By ZanoBD Date: November 27, 2025
It’s official: The Wildlife Warrior is now a Ballroom King.
In a finale that had millions of viewers on the edge of their seats, Robert Irwin and his pro partner Witney Carson were crowned the champions of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 on Tuesday night, narrowly edging out TikTok sensation Alix Earle for the Mirrorball Trophy.
But the path to victory wasn’t just about perfect scores—it was a battle against physical pain, intense viral rivalries, and a swirl of backstage romance rumors that dominated the headlines.
Held Together by Tape and a Prayer
The 21-year-old conservationist’s win is even more impressive given the secret drama unfolding behind the scenes. Just hours before the finale, reports surfaced that Irwin was suffering from a severe rib injury.
“I am held together with tape and a prayer at this point,” Irwin admitted to reporters after the show. “I feel like I am at my limit, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Despite the pain, Irwin and Carson delivered a flawless Freestyle routine that brought the judges to their feet, earning a perfect score and securing the votes needed to defeat the season’s heavy favorite, Alix Earle, and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, who finished third.
The “Internet Boyfriend” & The Romance Rumors
While Robert’s dancing won the trophy, his personal life won the internet’s attention. Throughout the season, fans have been speculating about his chemistry with fellow stars.
The rumor mill went into overdrive during the finale when actress and former champion Xochitl Gomez was spotted backstage bringing Robert a massive bouquet of flowers. While Irwin has insisted he is “single and waiting for the stars to align,” the chemistry—and the fan theories—aren’t dying down anytime soon.
“Holy moly, that’s challenging to navigate,” Irwin told the New York Times regarding dating in the public eye. “Anything you do will be on TikTok the next day.”
A Victory for the Legacy
This win makes history for the Irwin family. Robert’s victory comes exactly ten years after his sister, Bindi Irwin, won Season 21.
In his victory speech, an emotional Robert dedicated the win to the message of conservation. “When I watched Bindi lift that Mirrorball, I saw her lifting a message,” he said. “It’s about making the world a better place.”
As for the prize money? In true Irwin fashion, reports suggest the earnings will likely flow directly back into the Australia Zoo to fund wildlife rehabilitation.
Robert Irwin came to America as “Steve’s son,” but he leaves Hollywood as a champion in his own right—rib injury, rumors, and all.