Answer Summary: Who Val Won DWTS With
Val Chmerkovskiy has won four Mirrorball trophies on Dancing With the Stars (as of 2024). He won Season 18 with Olympic silver medalist Meryl Davis (the first all-star pairing to win), Season 22 with Bindi Irwin, Season 28 with Charli D’Amelio, and Season 30 with Iman Shumpert. He also holds multiple runner-up finishes, including seasons with Elizabeth Berkley, Nicole Scherzinger, and others. This article lists each win, the season year, his partner, and key context for long-term clarity.
How DWTS Mirrorball Wins Are Determined
On Dancing With the Stars, the winner each season is the couple with the lowest combined point total after all dances and the finale. Judges’ scores are averaged alongside public votes to determine weekly rankings, while the finale combines judges’ scores and viewer votes for the final outcome. Val’s four wins reflect varied scoring across formats, celebrity contestants, and competition depth. Understanding how the scoring system works helps explain why certain seasons are viewed as dominant performances and why some high-profile partnerships fell short.
Verified List of Val’s DWTS Wins
Below is a season-by-season breakdown of every DWTS Mirrorball championship Val Chmerkovskiy has secured, including his partner, season number, air year, and verified outcome. For context, each season pairs celebrities with professional dancers, and results reflect both judges’ scores and viewer votes.
| Season | Year | Celebrity Partner | Profession of Partner | Status / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 2014 | Meryl Davis | Olympic ice dancer (silver medalist) | First all-star winner; Mirrorball Trophy |
| 22 | 2016 | Bindi Irwin | Television personality and conservationist | Highest scoring finale at the time |
| 28 | 2019 | Charli D’Amelio | Social media creator | Youngest celebrity winner; strong finale vote |
| 30 | 2023 | Iman Shumpert | NBA guard | First season with new 40-point scoring system; mirrorball win |
Notable Near-Wins and Runner-Up Seasons
While Val has four wins, he has also earned several runner-up placements that are worth noting for a complete picture of his DWTS legacy. These seasons demonstrate his range across partner types and competitive eras.
- Season 13 (2011): Paired with Nicole Scherzinger; finished as runners-up.
- Season 14 (2012): Paired with Elizabeth Berkley; finished as runners-up.
- Season 24 (2017): Paired with Rashad Jennings; withdrew due to injury before finale.
- Season 29 (2021): Paired with Vicki Gunvalson; early elimination in semifinals.
What “Winning DWTS” Means in Practice
A DWTS win does not necessarily indicate the highest average score across all weeks; it reflects the lowest cumulative point total after factoring judges’ scores and viewer votes in the finale. Val’s wins span different scoring eras, from the original 30-point system to the 40-point system introduced in 2023. His ability to adapt to format changes while maintaining competitive performance underscores his experience as a professional. Additionally, his partnerships often generated high viewer engagement, which can influence voting outcomes in the finale.
Professional Trajectory and Context
Val Chmerkovskiy began as a junior competitor in Eastern Europe, trained in the U.S. system, and joined DWTS as a professional in Season 8 (2009). Over more than a decade on air, he evolved from a featured pro to a lead mentor and judge on related programming, including DWTS: Juniors and DWTS: The Athletes. His choreography style emphasizes sharp timing, theatrical storytelling, and partnership clarity, which has contributed to multiple wins across diverse celebrity clients.
Key Takeaways
- Val has won four Mirrorball trophies: with Meryl Davis, Bindi Irwin, Charli D’Amelio, and Iman Shumpert.
- His earliest win (Season 18) was with Olympic athlete Meryl Davis, marking the first all-star championship.
- Scoring formats have evolved; his 2023 win with Iman Shumpert occurred under the 40-point system.
- He holds several runner-up finishes, showing consistent high-level performance across many seasons.
- His wins reflect both high judge scores and strong viewer engagement in finale nights.
Parting Notes
For viewers seeking clarity on Val Chmerkovskiy’s DWTS record, the essentials are this: four championship seasons, multiple high-profile partnerships, and consistent placement near the top of the leaderboard. Whether you’re comparing eras, formats, or partner profiles, understanding both wins and near-misses offers the most complete, evergreen picture of his legacy on the show.
FAQ
Reader questions
Has Val ever won DWTS with more than one partner in the same season?
No. Each DWTS season features one winning couple; Val has won four distinct seasons with four different partners.
Did Val Chmerkovskiy ever tie for first place on DWTS?
No. In DWTS history, there have not been official tie finishes for first place in the finale; a single winner is declared based on the combined scoring system in place for that season.
Which of Val’s wins is considered the most dominant by scoring metrics?
While narrative dominance varies by season, his 2023 win with Iman Shumpert under the 40-point system featured one of the highest finale point totals relative to that season’s scale. Earlier wins, such as with Meryl Davis, are noted for breaking the all-star precedent.
Does a DWTS win guarantee future TV or endorsement opportunities?
A win can increase visibility and lead to opportunities such as tours, specials, and brand partnerships, but long-term career outcomes depend on a mix of performance, public profile, and cross-platform strategy beyond the show.
How are DWTS scores verified and audited?
Dancing With the Stars employs an independent accounting firm to tabulate judges’ scores and viewer votes, and results are reviewed before official announcement. The process is designed to ensure accuracy and transparency each season.