Why Everyone's Crushing On Robert Irwin

The 21-year-old wildlife photographer waltzed (and cha-cha'd, and quick-stepped) his way into our hearts and took home the Mirrorball Trophy while he was at it.

The Dance Journey That Made History

Season 34 of DWTS was already breaking records before Robert even stepped into the ballroom, but his journey turned it into something truly special. Paired with professional dancer Witney Carson (who was also a pro when Robert's sister Bindi won back in 2015), Robert came into the competition with zero dance experience and ended up making history. He and Bindi are now the first siblings to ever win the show!

The competition was fierce this season, with Robert going up against social media star Alix Earle, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron (yes, Zac's little brother), and actress Elaine Hendrix. But from his very first dance with a jive that had judge Derek Hough calling it "the best first dance I've ever seen on the show." Robert was a force to be reckoned with.

Throughout the season, Robert and Witney delivered stunning performances week after week. There was the emotional foxtrot to "Footprints in the Sand" that he dedicated to his mom and performed in memory of his dad (all perfect 10s, and yes, we all cried). The fun Disney Week cha-cha to "Try Everything" from Zootopia. And who could forget the finale when Robert pushed through a painful rib injury to perform THREE dances in one night: a quickstep, an impromptu cha-cha (the style he said he didn't want but still nailed with a perfect 30, and a jaw-dropping freestyle that earned another perfect score. He finished with 89/90 points and took home the trophy with millions of votes cast during the season.

A Sweet Partnership

Can we talk about Robert and Witney's partnership for a second? Their connection was pure magic from day one. Robert admitted he had a "weird feeling" he'd be paired with Witney (he remembered her from Bindi's season), and when it happened, it felt like destiny. They dubbed themselves "Team IrWINit," and their chemistry was undeniable, but in the sweetest, most wholesome way possible.

Robert called Witney his "new adopted member of the Irwin family" and wrote her the most adorable handwritten note before the finale about how much he admired her strength as a working mom. And when they won? The tears, the hugs, the joy. Witney said she felt like she'd already won just having him as a friend. Can these two be any more precious?

Those Good Genes (And That Accent!)

Let's start with the obvious: Robert inherited some seriously good genes. With his dad's adventurous spirit and his mom's gorgeous features, he's got that boy-next-door vibe that's impossible not to smile at. The floppy blonde hair and the bright eyes that light up when he talks about crocodiles? Adorable. And then there's the Aussie accent. Every time Robert called things "absolutely beautiful" in the same enthusiastic tone his dad used to, American hearts collectively fluttered.

During the DWTS season, viewers got a weekly dose of Robert's charming Australian expressions. He even quizzed Witney on Australian slang, and fans went wild watching him try to say words like "arvo" (afternoon) in an American accent. The internet basically lost it.

The Love Story That Started It All

But here's what really gets us: his family. If you grew up watching Steve Irwin on TV (and crying when he died), you know the Irwin family story is basically a real-life fairy tale. Steve and Terri's love story was the stuff of romance novels: American naturalist meets Aussie wildlife warrior, they fall head over heels within months, and build a conservation empire together while staying adorably in love until the very end.

Watching Robert talk about his dad, you can see that same passion and heart. He's living proof that true love creates something beautiful that lasts forever. His mom, Terri, posted the most touching message before the finale, calling him "your father's son" and saying she was holding "a lifetime of love" in her heart. And his relationship with his mom? The way he lights up around her and clearly adores her is the ultimate green flag.

A True Gentleman in the Wild (And on the Dance Floor)

In a dating landscape of guys who ghost after three texts, Robert Irwin is out here being respectful, polite, and warm. Witney raved about what a gentleman he was throughout the season, always making sure she felt comfortable, working through four-hour daily rehearsals without complaint, staying humble even when judges were praising him. He opens doors. He thanks people. He writes heartfelt notes. He's the kind of guy you'd actually want to bring home to meet your parents because they'd probably love him more than you.

Witney revealed early in the season that she was getting flooded with DMs from fans wanting to date Robert. The man had girls sliding into his dance partner's inbox! But when asked about dating, Robert stays focused on his work and family.

Brains, Heart, and Dedication

Robert isn't just a cutie who happens to wrangle crocodiles (though let's be real, those action shots of him handling massive reptiles are pretty impressive). He's got a degree in conservation biology, he's a legitimately talented photographer, and he speaks passionately about saving the planet. He's building a career based on making the world better, not just building his Instagram following.

Also, can we talk about how dancing revealed he's got some serious athleticism going on? Those lifts didn't happen by accident. The man is strong, graceful, and coordinated. We love a guy who can handle a three-meter crocodile AND nail a perfect foxtrot.

Maybe the best part about Robert is that he seems genuinely unaware of his own appeal. There's no cockiness, no trying to be cool. He's just himself. Earnest, passionate about wildlife, close to his family, and probably more excited about his next wildlife adventure than his new heartthrob status. He's not performing for anyone; he's just being the person his parents raised him to be.

Early in the season, he also used his platform to speak up for his sister Bindi Irwin, and her long-time battle with Endometriosis. In an interview, he described endometriosis as “under-discussed” and “under-researched,” and underscored the need for both men and women to advocate more vocally for women’s health.

Then came Dedication Night on DWTS. He and Witney danced to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart,” bringing Terri out on stage for a mother-son hug that healed hearts around the world. Robert called the dance “for my mum, for all the mums,” speaking to the quiet resilience of single mothers, the burden of grief, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward after loss.

The Bottom Line

So why is everyone crushing on Robert Irwin? Because he's a reminder that good guys really do exist. Living proof that we can still believe in genuine goodness, family values, passion for something bigger than himself, and that love (even in the face of tragedy) can leave a lasting legacy that makes the world a better place.