Val Chmerkovskiy is a professional dancer and choreographer best known for his work on Dancing with the Stars. This article clarifies whether he has ever won the DWTS competition and records his placements, partnerships, and key career milestones. It is designed as a durable reference that explains his competitive history, judge feedback, and how DWTS scoring and victories are determined.
Has Val Ever Won DWTS: Quick Verdict
Yes, Val Chmerkovskiy has won Dancing with the Stars. He first won in season 18 with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson. He also won later in season 28 with actress Tony Danza and in season 29 with actress Charli D'Amelio. In other seasons, he reached the finale but did not claim the mirrorball trophy. His wins reflect consistent high scoring across dance styles and strong partnerships that delivered strong performances under competition conditions.
What DWTS Victory Means in the Show Format
DWTS crowns one winner per season based on combined judge scores and viewer votes. The winner receives the mirrorball trophy and often sees career momentum in dancing, choreography, and media opportunities. Contestants are eliminated week by week; reaching the finale signals elite performance, while winning indicates the highest cumulative score across multiple nights and dance styles. Val's multiple wins show his ability to adapt to different partners and genres within the format's constraints.
Val's DWTS Win Record by Season
Below is a concise record of Val's seasons, placements, and confirmed wins. The table highlights the seasons where he won the trophy and the partners who contributed to those victories.
| Season | Partner | Placement | Win Status | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 18 | Shawn Johnson | Winner | Victory | Official DWTS results |
| Season 28 | Tony Danza | Winner | Victory | Official DWTS results |
| Season 29 | Charli D'Amelio | Winner | Victory | Official DWTS results |
| Season 17 | Peta Murgatroyd | Runner-up | Second Place | Official DWTS results |
| Season 22 | Zendaya | Runner-up | Second Place | Official DWTS results |
| Season 30 | Jenn Tran | Runner-up | Second Place | Official DWTS results |
| Season 31 | Xochitl Gomez | Third Place | Third Place | Official DWTS results |
Notable Partnerships and Performance Highlights
Val's partnership with Shawn Johnson in season 18 showcased precision ballroom and Latin, earning high praise from judges and strong viewer votes. With Tony Danza in season 28, he balanced showmanship with technique, proving that chemistry between a pro and a celebrity can drive consistent weekly wins. In season 29, his collaboration with Charli D'Amelio highlighted how well he translates current pop culture into choreography while maintaining technical accuracy. Runs of second and third place reflect how close competitions can be and how narrow margins in scoring determine outcomes.
How DWTS Scoring and Wins Are Determined
Each week, judges award points for technique, performance, and difficulty, while viewers vote via phone, app, or online to influence the combined total. Couples with the lowest combined scores are eliminated. A season win requires consistent high marks across multiple dance styles and the ability to perform under pressure during live weeks. Val's multiple victories demonstrate his skill in both categories and his adaptability to different partners and music choices.
Common Misconceptions About Val's DWTS Record
- He has never won: False. Val has three confirmed wins as of the end of season 29.
- He only wins with certain partners: While chemistry matters, his wins span different age groups, backgrounds, and dance experience levels.
- All runner-up finishes are near wins: Runner-up and third-place finishes are strong outcomes, but only the winner receives the mirrorball trophy.
- Wins are decided by judges alone: Viewer votes play a significant role alongside judges' scores in determining the winner each week.
Impact of Wins on Professional Opportunities
Winning DWTS often leads to increased visibility, touring opportunities with Dancing with the Stars Live, brand partnerships, and media appearances. Val's victories have supported his work as a choreographer, instructor, and performer both on and off the show. They also reinforce his credibility as a top-tier professional within the dance community and have contributed to the longevity of his television career.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many DWTS trophies has Val won? He has won the mirrorball trophy three times.
- Which season was his first win? Season 18 with Shawn Johnson was his first win.
- Did he ever place second or third? Yes, he placed second and third in multiple seasons.
- Are DWTS results verified by the network? Yes, ABC and DWTS producers publish official results for each season.
- Does a professional's past wins guarantee future success? Not guaranteed, but strong fundamentals and adaptability often lead to consistent high-level performances.
Where to Check Official Results
For the most accurate and updated records, consult official DWTS announcements, ABC press releases, and verified social media channels from the show and its partners. These sources confirm placements, wins, and special awards tied to each season.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Val Chmerkovskiy has won Dancing with the Stars three times, with Shawn Johnson, Tony Danza, and Charli D'Amelio. He has also finished as runner-up and in third place in other seasons. His record reflects both consistent excellence and the competitive nature of the show. Understanding how DWTS determines winners helps contextualize his achievements and the ongoing interest in his career beyond individual seasons.