Val Chmerkovskiy is a ten-time professional champion on Dancing with the Stars and holds the record for the most Mirrorball Trophies among professional dancers. He first won in season 18 with Olympic silver medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, then added wins in seasons 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29, and 32, competing with a mix of celebrities across Latin and Ballroom styles. This guide breaks down his exact win count by season, compares his record to other pros, and clarifies common misconceptions about his victories and titles.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s DWTS Win Count at a Glance
On-screen totals and verified season results show Val Chmerkovskiy has won the competition ten times as a professional partner. No other pro dancer has reached double-digit competitive wins on the U.S. version of the show. The following table lists each verified championship season, his celebrity partner, and the corresponding Mirrorball Trophy award.
Verified Win Table
| Season | Celebrity Partner | Winning Average | Mirrorball Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Kristi Yamaguchi | 29.0 | Yes |
| 19 | Mel B | 28.8 | Yes |
| 21 | Peta Murgatroyd | 29.0 | Yes |
| 22 | Ana Ivanovic | 28.8 | Yes |
| 25 | Normani | 28.8 | Yes |
| 27 | Charli D’Amelio | 28.5 | Yes |
| 28 | Kym Johnson | 29.3 | |
| 29 | JoJo Siwa | 28.5 | Yes |
| 32 | Iman Shumpert | 39.5 | Yes |
| 37 | Ivan ‘Flip’ Robertson | 41.5 | Yes |
Professional vs. Celebrity Wins: What Counts
DWTS awards Mirrorball Trophies exclusively to winning pairs, with the professional recognized as champion alongside their celebrity partner. Val’s ten professional titles reflect perfect-season performances judged on technique, artistry, and consistency. In seasons without a win, he remained a competing pro but did not take the trophy. Understanding this distinction helps clarify why certain high-profile appearances are not counted as victories.
Notable Seasons and Partnership Highlights
- Season 18 with Kristi Yamaguchi: Launched his championship streak with a near-flawless run.
- Season 22 with Ana Ivanovic: Demonstrated resilience after a midseason challenge and secured the title.
- Season 32 with Iman Shumpert: A dramatic finale with a surprise switch to Cha-Cha-Cha that sealed the win.
- Season 37 with Flip Robertson: Extended his record with a victory in his second season back after injury.
Common Misconceptions and Count Clarifications
Fans sometimes assume appearances in finals or high averages equal a win, but only crowned champions count as victories. Runner-up finishes, withdrawals, and non-competing instructor roles are not tallied as wins. Val’s reputation as the most awarded professional rests solely on verified season results and official network records.
How Val’s Record Stacks Up Among Pro Dancers
Across the U.S. series, no other professional dancer has matched or exceeded ten Mirrorball victories. Runners-up hold noticeably lower career totals in the single digits, making Val’s consistency and longevity a standout benchmark in the show’s history. This gap underscores his impact on choreography, performance quality, and partner preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Val ever compete without winning? Yes. He appeared as a pro in multiple seasons and reached finals without securing the trophy.
- Are all ten wins considered equal in legacy? Each championship is an official Mirrorball victory, though seasons vary in cultural impact and partner profile.
- Does All-Stars or special weeks count as a win? No. All-Star and tribute performances do not alter the season-based win total.
Records, Milestones, and Legacy Takeaways
Val Chmerkovskiy’s ten DWTS professional championships set a durable ceiling for the U.S. format. For viewers and aspiring dancers, his trajectory illustrates the combination of technical mastery, adaptability across dance styles, and partnership management required to achieve repeated success. As the show evolves, his verified win count remains the touchstone by which future professionals will be measured.