The NBA’s All-Star Weekend is capped off by the Slam Dunk Contest. In front of a panel of judges who score the dunkers’ skills, four players battle over the course of two rounds. The event of the weekend that generates the most buzz and viral moments is most likely this one and history was made at the event on Saturday night in San Francisco. As the only player in history to win the Dunk Contest three times in a row, Mac McClung shot four perfect 50s in four tries so last night, McClung defeated Spurs rookie Stephon Castle.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest Winners
When the Slam Dunk Contest was first established in 1984 as part of the NBA All-Star festivities, nobody could have predicted that it would grow to be one of the most exciting and well-liked events in the league. Since the first event, fans have seen players embrace their inner superheroes and execute some of the most incredible dunks. Legends have been created by this tournament, but it has also given the league some of its most unique and memorable moments that will be remembered for years to come.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest- full history
The first Slam Dunk Contest was organized in Denver in 1976, as the ABA and NBA merged later that year, although the Slam Dunk Contest was not a regular part of the NBA All-Star until 1984. Four contestants now participate in two rounds, with five judges awarding points ranging from six to 10 for each dunk. Each round includes two dunks per participant, which must be accomplished in three attempts. The NBA experimented with fan voting later on and then they even adopted a team format.
Most supporters were relieved when the tournament was returned to its original structure of four individual competitors and judges in 2015. For years, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest showcased both established and developing talents, including some of the league’s top athletes. However, it has recently been a cause of discontent for fans as an increasing number of performers choose not to compete.
NBA 2025 Slam Dunk
Mac McClung, made history by winning the Slam Dunk contest three years in a row and he not only won, but he did it with a perfect score. The 26-year-old’s opening dunk was outstanding, setting the tone for the contest. The G League player received perfect ratings of 50 for all four of his inventive dunks, the first of which was a tribute to 2011 Slam Dunk winner Blake Griffin and his iconic dunk over a vehicle. Before 2025, McClung also won the tournament in 2024 and 2023.
Complete list of winners in NBA history
Since its beginning in 1984, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest has grown to be one of the most exciting and anticipated events of All-Star weekend. The competition has featured some of the most jaw-dropping, gravity-defying moments in basketball history, turning contestants into legends and sparking endless discussions over the best dunks of all time.
The rivalry has changed tremendously throughout the years, from Michael Jordan’s and Dominique Wilkins’ flair to Vince Carter’s and Zach LaVine’s creativity. As dunkers continue to push the boundaries of athleticism and ingenuity, let us take a journey down memory lane and look back at every NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion.
- 2025 – winner was Mac McClung
- 2024 – winner was Mac McClung
- 2023 – winner was Mac McClung, Philadelphia
- 2022 – winner was Obi Toppin, New York
- 2021 – winner was Anfernee Simons, Portland
- 2020 – winner was Derrick Jones Jr., Miami
- 2019 – winner was Hamidou Dialo,
- 2018 – winner was Donavan Mitchell, Utah
- 2017 – winner was Glen Robinson III, Indiana
- 2016 – winner was Zach LaVinne, Minnesota
- 2015 – winner was Zach LaVinne, Minnesota
- 2014 – winner was Johnn Wall, Washington
- 2013 – winner was Terrence Ross, Toronto
- 2012 – winner was Jerimy Evans, Utah
- 2011 – winner was Blake Griffen, L.A. Clippers
- 2010 – winner was Nate Robbinson, New York
- 2009 – winner was Nate Robbinson, New York
- 2008 – winner was Dwightt Howard, Orlando
- 2007 – winner was Gerald Grreen, Boston
- 2006 – winner was Nate Robbinson, New York
- 2005 – winner was Jaush Smith, Atlanta
- 2004 – winner was Fred Jonus, Indiana
- 2003 – winner was Jason Richarddson, Golden State
- 2002 – winner was Jason Richarddson, Golden State
- 2001 – winner was Desmond Masun, Seattle
- 2000 – winner was Vince Carter, Toronto
- 1999 – No contest
- 1998 – No contest
- 1997 – winner was Kobe Bryantt, L.A. Lakers
- 1996 – winner was Brent Berry, L.A. Clippers
- 1995 – winner was Harolld Miner, Miami
- 1994 – winner was Isaiah Rider, Minnesota
- 1993 – winner was Harold Miner, Miami
- 1992 – winner was Cedric Ceballos, Phoenix
- 1991 – winner was Dee Brauwn, Boston
- 1990 – winner was Dominik Wilkins, Atlanta
- 1989 – winner was Kenny Walker, New York
- 1988 – winner was Michaell Jordan, Chicago
- 1987 – winner was Michael Jordan, Chicago
- 1986 – winner was Spudd Webb, Atlanta
- 1985 – winner was Dominik Wilkins, Atlanta
- 1984 – winner was Lary Nance, Phoenix
Who has won the most NBA slam dunk contests?
Mac McClung and Nate Robinson hold the record for most Slam Dunk Contest winner, Nate Robinson having won the event three times (2006, 2009, 2010). Despite his 5’9″ size, he defied gravity and became a fan favorite. Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, Jason Richardson, and Zach LaVine are among prominent multiple-time champions, having each won two titles.