Robert Irwin wins Dancing with the Stars crowned champion after 10 years of family legacy nobody expected

Robert Irwin won Dancing with the Stars Season 34 on November 25, 2025. The 21-year-old wildlife warrior and his professional partner Witney Carson claimed the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This victory comes exactly 10 years after his sister Bindi Irwin won the same competition.

Robert Irwin Becomes Season 34 Champion Over Alix Earle

The three-hour finale on November 25 proved to be the most competitive in show history.

Five finalists battled for the trophy: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten.

When the results were announced, host Alfonso Ribeiro declared: “The winners and new champions of Dancing with the Stars are … Robert and Witney.” The margin of victory was incredibly tight, with co-host Julianne Hough noting the voting gap between Irwin and runner-up Earle was the narrowest ever recorded on the show.

Irwin and Carson Win Three Perfect Scores During Finale Night

Dance Round	Song/Artist	Score
Judge’s Choice (Quickstep)	“Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet	29/30
Instant Dance Challenge (Cha Cha)	“Cake By The Ocean” by DNCE	30/30
Freestyle	“Black & Gold” and “The Nights” by Sam Sparro and Avicii	30/30

Irwin performed to a blend of Australian and international music throughout the finale.

His freestyle round featured songs by Sydney-born Sam Sparro and beloved electronic artist Avicii. One dance was choreographed to music by Australian rock band Jet, giving the performances an Australian flavor befitting the young conservationist.

How Irwin Pushed Through Serious Rib Injury to Win

Robert Irwin revealed he was battling significant physical pain throughout the finale week.

In pre-performance interviews, the 21-year-old explained: “I’ve been dealing with rib pain; it’s been getting progressively worse.” He worried that pushing too hard could cause a serious injury that would sideline him from his required dances.

Witney Carson shared her concern, stating: “This is where my motherly instincts come in. At the end of the day, his health is my priority.” Despite the injury, the pair adapted their choreography and completed every dance flawlessly to earn their championship title.

Robert Irwin Tearfully Dedicates Win to Late Father Steve Irwin

“I wish he could see it, I really wish he could be here.”

— Robert Irwin, Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Champion

Emotions ran high when Irwin spoke about his father after his final performance.

The young wildlife warrior broke down in tears during the finale, expressing his desire to make his late father proud. Steve Irwin, the legendary “Crocodile Hunter,” was killed by a stingray barb in 2006 while filming a documentary off the Australian coast. Robert was just an infant at the time.

Throughout the season, Irwin paid tribute to his father with emotional performances. His family, including mother Terri Irwin, sister Bindi Irwin, and Bindi’s husband Chandler Powell, attended the finale and celebrated his victory from the audience.

Does This Victory Make the Irwin Family a Dancing Dynasty?

With Robert’s championship, the Irwin family now has a remarkable legacy on Dancing with the Stars.

Bindi Irwin won Season 21 in 2015 at just 17 years old, becoming one of the youngest winners in show history. Exactly a decade later, her younger brother claimed the same prize, making them one of very few sibling pairs to both win the competition.

During the celebration, Robert referenced his sister’s victory, stating: “My sister said it best: Thank you for changing my life.” The show has clearly transformed both siblings’ careers and lives.