He actually did it. On a Tuesday night that felt like a decade in the making, the ballroom floor practically shook when Alfonso Ribeiro shouted his name. Robert Irwin is the winner of DWTS Season 34.
Honestly, it’s the kind of story that would seem way too "on the nose" if a Hollywood screenwriter turned it in. Ten years ago, his sister Bindi Irwin took home the same trophy. Then, in late 2025, Robert followed in her footsteps, snagging the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy alongside his pro partner, Witney Carson.
It wasn't just a win. It was a moment that felt sort of like a full circle for the Irwin family and for the fans who have watched them grow up on screen. If you're wondering how the kid from the Australia Zoo ended up out-dancing a lineup of influencers and Olympic athletes, you've gotta look at the numbers. They don't lie.
The Night Robert Irwin Conquered the Ballroom
The finale was a massive three-hour marathon. It was intense. Robert and Witney were up against some seriously stiff competition, specifically social media powerhouse Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles.
Heading into the final performances, the scores were razor-thin. Alix Earle and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy actually topped the leaderboard with a perfect 90 out of 90. Robert and Witney were sitting at an 89, tied with Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa.
But as any long-time viewer knows, the judges' scores are only half the battle.
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"Thank you for changing my life!" — Robert Irwin, immediately after being crowned champion.
The fan vote is what really carried Robert over the finish line. People love the Irwins. There's no other way to put it. Julianne Hough even mentioned that the voting numbers for this season were some of the highest in the history of Dancing with the Stars.
Who Was the Winner of DWTS Season 33?
Before Robert’s big night in 2025, we had the 2024 season. It’s easy to get them mixed up because the show moves so fast. Joey Graziadei, the fan-favorite from The Bachelor, was the winner of DWTS Season 33.
Joey and his partner Jenna Johnson dominated their season. It was a big deal because he was the first male "Bachelor" lead to ever win the whole thing. He beat out Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher, who finished as the runner-up.
If you look at the winners back-to-back, you see a pattern. The show has shifted away from just "who is the best technical dancer" to "who has the best growth arc." Joey started with zero experience and became a pro. Robert started as a high-energy zookeeper and ended as a refined ballroom king.
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How the Season 34 Finale Played Out
The final night for Season 34 was split into three distinct rounds. It wasn't just about one lucky dance.
- The Judges’ Choice: The judges picked a dance they wanted to see the couples improve on. For Robert and Witney, it was the Quickstep. It was fast, bubbly, and basically pure joy. They got a 29/30 because Carrie Ann was being, well, Carrie Ann.
- The Instant Dance: This is the stressful part. They have literal minutes to prep. Robert and Witney pulled a Cha Cha out of a hat and somehow managed a perfect 30.
- The Freestyle: This is where things got wild. Robert’s freestyle was "golden." It had lifts, flips, and a level of energy that honestly made me tired just watching it. Another perfect 30.
The tension when they were standing there, waiting for the results, was palpable. Alix Earle had a massive "Earle Girls" fan base behind her, and Jordan Chiles had the technical precision of an Olympian. But the "Irwin factor" was just too strong.
The Final Standings for Season 34
- 1st Place: Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
- 2nd Place: Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
- 3rd Place: Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
- 4th Place: Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
- 5th Place: Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten
It was also a huge night for Witney Carson. This win marked exactly 11 years since she won her first Mirrorball Trophy (with Alfonso Ribeiro back in Season 19). Winning again on that specific anniversary? Kinda spooky, right?
Why This Specific Win Matters
The question of who was the winner of DWTS usually just ends with a name. But Robert Irwin’s win felt different. He talked a lot about his dad, Steve Irwin, throughout the season. He wanted to make him proud. He even quoted his sister's winning speech from 2015.
It’s that emotional hook that resonates with the people voting at home. Technical perfection is great—Jordan Chiles was arguably the most precise dancer on that floor—but DWTS is a popularity contest at its heart.
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People also loved the chemistry between Robert and Witney. They were just fun. In a world of heavily produced reality TV drama, they just felt like two people having the time of their lives.
What’s Next for the Mirrorball Trophy?
As of right now, ABC hasn't officially greenlit Season 35, but let's be real. With the ratings they saw for Robert and Alix Earle, it’s definitely coming back.
If you’re looking to catch the magic in person, the DWTS Live Tour is usually the next step. The Season 33 crew (Joey, Ilona, Stephen Nedoroscik) had a massive tour, and it’s expected the Season 34 stars will follow suit.
If you want to keep up with the next season, make sure you're following the official DWTS Instagram and TikTok. They usually start dropping "rumored" cast lists in late August. For now, the Irwin family has two trophies on the mantle, and the ballroom is quiet until the next batch of celebrities decides to put on some sequins and try their luck.
Next Steps for DWTS Fans:
- Check the Tour Dates: Look up the Dancing with the Stars Live 2026 tour to see if Robert Irwin or Alix Earle are appearing in your city.
- Rewatch the Freestyles: Go to the official DWTS YouTube channel to see the side-by-side comparison of Bindi and Robert's winning moments.
- Follow the Pros: Keep an eye on Witney Carson and Jenna Johnson’s social media for early hints about whether they are returning for Season 35.