All 32 DWTS Winners

The Ultimate List of All DWTS Champions

Winning the Mirrorball Trophy is a very specific kind of glory. It’s part athletic achievement, part popularity contest, and 100% covered in sequins. For over 30 seasons, we’ve watched celebrities attempt sambas and stumble through tangos, all for a shot at that sparkly globe.

Some were shoe-ins from the start, while others shocked us all. So, let’s take a walk down a very glittery memory lane and look back at all the DWTS champions who cha-cha’d their way into our hearts.

 

 

The OG Era: Finding the Footing

Back when the spray tans were patchier and the costumes were somehow even wilder, these were the pioneers who set the standard.

 

 

Season 1: Kelly Monaco & Alec Mazo

The very first! The General Hospital star’s win over the more technically skilled John O’Hurley was so controversial, they had a dance-off rematch. And Kelly won *again*. A true soap opera ending.

 

 

Season 2: Drew Lachey & Cheryl Burke

This is when the world met the force that is Cheryl Burke. 98 Degrees singer Drew Lachey was a total natural, and their freestyle to “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” is forever burned into our brains.

 

 

Season 3: Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke

Cheryl’s first back-to-back win! The NFL legend had charisma for days and proved that massive football players could have surprisingly nimble feet. He was just pure fun to watch.

 

 

The Athlete Invasion

Let’s be real, athletes have a serious advantage. Discipline, strength, and a ridiculous work ethic? It’s the perfect recipe for a Mirrorball champion, and this group proved it time and time again.

 

 

Season 4: Apolo Anton Ohno & Julianne Hough

The speed skater was electric on the dance floor. This season also introduced us to Julianne Hough as a pro, and their partnership was pure lightning in a bottle.

 

 

Season 5: Hélio Castroneves & Julianne Hough

Another win for Julianne! The IndyCar driver’s infectious smile and bright yellow suit made him an instant fan favorite. You just couldn’t help but root for him.

 

 

Season 6: Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas

An Olympic figure skater on a dancing show? Yeah, this one was practically a done deal from week one. Kristi was flawless, graceful, and set a bar that few have reached since.

 

 

Season 8: Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas

The tiny gymnast with massive power! Shawn Johnson was a powerhouse, and her win felt completely earned. That freestyle was basically an Olympic floor routine with more glitter.

 

 

Season 12: Hines Ward & Kym Johnson

Another NFL star takes the trophy. Hines had a megawatt smile and a smoothness that nobody expected. He was the definition of a gentle giant on the floor.

 

 

Season 14: Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd

Seriously, what do they feed these Green Bay Packers? Donald was another football player who brought incredible showmanship and dedication, giving Peta her first well-deserved win.

 

 

Season 19: Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson

Okay, so he’s an actor, but his athleticism was undeniable. And let’s be honest, the second he did “The Carlton,” he had this thing in the bag. It’s one of the most iconic moments in the show’s history.

 

 

Season 23: Laurie Hernandez & Val Chmerkovskiy

The “human emoji” was pure joy. The Olympic gymnast was just 16 when she competed, and her infectious energy and sharp technique made her an unstoppable force.

 

 

Season 24: Rashad Jennings & Emma Slater

Another NFL running back, another champion. Rashad’s journey was incredible, showing huge improvement each week and peaking at the perfect time. His chemistry with Emma was off the charts.

 

 

Season 30: Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach

The first and only NBA player to win! Iman was the ultimate underdog who delivered the most jaw-dropping, creative, and athletic freestyle the show has ever seen. That horror-themed contemporary piece? Art.

 

 

The Entertainers & Surprise Victories

This is the fun group. The singers, actors, and personalities who either charmed their way to the top or completely blindsided everyone with their win.

 

 

Season 7: Brooke Burke & Derek Hough

The start of the Derek Hough dynasty. Brooke was a stunning dancer from day one, making her a classic “ringer” who was just too good to ignore.

 

 

Season 9: Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson

A true showman! Donny Osmond brought that old-school Vegas energy to every single performance. He beat out the technically superior Mýa through sheer force of will and a massive fanbase.

 

 

Season 10: Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough

The Pussycat Dolls frontwoman was, to put it mildly, a professional dancer competing against amateurs. An incredible talent, but her win was hardly a surprise.

 

 

Season 11: Jennifer Grey & Derek Hough

Nobody puts Baby in a corner. Jennifer Grey’s emotional journey, reconnecting with dance decades after Dirty Dancing, was a storyline you couldn’t resist. Her win felt like a perfect Hollywood ending.

 

 

Season 13: J.R. Martinez & Karina Smirnoff

Try not to cry remembering this season. The Army veteran and soap star’s story of resilience and positivity was incredibly moving, and his win with Karina was one of the show’s most emotional moments.

 

 

Season 16: Kellie Pickler & Derek Hough

The country singer was a revelation. Her contemporary dance with Derek is still one of the most powerful routines the show has ever produced. She was the perfect combination of talent and vulnerability.

 

 

Season 17: Amber Riley & Derek Hough

The Glee star proved that incredible rhythm and stage presence come in all shapes and sizes. She absolutely commanded the dance floor from the very first week.

 

 

Season 21: Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough

Pure sunshine in human form. The conservationist danced every week as a tribute to her late father, Steve Irwin, and her spirit (plus Derek’s choreography) was simply unbeatable.

 

 

Season 25: Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold

Another ringer, but who cares when he’s that good? The Disney star and Broadway performer had dance experience pouring out of him. He and Lindsay were a perfect match.

 

 

Season 27: Bobby Bones & Sharna Burgess

And now for the most controversial win in DWTS history. The radio host wasn’t the best dancer by a long shot, but his massive fanbase voted like their lives depended on it. You have to respect the hustle.

 

 

Season 28: Hannah Brown & Alan Bersten

Fresh off The Bachelorette, Hannah Beast brought her signature realness and determination to the ballroom. Her journey was all about finding her confidence, and it resonated with viewers.

 

 

The Modern Mirrorball Era

As the show evolved, so did its champions. This new crop of winners reflects the changing face of celebrity, from reality TV royalty to social media superstars.

 

 

Season 29: Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem Chigvintsev

Another Bachelorette takes the crown! Kaitlyn had some dance training in her past, and it showed. She delivered clean, powerful routines and finally got Artem his first Mirrorball.

 

 

Season 31: Charli D’Amelio & Mark Ballas

The first TikTok superstar to win. With years of competitive dance experience, Charli was basically a pro from the jump. Her win was expected, but her stunning routines with a returning Mark Ballas were still a joy to watch.

 

 

Season 32: Xochitl Gomez & Val Chmerkovskiy

The Marvel star was an absolute dynamo. At just 17, she brought a maturity and fire to the dance floor that was mesmerizing. Her partnership with Val was electric, and her win was completely deserved.

 

 

Season 33: Bowen Yang & Daniella Karagach

In a season full of surprises, the SNL comedian’s victory in 2026 was the best of all. Bowen proved that comedic timing translates directly to rhythm, and his partnership with Daniella was full of humor and heart. His finale freestyle was pure performance art.

 

 

Season 34: Cassidy Finch & Gleb Savchenko

The beloved soap opera legend’s 2026 win was a victory for the underdogs. After a rocky start, Cassidy hit her stride mid-season, delivering emotive and powerful performances that won over the entire country. It was a classic DWTS redemption story.

 

 

The All-Stars Anomaly

We can’t forget the one-off season that brought back our favorites for a battle royale.

 

 

Season 15: Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani

Third time’s the charm! After coming in third on her original season, the former Bachelor contestant came back to the All-Stars season with a vengeance. She was sharper and more confident, finally giving Tony his one and only Mirrorball.

 

 

So, What Makes a Champion?

Looking at all the DWTS champions, there’s no single formula. Sometimes it’s the best technical dancer, and other times it’s the person with the best story and the most dedicated fans. It’s that wild combination of skill, personality, and voter power that keeps us coming back.

Every season, we get to watch a new cast of hopefuls strap on their dancing shoes, and honestly, we can’t wait to see who is next to join this very eclectic, very sparkly list of winners.