For years, Dylan Efron was the “best-kept secret” of the Efron family—a talented producer working quietly behind the scenes of blockbusters like “American Sniper” and the Emmy-winning “Down to Earth.” But 2025 changed everything. Stepping out from the shadow of his superstar brother, Zac, Dylan has officially claimed his own spotlight as a reality TV powerhouse and a viral content creator. As we move into early 2026, the 33-year-old adventurer is no longer just “the brother”; he is a reigning champion of “The Traitors,” a “Dancing with the Stars” finalist, and a digital mogul redefining what it means to live life in the “Flow State.”
The Traitors Champion: A Strategic Victory
In early 2025, Dylan Efron proved that his competitive nature extends far beyond triathlons. Competing in the third season of Peacock’s “The Traitors,” Dylan navigated a house full of reality TV veterans with a mix of “quiet math” and genuine sincerity. While other contestants played into the melodrama, Dylan’s strategy of building unshakeable bonds led him to the grand finale on March 6, 2025.
In a historic move for the U.S. franchise, Dylan emerged as one of the winners alongside Lord Ivar Mountbatten, Dolores Catania, and Gabby Windey. The four “Faithfuls” chose to end the game early, splitting the $204,300 prize pot equally. Ever the practical adventurer, Dylan shared with People that he used his winnings to move out of his studio apartment into a home with a “guest room and a dishwasher”—though he jokingly admitted he was still learning how to use the latter.
The Ballroom Transformation: A DWTS Finalist
Fresh off his victory in Scotland, Dylan traded his hiking boots for sequins, joining Season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars” in late 2025. Partnered with pro Daniella Karagach, Dylan’s journey was defined by a transition from self-described “awkward mover” to a “sincere, kind masculine” presence on the floor. His dedication was palpable, particularly during a “Dedication Night” performance that left the judges—and his brother Zac, who was cheering from the audience—in tears.
Dylan ultimately placed fourth in the finale on November 25, 2025, narrowly missing the trophy to winner Robert Irwin. Despite the loss, the experience was transformative. Dylan noted that the show helped him “embrace the uncomfortable,” a lesson that has fueled his latest creative ventures. His freestyle performance, a poignant tribute to his journey from behind the camera to center stage, was hailed by Derek Hough as one of the most “present” and “beautiful” of the season.
Everything’s a Competition: The YouTube Empire
In early 2026, Dylan’s focus has shifted to his burgeoning digital empire. He recently launched a new YouTube series, “Everything’s a Competition,” co-hosted by Survivor legend “Boston” Rob Mariano. The series pits the two athletes against each other in a series of “silly yet grueling” challenges, from urban scavenger hunts to extreme physical obstacles.
This project sits alongside his established series, “Flow State,” which documents high-adrenaline challenges with celebrity guests. Dylan’s career is a masterclass in brand integration; his partnerships with labels like Vuori, GoPro, and Yeti feel organic because they are rooted in his actual lifestyle. As of 2026, Dylan has also teased a desire to “try the family business,” admitting that acting is now on his bucket list for the new year.
The High School Sweetheart: Dylan and Courtney King
While his professional life is high-octane, Dylan’s personal life remains remarkably stable. He has been in a long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart, Courtney King, since at least 2016. Courtney, who works a standard 40-hour-a-week job and stays entirely off social media, is credited by Dylan as his “number one support.” It was Courtney who encouraged him to step into the limelight for “The Traitors,” telling him, “If people could see your personality, they’d fall in love with you like I did.”
In a March 2025 appearance on The Viall Files, Dylan confirmed that while Courtney isn’t putting a “deadline” on him, they are actively “working on” the next steps of their life together, including marriage and family. Spending time with co-host Rob Mariano’s family has reportedly made Dylan “excited” about the prospect of becoming a father in the future, a rare soft moment from the man known for his rugged exterior.
The Multi-Hyphenate Mogul of 2026
Dylan Efron’s 2026 trajectory is that of a modern multi-hyphenate. He is a producer who understands the mechanics of a hit show, an athlete who has completed multiple Ironmans, and a television personality with genuine cross-generational appeal. His recent documentary, “The Village That Saved a Fish,” surpassed one million views within a week of its 2025 release, highlighting his ability to blend conservation with entertainment.
As he moves forward, Dylan remains “happiest outside,” but his comfort zone has clearly expanded to include the bright lights of Hollywood. Whether he is producing a new docuseries or competing in an ultramarathon, he carries the Efron name with a new sense of individual purpose. In 2026, Dylan Efron isn’t just Zac’s brother; he is the architect of his own adventure.
