Honestly, it’s hard to believe we’ve been watching celebrities struggle through the Samba for over twenty years. When Kelly Monaco first stepped onto that makeshift ballroom floor back in 2005, nobody really knew if a show about B-list stars doing the Foxtrot would actually fly. Fast forward to 2026, and all the winners of DWTS have become a sort of unofficial royalty in the pop culture zeitgeist. It’s not just about the dancing anymore; it’s about the narrative, the "journey," and—let’s be real—the massive social media campaigns that now decide who takes home the trophy.
If you’ve followed the show from the beginning, you know the vibe has shifted. It started as a niche competition and turned into a full-blown powerhouse that somehow bridges the gap between your grandma who loves the Waltz and Gen Z kids who only watch the 60-second TikTok cuts.
The Early Years: When Reality TV Met Ballroom
The first few seasons were a different beast entirely. It was simpler. There wasn't this massive pressure to have a "viral moment" every week. Kelly Monaco, a soap opera star from General Hospital, took the very first win with Alec Mazo. It was a bit of a shocker at the time, mostly because she beat out John O’Hurley, who many thought was the better technical dancer. That controversy actually led to a "rematch" special, which basically cemented the show's place in TV history.
Then came the athletes.
People quickly realized that if you want to win this show, you should probably be an Olympian or an NFL player. Why? Because they know how to take coaching and they have the stamina. Emmitt Smith (Season 3) and Apolo Anton Ohno (Season 4) proved that footwork on the field or the ice translates surprisingly well to the ballroom. They weren't just "good for a non-dancer"; they were legit.
A Quick Look Back at the Early Champions
- Season 1: Kelly Monaco & Alec Mazo
- Season 2: Drew Lachey & Cheryl Burke (That freestyle to "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" is still iconic.)
- Season 3: Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke
- Season 4: Apolo Anton Ohno & Julianne Hough
- Season 5: Hélio Castroneves & Julianne Hough
The Derek Hough Era and the Rise of the Pros
You can't talk about all the winners of DWTS without mentioning Derek Hough. The guy is a machine. He has six trophies sitting on his shelf, and for a while there, it felt like whoever he was paired with was automatically going to the finals. He won with Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley, and Bindi Irwin.
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Each of those wins felt different. Nicole Scherzinger was probably the most talented dancer the show had ever seen at that point. On the flip side, Bindi Irwin’s win in Season 21 was pure emotion. It wasn't just about the steps; it was about the story she told. That's the secret sauce of the show. If the audience cries, you’re probably getting the Mirrorball.
Jennifer Grey’s win in Season 11 was also a big deal. She was 50 years old, proving that the show wasn't just a young person’s game. She had the Dirty Dancing legacy behind her, sure, but she actually put in the work.
The Shockers and the Controversies
Not every win is met with a standing ovation. We’ve had some truly "wait, what?" moments over the years. The biggest one? Probably Bobby Bones in Season 27.
Look, Bobby is a great guy and a massive personality, but even he would admit he wasn't the best dancer that season. He beat out people like Milo Manheim and Evanna Lynch who were technically superior. It was a massive wake-up call for the producers because it showed that the fan vote could completely override the judges' scores. It’s why they eventually tweaked the voting system, but it remains one of the most debated wins in the show's history.
Then there’s the "ringer" debate. Every time a professional singer or someone with dance experience (like JoJo Siwa or Charli D’Amelio) joins the cast, the internet goes into a meltdown. Charli D’Amelio’s win in Season 31 was spectacular, but some fans felt it was "unfair" because she was already a trained dancer. But honestly? The show has always had ringers. It’s about how they handle the pressure.
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The Recent Renaissance: 2024 and 2025
Something shifted in the last two years. The show moved to Disney+ for a bit, then came back to ABC, and suddenly it felt fresh again. Season 33, which wrapped up in late 2024, was a massive hit. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, and it felt like the whole world was watching. Joey, coming off The Bachelor, had that "everyman" charm that the audience eats up.
He beat out some stiff competition, including Olympic star Ilona Maher, who became a social media phenomenon during the season.
The Most Recent Winners (2020-2025)
- Season 29: Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem Chigvintsev
- Season 30: Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach (The first NBA player to win!)
- Season 31: Charli D’Amelio & Mark Ballas
- Season 32: Xochitl Gomez & Val Chmerkovskiy
- Season 33: Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson
Season 34, which aired in late 2025, continued this trend of high-energy, social-media-driven competition. We’re seeing more "creators" and "influencers" in the mix, and while some old-school fans grumble about it, the ratings don't lie. The show is pulling in millions of younger viewers who are obsessed with the behind-the-scenes content on TikTok.
Why Some Winners Last and Others Fade
It’s interesting to see what happens after the confetti falls. Some winners, like Alfonso Ribeiro (Season 19), basically moved into the ballroom and never left. He’s now a host. Others, like Jordan Fisher (Season 25), used the show as a springboard for massive Broadway and music careers.
Then you have the athletes who go back to their sports, but with a whole new fan base. Iman Shumpert’s win was a huge moment for the show because he was so tall—partnering him with Daniella Karagach was a risk, but their lifts were legendary. He didn't just win; he changed how people viewed what a "basketball player" could do on the dance floor.
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How to Win DWTS (According to the Data)
If you’re a celebrity looking to get that trophy in 2026, there’s a formula. You need three things:
- The "Journey" Arc: Start off a little shaky, then have a "breakthrough" in Week 4.
- A Powerhouse Pro: Being paired with a Val, a Jenna, or a Witney is half the battle.
- The Vulnerability Moment: You have to cry during "Most Memorable Year" week. It’s practically a requirement.
But mostly, you need to be likable. You can be the best dancer in the world, but if the audience doesn't want to grab a beer with you, you aren't winning that Mirrorball.
As we look toward Season 35 in late 2026, the legacy of all the winners of DWTS continues to grow. Each one represents a different era of television, from the early days of basic cable reality to the multi-platform, viral-clip-heavy world we live in now. Whether you're there for the technical footwork or just the sparkly costumes, there’s no denying the show has a weird, magical hold on us.
If you’re looking to catch up on the best routines from these champions, start with the freestyle rounds. That’s usually where the winners are decided. Look for Jordan Fisher’s "Puttin' on the Ritz" or Iman Shumpert’s Us-themed contemporary. They’re masterclasses in what it takes to actually win this thing.
Moving forward, the best way to stay engaged with the show is to follow the pro dancers on social media. They often share the technical breakdowns and rehearsal footage that doesn't make it to the live broadcast, giving you a much better idea of who actually has the skill to join the ranks of the champions.