NEW: Madison pizza chef wins international competition for 3rd year in a row

Joe Carlucci and Tony Gemignani-pizza chefs — L-R: Joe Carlucci and Tony Gemignani. (Valentina’s Pizzeria)

Heads up Huntsville-area residents—we have one of the top pizza chefs in the world right here.

Madison resident, pizza chef and owner of Valentina’s Pizzeria, just brought home some serious hardware from an international competition in Las Vegas. Read on for all the details.

Setting new records

Joe Carlucci at International Pizza Expo — At the International Pizza Expo. (Valentina’s Pizzeria)

Just last week, Carlucci set a new world record.

For the 3rd year, Carlucci traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the International Pizza Expo, and he won big. He brought home the 2024 Best of the Best Winner and is now the only person to win the competition three years in a row.

Check out the awards Carlucci received in previous years:

2022 Best Traditional Pizza in the World
2023 Best Non-Traditional Pizza in the World
2023 Best Pizza Maker of the Year
PLUS: Valentina’s General Manager Camryn Suggs took home the best pizza in the Southeast region

“Words can’t seem to express my feelings about this win. This is the highest achievement in these competitions. It’s an honor and privilege to bring the title back home to Huntsville.

My hope when I opened Valentina’s Pizzeria was to bring the best pizza I could to Alabama using the highest quality ingredients, and that hope has come full circle. Next to my daughter being born, this is the greatest accomplishment in my life. To compete with the best pizzialo’s in the world and to win is something I only dreamed of.”
Joe Carlucci, Owner, Valentina’s Pizzeria + Wine Bar

What is the International Pizza Expo?

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Carlucci makes winning the International Pizza Expo look easy, but it’s a pretty complicated process.

Only the best of the best are invited to the International Pizza Expo. Last year, Carlucci competed against 90 top chefs to bring home Pizza Maker of the Year.

This year, he competed against four previous recipients of Pizza Maker of the Year—some of the most elite pizza chefs in the world. Winning the Best of the Best award is one of the top honors in the industry.

Check out the award-winning pizza at Valentina’s

Pizza oven at Valentina's — Have you stopped by Valentina’s yet? (Lacey Spear / Hville Blast)

Want to get a taste of this three-peat pizza yourself? Stop by Valentina’s new gorgeous location. In addition to delicious pies, you can find hand-crafted cocktails, unique appetizers and authentic Italian desserts.