On November 25, 2025, 21-year-old Australian wildlife warrior Robert Irwin became the official Dancing With The Stars Season 34 winner. He lifted the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy alongside pro partner Witney Carson after an unforgettable three-hour finale on ABC. This victory marks the second Irwin family win exactly 10 years after sister Bindi took home the trophy in 2015.
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From a self-confessed “zero rhythm” beginner to the champion who earned two perfect 30s despite a painful rib injury, Robert’s journey captured hearts across America. Over 72 million votes were cast — the highest in DWTS history — proving his wholesome energy, humor, and raw emotion were exactly what viewers needed in 2025.
The Finale Night That Broke Records
The two-night finale kicked off Monday and ended Tuesday with five remaining couples. Robert and Witney faced stiff competition from:
- Alix Earle & Brandon Armstrong
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
- Dylan Efron & Emma Slater
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
Robert delivered three dances:
- Judges’ choice Quickstep – 29/30
- Instant Cha-Cha – perfect 30/30
- Freestyle mashup (“Black & Gold” + “The Nights”) – perfect 30/30
Total score: 89/90 — the highest of the night.
Just hours before showtime, Witney revealed on TikTok that Robert had cracked a rib during rehearsals. He still powered through every lift and flip, earning standing ovations and tears from judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
The Emotional Mirrorball Moment
When hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced “The new Dancing With The Stars champions are… Robert and Witney!”, the ballroom erupted. Robert immediately dropped to his knees in tears before running to hug his mom Terri and sister Bindi in the front row. He dedicated the win to his late father Steve Irwin:
“Dad, I hope I made you proud tonight.”
Bindi posted on Instagram minutes later: “Full circle. Two Mirrorballs in the Irwin family. ❤️”
Why America Voted Robert Irwin the Winner
- Infectious positivity – he rescued a bee mid-rehearsal and went viral for it
- Relatable underdog story – started with no dance experience
- Athleticism from years of wrestling crocs translated perfectly to lifts
- Heartfelt weekly tributes to his dad and conservation work
- Wholesome chemistry with Witney (fans called them “best friendship duo ever”)
Viewership jumped 25 % compared to Season 33, with the finale becoming ABC’s most-watched entertainment telecast of 2025 so far.
What’s Next for the New DWTS Champion
Robert flew straight to New York on November 26 for Good Morning America and Live with Kelly and Mark. He confirmed he’s joining the official DWTS Live Tour in early 2026 and heading to South Africa right after to film a new wildlife documentary series.
He told E! News:
“Winning the Mirrorball is incredible, but the friendships and memories are the real trophy.”
Congrats to Robert Irwin — the Dancing With The Stars winner 2025 who proved kindness, grit, and a little khaki never go out of style.
“Crikey, he did it! — Dkolla Team”
FAQs
- Who won Dancing With The Stars 2025? Robert Irwin and Witney Carson.
- When was the DWTS 2025 finale? November 25, 2025.
- Did Robert Irwin get injured? Yes – cracked rib hours before the finale but still won.
- Who was runner-up? Alix Earle & Brandon Armstrong came second.
- Will Robert be on the DWTS tour? Yes – he joins the 2026 Live Tour.
