The definitive answer to who won Dancing with the Stars in 2025 is wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and his professional dance partner Witney Carson. The fan-favorite duo captured the prestigious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in the star-studded Season 34 grand finale on ABC and Disney+.
The victory was especially historic for the Irwin family: exactly ten years after Robert’s older sister, Bindi Irwin, hoisted the Season 21 Mirrorball Trophy in 2015, Robert brought the ballroom championship back to Australia Zoo. Here is the complete breakdown of the 2025 season, the finale scores, full contestant rankings, and how Irwin and Carson danced their way to the title.
Quick Facts: Dancing With the Stars 2025 (Season 34)
| Category | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Season 34 Champions | Robert Irwin & Witney Carson |
| Runners-Up (2nd Place) | Alix Earle & Valentin Chmerkovskiy |
| Third Place | Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa |
| Fourth Place | Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach |
| Fifth Place | Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten |
| Trophy Awarded | Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy |
| Co-Hosts | Alfonso Ribeiro & Julianne Hough |
| Judging Panel | Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli |
| Network & Streaming | ABC & Disney+ |
A Decade in the Making: The Irwin Family Ballroom Legacy
When ABC officially announced that 21-year-old Australian conservationist and photographer Robert Irwin would enter the ballroom for Season 34, comparisons to his sister Bindi were immediate. In the fall of 2015, a 17-year-old Bindi Irwin captured American hearts on Season 21, delivering emotionally charged routines alongside professional partner Derek Hough to take home the Mirrorball Trophy in memory of their late father, “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin.
Ten years later, Robert honored that same family spirit while forging his own distinct identity on the dance floor. Dedicated to promoting wildlife conservation through the global platform of Australia Zoo, Irwin captivated viewers with boundless enthusiasm, precise footwork, and a contagious stage presence from the opening broadcast.
Witney Carson’s Second Mirrorball Championship
Partnering Robert was seasoned professional ballroom champion Witney Carson, who returned to the franchise with determined focus. Carson had previously won the Mirrorball Trophy during Season 19 in 2014 alongside actor and current DWTS co-host Alfonso Ribeiro.
Throughout Season 34, Carson’s creative choreography played directly to Irwin’s athleticism and natural showmanship. The pair consistently posted top-tier scores, earning praise from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough for their chemistry in fast-tempo routines such as the Jive, Quickstep, and Paso Doble.
The Season 34 Grand Finale: How the Night Unfolded
The three-hour live finale on ABC and Disney+ featured five surviving celebrity couples in one of the most tightly contested championship showdowns in the program’s 20-year history. Finalists were evaluated through two distinct routines: a redemption/judges’ choice dance and an uninhibited, high-stakes freestyle performance.
Finale Leaderboard and Final Standings
| Place | Celebrity Contestant & Professional Partner | Known For | Finale Judges’ Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (Winners) | Robert Irwin & Witney Carson | Wildlife conservationist & TV personality | 89 / 90 |
| 2nd | Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy | Digital creator & podcast host | 90 / 90 |
| 3rd | Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa | Olympic gymnastics medalist | 88 / 90 |
| 4th | Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach | Producer & outdoor adventurer | 85 / 90 |
| 5th | Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten | Film and television actress | 84 / 90 |
While digital creator Alix Earle and veteran pro Val Chmerkovskiy earned a flawless score of 90 from the judging panel, the immense nationwide audience vote propelled Irwin and Carson into first place when combined with their near-perfect 89 points. ABC reported record-shattering live viewer voting across the finale broadcast, marking one of the highest-rated conclusions to a Dancing with the Stars season in the streaming era.
Overcoming Adversity Ahead of the Final Dance
Irwin’s road to the Mirrorball Trophy was not without physical obstacles. During rehearsals leading into the semifinal and finale weeks, Irwin battled significant rib discomfort caused by rigorous lifts and intense conditioning. Working closely with show physical therapists and adjusting rehearsal choreography, the pair delivered a dynamic, flawless freestyle that brought the studio audience and judging panel to their feet.
Clearing Up 2024 vs. 2025 Winner Confusion
Search queries surrounding “Who won Dancing with the Stars 2025” occasionally create confusion among casual television viewers due to the franchise’s broadcast calendar:
- Season 33 (Concluded Late November 2024): Former Bachelor lead Joey Graziadei and his pro partner Jenna Johnson won the trophy, holding the reigning title throughout the first half of 2025.
- Season 34 (Aired Fall 2025): Robert Irwin and Witney Carson competed and were crowned champions during the official 2025 television season, lifting the trophy in late November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWTS 2025
Who won Dancing with the Stars in 2025?
Robert Irwin and professional dancer Witney Carson won Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, claiming the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on November 25, 2025.
Who was the runner-up on Dancing with the Stars 2025?
Social media star Alix Earle and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy finished in second place as runners-up for Season 34.
Did both Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin win Dancing with the Stars?
Yes. Bindi Irwin won Season 21 in 2015 alongside Derek Hough, and her younger brother Robert Irwin won Season 34 in 2025 alongside Witney Carson, making them the only sibling pair to each win Mirrorball Trophies.
How many times has Witney Carson won Dancing with the Stars?
Witney Carson has won two Mirrorball Trophies: first in Season 19 (2014) with Alfonso Ribeiro, and second in Season 34 (2025) with Robert Irwin.
Who won Dancing with the Stars right before Robert Irwin?
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson won the previous edition, Season 33, which concluded on November 26, 2024.