Robert Irwin and Witney Carson Dance Their Way to Victory in Dancing With the Stars Season 34

25 November 2025

Twenty-one-year-old wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and his professional partner Witney Carson clinched the Mirrorball trophy during the live finale of Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars on Nov. 25, 2025. Their win carries extra emotional weight: exactly a decade ago Irwin’s sister, Bindi Irwin, claimed the same honor, making the Irwin siblings the first brother-sister pair to both win the competition.

During the finale’s three-round showdown — which featured a Quickstep for the Judges’ Choice round, a Cha Cha in the Instant Dance challenge, and an unrestricted Freestyle performance, Irwin and Carson delivered routines that earned near-perfect scores from the judges and resonated strongly with the viewing public. That combination proved decisive.

The climax was as heartfelt as it was dramatic. As the hosts announced their victory, Irwin became visibly emotional, tears streaming down his face as he and Carson embraced moments after hearing their names called. He credited his sister Bindi with inspiring him, saying in part: “My sister said it best: thank you for changing my life.” Carson chimed in, calling Irwin’s friendship “the biggest gift.”

The end result was razor-thin. Reports indicate that Season 34 recorded the highest number of votes in the show’s history over 72 million just on finale night, and more than 500 million across the season. The margin between Irwin (first place) and runner-up Alix Earle was the narrowest the competition has ever seen.

For Irwin, victory came despite physical hardship. In the days leading up to the finale he suffered from rib pain, casting uncertainty on his ability to perform. But his determination and the emotional weight of honouring their late father, legendary conservationist Steve Irwin pushed him through. Throughout the season he carried two personal keepsakes: a button-down shirt and a ring fashioned from the keys to his childhood home.

Witney Carson, a seasoned pro who has long flirted with the Mirrorball trophy, described the partnership and journey as deeply meaningful. She said that regardless of the outcome she already felt like a winner for having worked with Robert. Their shared triumph, winning in a close, competitive season, felt like validation of their trust and collaboration.

The finale also brought a wave of nostalgia and celebration for longtime fans. Former champions, eliminated contestants, and fan-favourite dancers returned for group performances. The night included routines by all eliminated couples, special appearances by the Season 33 champions, and a high-spirited group number that echoed the show’s enduring popularity. This sense of community, reunion, and closure helped underscore just how much the series continues to mean to audiences a full two decades after its debut.

Still, it was Irwin and Carson who stood out. Their victory seems to symbolise something more than just dancing talent. For Robert, it links back to family legacy, grief, resilience and growth. For Carson, it underlines experience, mentorship and partnership. Together, they turned a season-long journey into a milestone moment both personally and in the annals of the show.