The Definitive Ranking: Unpacking The 5 Dancing With The Stars Finalists Of Season 34 (2025)

The ballroom drama and dazzling routines of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 reached a spectacular conclusion on December 2, 2025, crowning a new champion and cementing the legacies of five incredibly talented celebrity contestants. This season, broadcast live on ABC and Disney+, was one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, featuring a diverse cast that delivered powerhouse performances and emotional breakthroughs right up to the final minute. The competition for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy was fierce, with the final leaderboard separated by the slimmest of margins, making the audience vote more crucial than ever.

The journey from the premiere night to the grand finale was a testament to dedication and the transformative power of dance. From Olympic athletes and social media superstars to Hollywood veterans and wildlife conservationists, the Season 34 finalists captured the hearts of millions. Here is the definitive breakdown of the five couples who made it to the very end, their final placements, and the memorable moments that defined their time in the DWTS ballroom.

Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Finalists: Full Placements and Biographies

The Season 34 finale saw five couples compete for the title, performing a Judges' Choice routine and a sensational Freestyle. The final results were a combination of judges' scores and viewer votes accumulated throughout the season. Here are the five finalists and their final standing in the competition:

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• 1st Place (Winners): Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
• 2nd Place (Runners-up): Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
• 3rd Place: Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
• 4th Place: Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
• 5th Place: Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten

Robert Irwin & Witney Carson (Winners)

Celebrity Biography: Robert Irwin is an Australian wildlife conservationist, photographer, and television personality. As the son of the late, legendary "Crocodile Hunter," Steve Irwin, Robert has continued his family's legacy, working at the Australia Zoo and hosting various nature documentaries. His appearance on Dancing with the Stars came a decade after his sister, Bindi Irwin, won the competition, adding an extra layer of emotional significance to his journey.

DWTS Journey Highlights: Robert and his professional partner, two-time champion Witney Carson, quickly became fan favorites due to Robert's natural charisma and surprising dance ability. Their performances were often noted for their emotional depth and technical precision, particularly their Viennese Waltz during Prince Night and their high-energy Cha-Cha for the Instant Dance Challenge in the finale. The couple's victory was a poignant moment, with Robert dedicating his win to his family and the spirit of his late father.

Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy (Runners-up)

Celebrity Biography: Alix Earle is a massive social media personality and TikTok star, known for her candid "Get Ready With Me" videos and her "Hot Mess" podcast. With millions of followers across platforms, she brought a huge, dedicated fanbase to the show, often credited with introducing a new, younger demographic to the DWTS audience.

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DWTS Journey Highlights: Paired with two-time Mirrorball champion Val Chmerkovskiy, Alix's journey was characterized by immense growth. She faced early challenges, but her commitment and Val's expert choreography saw her transform into a genuine ballroom contender. Their connection resonated strongly with viewers, propelling the couple to the runner-up position in a close final vote. Alix frequently spoke about the life-changing nature of the DWTS experience, embracing the vulnerability and discipline required.

Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa (3rd Place)

Celebrity Biography: Jordan Chiles is an American Olympic artistic gymnast, a member of the U.S. national team, and a gold medalist from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Her background in elite gymnastics gave her a significant advantage in terms of strength, flexibility, and stage presence, but she had to adapt her powerful movements to the nuanced technique of ballroom dance.

DWTS Journey Highlights: Jordan and pro Ezra Sosa consistently wowed the judges with explosive and technically challenging routines. They were praised for their precision and the sheer energy they brought to the dance floor. Their powerful Paso Doble and flawless finale Tango earned them high scores, securing a well-deserved third-place finish. Jordan's ability to juggle her intense DWTS training with her ongoing collegiate and Olympic commitments was a major storyline of the season.

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The Shocking Scorecard: Finalists Who Defined The Middle Ground

While the top three couples dominated the headlines, the fourth and fifth-place finishers delivered equally memorable and high-scoring routines. Their elimination prior to the final two was a clear indicator of the incredible level of talent in Season 34, where even near-perfect scores weren't enough to overcome the fan vote.

Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach (4th Place)

Celebrity Biography: Dylan Efron is a filmmaker, producer, and endurance athlete, perhaps best known as the younger brother of Hollywood star Zac Efron. He brought a quiet determination and a genuine love for the process to the ballroom, proving that he was a compelling performer in his own right.

DWTS Journey Highlights: Paired with Season 29 champion Daniella Karagach, Dylan showed remarkable improvement week after week. He was consistently praised by the judges for his commitment to the character of each dance and his strong partnership with Daniella. Despite leading the leaderboard on several occasions, the competition proved too stiff in the final round, resulting in a respectable fourth-place finish. Dylan reflected on his journey, noting how much he learned about himself and the power of performance.

Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten (5th Place)

Celebrity Biography: Elaine Hendrix is a seasoned film and television actress, instantly recognizable for her iconic roles, including Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap and Alexis Carrington Colby in Dynasty. Her extensive acting background allowed her to fully embody the narrative and emotion of her dance routines.

DWTS Journey Highlights: Elaine and pro Alan Bersten were the unexpected dark horses of the season. They delivered a stunning and emotional final performance, a perfect-scoring Freestyle inspired by the musical 'A Chorus Line,' which judges called one of the best of the season. Despite achieving a perfect score in the finale, they were the first couple to be eliminated on the final night, placing fifth overall. Her dramatic flair and commitment to storytelling were a constant source of entertainment for judges and viewers alike.

The Legacy of DWTS Season 34 and Future Implications

Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars will be remembered for its incredibly high standard of competition and the emotional resonance of its celebrity contestants. The victory of Robert Irwin and Witney Carson continues the show's tradition of crowning champions who embody passion, growth, and a deep connection with their professional partner. Robert's journey, channeling his family's legacy and overcoming his own shyness, resonated deeply with the voting audience, proving that heart and fan support are just as critical as perfect technique.

The success of the diverse finalists—from a TikTok sensation to an Olympic gold medalist—highlights the show's enduring ability to cross generational and professional boundaries. This season has set a new benchmark for future celebrity contestants, emphasizing the importance of a compelling personal narrative alongside technical mastery. As the professional dancers now prepare for the DWTS Live Tour 2026, the buzz around the Season 34 finalists ensures that their names and incredible routines will be part of the show's rich history for years to come. Fans are already speculating about the cast of Season 35, hoping for a lineup that can match the excitement and talent of this unforgettable group of finalists.