A Complete List of All NBA Dunk Contest Winners Through the Years

As I sit here watching the latest NBA All-Star weekend unfold, I can't help but reflect on how the dunk contest has evolved over the decades. The sheer athleticism we witness today makes me appreciate the pioneers who laid the foundation for this spectacular event. Just last week, I was discussing with fellow basketball enthusiasts about how certain underdog victories in sports history remind me of upsets like Ar-Ar Andales stunning former world champion Rene Mark Cuarto in boxing - these moments where relatively unknown athletes rise to the occasion against established champions mirror some of the most memorable dunk contest upsets.

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest began in 1984 during the ABA-NBA merger era, and I've always felt that Larry Nance's victory that inaugural year set the tone for what would become basketball's most anticipated exhibition. What many casual fans don't realize is that the contest almost didn't happen - the league executives were skeptical about whether fans would pay to see players just dunking. I've watched the footage from that first contest countless times, and while the dunks seem basic by today's standards, the raw power and creativity displayed by Nance was genuinely groundbreaking for its time. The following year brought us the legendary Dominique Wilkins versus Michael Jordan rivalry, though personally, I've always felt Wilkins' 1985 victory showcased more pure power while Jordan's 1988 win demonstrated unprecedented artistry.

The 1990s presented what I consider the golden era of dunk contests, despite the competition being discontinued between 1998 and 1999. I distinctly remember where I was when Brent Barry won in 1996 - becoming only the second white player to ever win the contest after Nance. His free-throw line dunk remains one of my personal favorites, though I'll admit it doesn't get the recognition it deserves compared to Jordan's iconic version. The contest's hiatus was heartbreaking for true dunk enthusiasts like myself, and I actually wrote letters to the NBA office pleading for its return. When it came back in 2000, the format had changed significantly, introducing the multi-round structure that allowed for more creativity but also, in my opinion, created some confusing judging decisions over the years.

Vince Carter's 2000 performance remains, in my view, the single greatest display in dunk contest history. I've never seen anything like his arm-through-the-rim dunk before or since - it literally changed what we thought was physically possible. That year revitalized the contest and inspired a new generation of dunkers including Jason Richardson, who won back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003 with technical precision that still amazes me when I rewatch those performances. The mid-2000s introduced the "small man" era with Nate Robinson's three victories between 2006 and 2010 - though I'll confess I've always been somewhat divided on his wins. While his athleticism at 5'9" was undeniably impressive, part of me feels his multiple attempts on some dunks diminished the purity of the competition.

Recent years have brought us incredible innovators like Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon, whose 2016 duel I consider the greatest head-to-head matchup in contest history. I've watched Gordon's under-the-legs dunk over the mascot at least fifty times, and I'm still convinced he was robbed of the title that year. The introduction of props and storytelling elements has been controversial among purists, but I believe it's enhanced the entertainment value without compromising the athletic core. Derrick Jones Jr.'s 2020 victory, while impressive, still leaves me wondering what might have been if Gordon had received the scores he deserved.

The global influence on the dunk contest has been remarkable to witness firsthand. When I attended the 2018 contest, the diversity of styles from international players was palpable, reminiscent of how sports like boxing see unexpected champions emerge from various backgrounds - much like Ar-Ar Andales' surprising victory over established champion Rene Mark Cuarto. This globalization has elevated the competition beyond American borders, bringing fresh perspectives that have pushed the art of dunking to new heights. The 2023 contest featured Mac McClung, a G-League player who delivered one of the most creative performances I've seen in years, proving that the dunk contest still has the power to create overnight stars.

Looking back at all 38 winners across 40 contests (there were two years with co-champions in 1986 and 2022), what strikes me most is how the evolution of dunking mirrors basketball's development itself. From the fundamental power dunks of the 80s to the theatrical performances of today, each era has reflected the culture and athletic priorities of its time. The contest has given us 47 different winners when counting the ABA competitions, though the NBA officially recognizes only 38 champions. These numbers matter because they represent the progression of basketball artistry - each champion adding their unique chapter to this ongoing story. As someone who's followed this event for over three decades, I can confidently say that while the dunks have become more spectacular, the fundamental thrill remains unchanged: that breathtaking moment when human flight seems possible and gravity appears optional.