Artem Chigvintsev Net Worth: How the DWTS Pro Built His $6 Million Fortune
{{Video or image of Artem Chigvintsev dancing on DWTS}}
“I was thinking about where I was a year ago, exactly. Where I was not a part of last season, how I felt that [my] old dancing dreams were done and dusted…” – Artem Chigvintsev on his emotional Dancing With the Stars victory
When Artem Chigvintsev lifted the coveted Mirrorball Trophy with partner Kaitlyn Bristowe during Dancing With the Stars Season 29, it was more than just another career achievement—it was the culmination of a journey that began in Russia and would eventually establish him as one of the most recognized professional dancers in the world with an estimated net worth of $6 million .
From his early days competing in ballroom competitions to becoming a fan favorite on both British and American television, Artem’s financial success mirrors his professional dedication. This article breaks down exactly how the Russian-born dancer built his multimillion-dollar fortune, navigated personal challenges, and continues to thrive in the competitive world of entertainment.
From Russia With Rhythm: Artem’s Humble Beginnings
Artem Vladimirovich Chigvintsev was born on June 12, 1982, in Izhevsk, Udmurt Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, when Russia was still part of the Soviet Union . The now-43-year-old dancer discovered his passion for movement early, specializing in Latin dance styles that would eventually become his trademark .
In 2003, at the age of 21, Artem made a life-changing decision to move to the United States, where he began dancing with champion ballroom dancer Giselle Peacock . Their professional partnership soon turned personal, leading to marriage in 2004, though the union was brief and ended in divorce the following year . Despite the personal setback, this period established his American career foundation and introduced him to the competitive dance circuits that would eventually lead to television opportunities.
Stepping Into the Spotlight: Artem’s Career Breakthrough
↪️ Early Television Appearances
Artem’s first major television break came in 2005 when he auditioned for the inaugural season of So You Think You Can Dance . Though he was eliminated alongside his fellow contestant Melissa Vella during the early stages of the competition, his talent was memorable enough that producers invited him back as a guest choreographer for the show’s second season .
This exposure led to his involvement with Burn the Floor, a revolutionary ballroom dance show that enjoyed successful runs both on Broadway and in London’s West End in 2009-2010 . Performing in such prestigious venues not only honed his performance skills but significantly raised his profile within the dance community.
↪️ Strictly Come Dancing Success
In September 2010, Artem joined the British sensation Strictly Come Dancing during its eighth series . Partnered with actress Kara Tointon, the pair displayed immediate chemistry and technical excellence, earning impressive scores throughout the competition. In week 5, they received the first perfect 10 of the series from judge Alesha Dixon for their passionate paso doble .
Their hard work paid off when Artem and Kara lifted the Glitterball Trophy as series champions, making Artem one of only five professionals to win Strictly in their debut season . This victory established his reputation as both a talented dancer and effective teacher—a combination that would serve him well in his future career.
Artem continued on Strictly for three more seasons, partnering with Holly Valance (4th place), Fern Britton (10th place), and Natalie Gumede (2nd place) before transitioning to American television .
↪️ Dancing With the Stars Stardom
Artem joined the Dancing With the Stars family in 2014 during season 19 . Though his first several seasons showed promise, it was during season 29 that he achieved his greatest DWTS success—partnering with former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe, Artem finally won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy .
The emotional victory was particularly meaningful given he had been cut from the professional roster the previous season. After his win, he emotionally reflected: “I was thinking about where I was a year ago, exactly. Where I was not a part of last season, how I felt that [my] old dancing dreams were done and dusted, and that I was never going to be able to perform on that stage at all” .
His most recent DWTS appearance was in 2023’s season 32, where he finished in fourth place .
↪️ Beyond the Dance Floor
While dancing remains his primary profession, Artem has expanded his horizons to include acting roles in television and film. His credits include appearances on The O.C. and in the movie I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry . Most notably, he appeared in the award-winning film La La Land (2016), though his role was uncredited .
Artem also benefited from exposure on reality television shows documenting his personal life, primarily through his relationship with Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella). Appearances on Total Bellas and their own Peacock series Nikki Bella Says I Do provided additional income streams, with estimates suggesting he earned at least a high four-figure sum per episode during his time on these shows .
By the Numbers: Breaking Down Artem Chigvintsev’s Net Worth
Table: Artem Chigvintsev’s Net Worth Overview
↪️ How Artem Makes His Money
Artem’s wealth accumulation stems from multiple entertainment industry revenue streams:
- Dancing With the Stars Salary: While first-time professional dancers on DWTS reportedly earn approximately $1,200 per episode, returners can command up to $5,000 per episode . Given Artem’s long tenure from season 19 through season 32 (with the exception of one season), this represents a significant and steady income source.
- Strictly Come Dancing Earnings: Though exact figures from his Strictly Come Dancing days remain undisclosed, his four-season stint—including one victory and one runner-up placement—undoubtedly contributed substantially to his early career finances .
- Broadway and Live Performances: His involvement with Burn the Floor on both Broadway and in London’s West End provided another revenue stream, with these prestigious performances typically commanding higher salaries than television work .
- Reality Television: Appearances on Total Bellas and his own wedding special generated additional income, estimated to be in the high four-figures per episode .
- Acting Roles and Choreography: While likely smaller than his dance earnings, his film and television appearances contribute to his overall financial portfolio .
Personal Life: Relationships, Divorce, and Co-Parenting
Artem’s personal life has often been in the spotlight, particularly his relationships with dance partners and celebrity romances.
After his brief marriage to Giselle Peacock (2004-2005) , Artem dated his Strictly Come Dancing partner Kara Tointon from 2010-2014 . Their off-screen romance fascinated fans but eventually ended after four years.
His most publicized relationship began with WWE star Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella) when they were partnered on Dancing With the Stars season 25 in 2017 . Despite Nikki being engaged to John Cena at the time, Artem later confessed: “I actually called the [DWTS] executive producer right after our first meet and I even said, ‘Wow, this girl’s incredible.’ Actually, I said that I think I’m in love” .
The couple welcomed their son Matteo on July 31, 2020 , and married on August 26, 2022 . However, their marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce in 2024 .
↪️ Divorce Settlement and Co-Parenting
The divorce settlement required Nikki to pay Artem a $200,000 lump sum plus $3,500 monthly in child support . This arrangement is somewhat unusual in celebrity divorces where typically the higher-earning spouse pays support, highlighting the significant income disparity between them.
Despite a tumultuous separation that included a domestic violence allegation against Artem in August 2024 (charges were later dropped ), the ex-couple has developed a healthy co-parenting relationship. In a September 2025 interview, Nikki praised Artem’s flexibility: “I have to give it to Artem, who’s been amazing on adapting to my schedule. I get Matteo almost more. He’s amazing” . She added, “We’ve adapted well and Matteo’s thriving” .
How AI Helps You Document Your Family Story
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Much like Artem and Nikki are documenting their son Matteo’s journey, modern technology offers powerful tools to preserve your own family legacy. Artificial intelligence can now help organize, narrate, and even visually present your family history in engaging ways:
- Automated Photo Sorting: AI algorithms can identify faces across decades of photos and group them by family member
- Story Narration: Convert written family histories into audiobook-style recordings using realistic AI voices
- Historical Context: AI can research and incorporate historical events that occurred during your ancestors’ lifetimes
- Video Montages: Create professional-quality family video tributes with automated editing and music synchronization
- Language Translation: Preserve stories in original languages while making them accessible to younger generations
These digital tools ensure that future generations can access their heritage as easily as scrolling through a social media feed—transforming how we maintain connections to our past.
Also Read : Timothy Olyphant Net Worth
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Artem?
As of late 2025, Artem continues his professional dance career while focusing on co-parenting his son Matteo. Though no longer part of the DWTS pro lineup, his extensive experience and championship pedigree position him well for future opportunities as a choreographer, judge, or creative director for dance productions.
His net worth of $6 million reflects not just his talent but his business acumen in diversifying income across performance, television, and brand partnerships. As he navigates this new chapter as a single father and entertainment veteran, financial stability seems assured thanks to years of strategic career management.
3 Free Tools to Start Your Own Digital Journey
Inspired by Artem’s story? These free tools can help you begin documenting your own journey:
- Canva: Create professional-looking visual stories without design experience
- Anchor: Start your own podcast to share stories with easy distribution
- Google Photos: Unlimited storage for organizing life’s moments with AI-powered search
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
↪️ What is Artem Chigvintsev’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Artem Chigvintsev has an estimated net worth of $6 million, accumulated through his professional dancing career, television appearances, and other entertainment ventures .
↪️ How much did Nikki Garcia pay Artem in their divorce settlement?
The divorce settlement required Nikki Garcia to pay Artem a one-time lump sum of $200,000 plus $3,500 per month in child support for their son Matteo .
↪️ What is Artem Chigvintsev doing now?
Currently, Artem is focusing on co-parenting his son Matteo and his professional dance career. As of late 2025, he continues to make occasional television appearances and participates in dance-related projects .
↪️ How much does a DWTS pro dancer make?
First-time professional dancers on Dancing With the Stars reportedly earn around $1,200 per episode, while returning veterans can make up to $5,000 per episode .
↪️ Who was Artem’s first wife?
Artem’s first wife was Giselle Peacock, a champion ballroom dancer whom he married in 2004. The marriage ended in divorce in 2005 .
{{Image or video of Artem with his son Matteo}}
Artem Chigvintsev’s journey from a young boy in Russia to a multimillionaire dancer in America demonstrates the power of talent, perseverance, and adaptability. Through career highs and personal challenges, he has maintained his professional excellence while embracing fatherhood as his most important role.
Which of Artem’s dance partnerships was your favorite? Do you think DWTS should bring him back as a pro? Share your thoughts in the comments below!