Los Angeles, November 25 2025 — The ballroom lit up with cheers and tears as 21-year-old wildlife advocate Robert Irwin and his dance partner Witney Carson claimed victory on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) Season 34 — earning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy after a showdown as emotional as it was competitive. Wikipedia+2Newsweek+2
A Finale Filled With Passion, Precision — and Emotion
In the final night, five pairs competed: Irwin & Carson, Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy, Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa, Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach, and Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten. Each performed three dances — a Judges’ Choice, an Instant Dance, and a Freestyle — in a finale that blended technical skill with raw emotion. Parade+2TV Insider+2
Despite a rib injury in the run-up to the finale, Irwin pushed through — delivering standout performances. Judges praised his Quickstep as “crisp and powerful,” noting that even his slight stumble couldn’t tarnish the energy and heart behind the dance. TV Insider+2news.amomama.com+2
Why This Win Resonated
Legacy meets heart: Irwin’s victory comes 10 years after his sister, Bindi Irwin, won the Mirrorball — making them the first sibling duo to both win DWTS. Wikipedia+2People.com+2
Fan love sealed the deal: Though the judges gave a perfect score to Earle & Chmerkovskiy, it was Irwin’s longstanding connection with fans — his story, charisma, and relentless passion — that ultimately tipped the vote in his favor. The Guardian+2Good Housekeeping+2
Triumph over adversity: Battling injury and nerves, Irwin showed resilience and heart — qualities that struck a chord with audiences and made the finale more than just a dance competition. ABC+2Newsweek+2
Final Standings — Top 5 (Season 34)
| Rank | Couple |
|---|---|
| 🏆 1st | Robert Irwin & Witney Carson Wikipedia+2Parade+2 |
| 2nd | Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy Wikipedia+1 |
| 3rd | Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa Wikipedia+1 |
| 4th | Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach Wikipedia+1 |
| 5th | Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten Wikipedia+1 |
A Win Beyond the Dance Floor
Robert’s victory doesn’t just mark a personal milestone — it breathes new life into the legacy of the Irwin family, blending entertainment, emotion, and inspiration. For fans, it was more than a finale: it was a celebration of resilience, family, and what’s possible when you pour your heart into something.
Congratulations to Robert Irwin and Witney Carson — their Mirrorball win proves that sometimes, the most powerful performances come from more than just technique.