Dancing With the Stars crowns Robert Irwin as season champion.
Robert Irwin closed out Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars with a championship performance that earned him and his professional partner, Witney Carson, the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy during last night’s finale. The win arrived almost exactly 10 years after his sister, Bindi Irwin, captured the title with Derek Hough in 2015, creating a rare family milestone in the show’s history. And to be honest, I called it from the very first episode — he shined so bright, I needed to put on sunglasses to watch his performances.
Irwin’s journey carried more emotional weight than most. As the son of the late Steve Irwin — the beloved Wildlife Warrior known globally as “The Crocodile Hunter” — Robert has spent his entire life honoring his father’s legacy. His passion, kindness, and fearless approach to challenges have long reminded fans of Steve, and those qualities translated directly into his dancing. His mom, Terri Irwin, and his sister, Bindi, sat proudly in the audience for the finale, cheering him on as he added another achievement to the Irwin family story.
A Finale Packed With Competition
The Season 34 finale featured five couples battling for the top honor: Irwin and Carson, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, and Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten. Each pair performed three routines across the Judges’ Choice, Instant Dance, and Freestyle rounds, giving viewers a showcase of athleticism, creativity, and personality.
Throughout the night, the ballroom stayed electric as the judges — Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough — offered feedback that ranged from emotional praise to technical critique. The format pushed every finalist to adapt under pressure, especially during the Instant Dance segment, which revealed their ability to handle choreography with little preparation.
Special Guests Return to the Ballroom
Fans also saw the return of every eliminated Season 34 couple for group numbers set to “Sugar on My Tongue” by Tyler, The Creator, “Applause” by Lady Gaga, and “I Don’t Dance” by Alexander Jean. Their presence helped turn the finale into a celebration rather than a farewell. Season 33 champions Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson delivered a fresh performance of “Tanguera” by Fabio Hager Sexteto, reminding the audience how exhilarating a Mirrorball-winning routine can feel.
Irwin’s victory caps a standout season that blended emotional storytelling with high-level ballroom technique — and, once again, carried forward the spirit of his father. By lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, Robert not only showcased the talent he’s grown into but also continued the legacy that Steve Irwin introduced to the world: enthusiasm, heart, and a fearless dedication to every adventure.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
