The Shocking History-Making Finale Of Dancing With The Stars Season 30: Iman Shumpert’s Unlikely Win

The 30th season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), which aired in the fall of 2021, was a milestone season packed with historic firsts, high-profile celebrity contestants, and one of the most surprising outcomes in the show's history. As of this current date, December 12, 2025, the season is still widely discussed for its groundbreaking finale, where an underdog athlete defied expectations to claim the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

This landmark season saw the return of a full judging panel, a controversial new elimination rule, and the first-ever same-sex dance pairing. Ultimately, it was the raw talent and journey of a former NBA champion that captivated the audience and judges, leading to an unforgettable victory that cemented his place in DWTS lore.

Iman Shumpert: Biography of a Champion

The winner of Dancing with the Stars Season 30 was professional basketball player Iman Shumpert, partnered with pro dancer Daniella Karagach. His victory was a historic moment for the show.

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Full Name: Iman Asante Shumpert
Born: June 26, 1990 (Age 35)
Birthplace: Berwyn, Illinois, U.S.
Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Spouse: Teyana Taylor (m. 2016)
Children: 2
Primary Career: Professional Basketball Player (NBA)

Shumpert was a standout college player for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets before being selected by the New York Knicks with the 17th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft. He is perhaps best known for his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was a key part of the team that won the 2016 NBA Championship alongside LeBron James. His athleticism, defensive skill, and vibrant personality made him a fan favorite throughout his NBA career. His win on DWTS made him the first-ever NBA player to reach the final and win the Mirrorball Trophy, a feat that shocked many long-time viewers.

A Star-Studded Cast and Groundbreaking Partnerships

Season 30 featured a diverse and highly competitive roster of celebrities, making the journey to the finale a true battle of talent and fan support. The season was hosted by Tyra Banks, with the full judging panel of Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough returning, bringing back the classic four-judge dynamic.

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The Full Celebrity and Professional Dancer Pairings:

• Iman Shumpert (NBA Champion) with Daniella Karagach (Winners)
• JoJo Siwa (YouTube Personality/Singer) with Jenna Johnson (Runners-Up)
• Amanda Kloots (TV Host) with Alan Bersten (Third Place)
• Cody Rigsby (Peloton Instructor) with Cheryl Burke (Fourth Place)
• Melora Hardin (Actress) with Artem Chigvintsev
• Suni Lee (Olympic Gold Medalist Gymnast) with Sasha Farber
• Jimmie Allen (Country Music Star) with Emma Slater
• Olivia Jade (Influencer) with Val Chmerkovskiy
• Mike “The Miz” Mizanin (WWE Superstar) with Witney Carson
• Kenya Moore (Model/Reality Star) with Brandon Armstrong
• Melanie “Mel C” Chisholm (Spice Girls Singer) with Gleb Savchenko
• Brian Austin Green (Actor) with Sharna Burgess
• Matt James (The Bachelor Star) with Lindsay Arnold
• Christine Chiu (Reality Star) with Pasha Pashkov
• Martin Kove (Actor) with Britt Stewart

One of the most significant moments of the season was the pairing of JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson. Siwa, a globally recognized YouTube and Nickelodeon star, made history as the first contestant to compete with a same-sex partner on the US version of the show. Their dynamic partnership was a powerful statement for LGBTQ+ representation and delivered consistently high-scoring, innovative performances, including a memorable Jazz routine and an incredible Argentine Tango.

The Controversial Rule and the Unforgettable Freestyle

Every season of DWTS has its share of drama, and Season 30 was no exception. Beyond the intense competition, the season saw a controversial rule implemented during the elimination rounds that drew significant criticism from fans and media outlets. The rule gave head judge Len Goodman the ultimate power to break a tie in the bottom two couples, essentially overriding the votes of the other three judges and the public vote. This "Len's Save" rule was used multiple times, leading to several surprising eliminations that many felt did not reflect the couples' overall performance or popularity.

Despite the drama, the focus remained on the dance floor, culminating in one of the most exciting finales in recent memory. The final four couples—Iman & Daniella, JoJo & Jenna, Amanda & Alan, and Cody & Cheryl—each performed a redemption dance and a show-stopping freestyle.

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The Winning Freestyle Performance

Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach’s journey was defined by their unique choreography, which masterfully incorporated Iman’s towering 6’5” frame and athletic prowess into traditional ballroom styles. Their winning moment came with their final performance: a high-energy, hip-hop-infused Freestyle set to a medley of Missy Elliott’s "Lose Control" and "Bounce."

Daniella Karagach, in only her second season as a pro, choreographed a routine that was less about traditional ballroom technique and more about pure spectacle and entertainment. It featured gravity-defying lifts, complex floor work, and an energy that was unmatched by the other finalists.

The judges were completely blown away. Carrie Ann Inaba described it as a "moment in history," while Bruno Tonioli called it a "masterpiece." The couple received a perfect score of 40/40 for the routine, solidifying their status as serious contenders.

Topical Authority and LSI Entities

The victory of Iman Shumpert was a major upset, especially considering JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson were the consistent top scorers throughout the season, often earning perfect 40s for dances like their Argentine Tango and Paso Doble. However, the combination of Iman's massive fan base (the "Shumpert Stans"), his incredible growth as a dancer, and Daniella’s innovative choreography proved to be the winning formula. His win highlighted the importance of the public vote in the DWTS format, often prioritizing the celebrity's journey and connection with the audience over purely technical skill.

Season 30 remains a pivotal moment for the series, showcasing the evolution of the show by embracing modern dance forms and diverse partnerships while still honoring the tradition of the Mirrorball Trophy competition. The season delivered on all fronts: star power, emotional journeys, and a truly surprising champion.