The story is set during the Cannes International Film Festival and the entire action plays out over 24 hours. Igor is a wealthy Russian businessman. His wife Ewa left him two years ago and remarried to a famous fashion designer. Igor is insanely jealous and he told Ewa that he would destroy 'whole worlds' in order to get her back, and he intends to keep his promise... THE WINNER STANDS ALONE is a gripping, fast-paced thriller, and Paulo Coelho cleverly weaves in elements of social satire, poking fun at our celebrity and money obsessed culture.