NBA Slam Dunk Contest History (1984-2026)

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has been one of the most anticipated events of All-Star Weekend since its debut in Denver in 1984. The inaugural championship went to Phoenix Suns forward Larry Nance, who defeated a field featuring some of the NBA's most athletic players, including Julius Erving and Dominique Wilkins.

The competition quickly became a showcase for creativity, athleticism and showmanship. Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan produced some of its most memorable performances during the 1980s, while Spud Webb's victory in 1986 demonstrated that spectacular dunking was not limited to the NBA's tallest players.

In later decades, Vince Carter, Jason Richardson, Nate Robinson, Dwight Howard, Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon helped redefine expectations for the event. The contest has featured everything from windmill dunks and between-the-legs finishes to elaborate props, costumes and tribute performances.

Mac McClung became the first player to win three consecutive contests in 2025, capturing the championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025. In 2026, Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson ended that streak of consecutive McClung victories by winning the competition in Inglewood, California.

Championships are credited to the NBA franchise represented by the winner. The 2023 title is credited to Philadelphia, while Mac McClung's 2024 and 2025 championships are credited to Orlando. Seattle and Oklahoma City are combined as one franchise lineage.

The following directory lists Slam Dunk Contest participants and their appearance years, beginning with the NBA's first official contest in 1984. It preserves the historical player list from the original NBAHoopsOnline archive, with spelling and formatting corrections and the 2026 participants added.

Most championships: Nate Robinson and Mac McClung have each won three Slam Dunk Contest titles.

Most consecutive championships: Mac McClung won three straight contests from 2023 through 2025, the first player to accomplish the feat.

First champion: Larry Nance of the Phoenix Suns won the inaugural NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984.

First repeat champion: Michael Jordan won back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988.

Youngest champion: Kobe Bryant won the 1997 contest as an 18-year-old rookie with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Shortest champion: Spud Webb, listed at 5 feet 7 inches, won the 1986 competition.

Most championships by a franchise: The New York Knicks lead with five titles through 2026.

1986 — Spud Webb: Webb surprised fans and competitors by winning the contest despite standing just 5 feet 7 inches tall. His performance became one of the most recognizable moments in NBA All-Star history.

1988 — Michael Jordan: Jordan and Dominique Wilkins staged a memorable duel in Chicago. Jordan's soaring free-throw-line dunk became an enduring image of the competition.

2000 — Vince Carter: After a two-year absence, the contest returned with one of its most spectacular performances. Carter's 360-degree windmill, between-the-legs finish and elbow dunk helped redefine what fans expected from the event.

2008 — Dwight Howard: Howard introduced his Superman-themed dunk, wearing a cape and launching himself toward the basket in a memorable display of athleticism.

2011 — Blake Griffin: Griffin won the contest with a final dunk over the hood of a car, accompanied by a choir singing at courtside.

2016 — Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon: LaVine and Gordon produced one of the most competitive dunk contests in league history, repeatedly earning perfect scores before LaVine claimed his second consecutive title.

2023-2025 — Mac McClung: McClung became a major All-Star Weekend attraction, winning three consecutive contests with a series of difficult aerial finishes.

2026 — Keshad Johnson: Johnson defeated San Antonio rookie Carter Bryant in the final round. Johnson scored 49.6 and 47.8 on his final two dunks for a combined 97.4, while Bryant scored 50.0 and 43.0 for 93.0.

Source for the 2026 results: NBA.com — Keshad Johnson Wins the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest.

Explore more historical competitions, results and player records in the NBA All-Star History Index.

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