Summary (tl;dr)

Robert Irwin and his professional dance partner Whitney Carson have won Season 34 of "Dancing with the Stars," continuing the family legacy after his sister Bindi Irwin's victory a decade prior. Their win comes after a season marked by strong performances and Robert's navigation of a rib injury.

Essential Background

Whitney Carson is a renowned American professional dancer and choreographer who has been a staple on "Dancing with the Stars" since 2013, having previously won a Mirrorball Trophy in Season 19. Robert Irwin, a 21-year-old Australian wildlife conservationist and television personality, is the son of the late iconic "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin. His sister, Bindi Irwin, also notably won "Dancing with the Stars" in 2015.

The Full Story

Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson were paired as partners for Season 34 of "Dancing with the Stars," where they consistently delivered strong performances. The duo was crowned the champions of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, following a highly competitive finale. Leading up to their victory, Carson revealed that Robert had sustained a painful rib injury, which necessitated last-minute adjustments to their choreography. Despite the injury, they maintained a rigorous rehearsal schedule, often staying in the studio until closing. Throughout the season, fan speculation arose regarding a potential romance between Robert and Whitney due to their noticeable chemistry. However, Whitney Carson is married with two sons, and she playfully acknowledged the public's interest by joking about Robert's numerous dating "applications" in her DMs and even suggesting him for "The Bachelor."

Why It Matters

This win holds significant importance as it upholds the "Irwin legacy" on "Dancing with the Stars," with Robert following in his sister Bindi's footsteps. Robert Irwin expressed deep emotional sentiments after his win, stating his desire to make his late father proud and wishing Steve could have witnessed the moment. The Season 34 finale garnered some of the highest voting numbers in the show's history, with an exceptionally narrow margin separating Irwin and runner-up Alix Earle, indicating widespread public engagement. The pair's dedication, especially Robert's perseverance through injury, resonated strongly with viewers. Furthermore, Robert Irwin's net worth is projected to significantly increase following his win and overall successful year in the entertainment industry.

Geographic Location

• CBS Television City, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (filming and finale of Dancing with the Stars)