Robert Irwin Spins to Victory on Dancing With the Stars — A Decade After His Sister’s Win

Robert Irwin — known globally as a wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin — has just won Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), bringing home the Mirrorball Trophy alongside his professional dance partner Witney Carson. Their victory, announced on 25 November 2025, comes nearly exactly 10 years after his sister, Bindi Irwin, won the same competition — a family milestone that many are calling deeply fitting.

At just 21, Robert navigated a season of highly demanding choreography — even dancing through a rib injury — to beat strong competition from finalists including influencer Alix Earle, Olympian Jordan Chiles, actor Elaine Hendrix, and Dylan Efron.

In the finale, Robert and Witney performed three dances: a quickstep, a freestyle and a cha-cha — ultimately tying for second on the judges’ leaderboard with 89/90, just behind Earle’s perfect 90 — but won the public vote, which tipped the balance in their favour.

Robert paid an emotional tribute to his late father during his victory speech, saying: “I wish he could see it, I really wish he could be here.” His win echoes a sense of legacy and fulfilment for the Irwin family.

A Full-Circle Moment: Following in Bindi’s Footsteps

It was a full-circle moment for the Irwin family. In 2015, Bindi — then just 17 — won DWTS Season 21, becoming the show’s youngest champion at the time.

After Robert’s win, Bindi posted an emotional tribute on social media:

TWO MIRRORBALLS NOW CALL AUSTRALIA ZOO HOME!!!! Congratulations and all the love in the world to @robertirwinphotography and @witneycarson. What. A. Night.

For Robert, winning DWTS wasn’t just about dancing — it was about honouring his family’s legacy of passion, resilience and love. “To follow in those footsteps and to do the same has meant everything to me,” he told reporters backstage.

The Journey — Talent, Tenacity, and a Rib Injury

Robert’s season on DWTS wasn’t a walk in the park. Early on, he delivered a standout first dance — a high-energy jive set against an Australian-inspired backdrop — that judges called “the best first dance ever.”

In week 9, he scored the season’s first perfect 40 after performing a deeply emotional foxtrot in tribute to his late father — a performance that visibly moved both judges and audience.

However, just days before the finale, Robert was sidelined by pain from a rib injury. His dance partner Witney Carson revealed they had to modify choreography to accommodate his condition.

Despite the setback, the duo delivered under pressure — winning hearts with their chemistry, resilience and emotional honesty, and proving that authenticity can win even in a glitzy, competitive environment.

Why This Win Resonates Beyond the Ballroom

• Legacy and symbolism: Robert’s win underscores how the Irwin family continues to weave its story — from conservation to entertainment — across generations, connecting wildlife advocacy with mainstream culture.
• Broadening appeal: His success may inspire more crossover between activism, media and entertainment. As a young wildlife advocate and TV personality, Robert brings a different narrative to reality TV: passion for nature, empathy and purpose.
• Mixed audience reaction: While many cheered his win as heartfelt and deserving, some critics raised eyebrows, citing concerns over popularity-driven results rather than purely technical dance skill.
• Spotlight on resilience & health: Dancing through injury and emotional tribute reminded viewers that behind the glamour, there is real physical and mental challenge.

What’s Next for Robert Irwin

Robert has said that winning DWTS “changed his life,” and he is already looking ahead — both to continuing his work in wildlife conservation and to leveraging his new platform for positive impact.

With the Mirrorball Trophy now at Australia Zoo, the Irwin family legacy adds a new chapter: one where dance, emotion, and conservation converge.