cooking competitions on television these days.

Eighteen seasons means there have been 18 winners.

But surprisingly enough, it’s not always the show’s winners that have been the most successful post-production.

Top Chef alum Carla Hall

Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most triumphant chef’s of the competition.

And how they achieved stardom even after cameras stopped rolling.

Since the show, Blais has opened his own restaurant.

Top Chef alum Richard Blais

Blais may know his way around a kitchen.

But even today, he humbly admits he still has more to learn.

Do you know why?

Top Chef alum Mei Li

And of course by queen, we mean none other than the one and only Oprah.

Seriously, anybody that has Oprah anywhere on their resume is going places.

She should throw that on her resume as well.

Top Chef alum Kristen Kish

But it’s not only Kish’s social media presence that contributes to her post-show triumph.

UnlikePadma Lakshmi’sundeniable beauty, this is debatable.