Robert Irwin entered the “Dancing with the Stars” ballroom as a wildlife conservationist with no formal dance training. He leaves it as a Mirrorball Champion, having completed an extraordinary journey that captivated audiences and honored his family’s legacy. His victory with professional partner Witney Carson in season 34 was a testament to his hard work, positive spirit, and the powerful, personal story he told with every performance.
Irwin’s win continues a remarkable family tradition on the show, making him and his sister Bindi the first sibling duo to both win the coveted trophy. His journey was physically demanding, with Carson noting the intense toll of eleven weeks of “insane dancing” and revealing Irwin practiced through rib pain right up to the final days. This dedication was evident in the finale, where they delivered a sharp Quickstep, a lively Cha Cha, and a moving freestyle that celebrated life and legacy.
What set Irwin’s journey apart was the profound personal connection he wove into the competition. He shared with fans that he brought a piece of his father, the beloved Steve Irwin, with him to every single rehearsal in the form of an old, tattered shirt. Before performing each new dance in costume, he would first run through it in his father’s shirt, using it as a touchstone for strength and a reminder of home.
The culmination of his efforts resulted in one of the closest votes in the show’s history, ultimately beating out strong competitors like social media star Alix Earle and Olympian Jordan Chiles. While the fan reaction was divided, his supporters celebrated a winner who represented growth, authenticity, and sheer passion. They praised him for giving his all and proving that a complete novice could, through determination, become a champion.
Now that the last dance is over, Irwin is returning to his first love: conservation. With plans to travel to South Africa for filming and a promise to continue his father’s mission as a “proud Wildlife Warrior,” he demonstrated that his time on the show was not a departure from his identity, but an expansion of it. He leaves the ballroom having not only won a trophy but having shared his family’s message of passion and positivity with a whole new audience.
