NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champions Through the Years

A look back at the top performers in the league's annual high-flying showcase

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has been a staple of All-Star Weekend since its debut in 1984, though the event's prestige has waned in recent years as top stars have become reluctant to participate. Nevertheless, the contest has produced some of the most iconic dunks in basketball history, from Michael Jordan's free-throw line slam to Vince Carter's breathtaking performance in 2000. This article provides a full list of Slam Dunk Contest winners from 1984 to the present day.

Why it matters

The Slam Dunk Contest has long been one of the most anticipated events of the NBA's All-Star festivities, showcasing the league's most athletic and creative players. While the contest has lost some of its luster in recent years, it remains an important part of the league's history and culture, with past winners like Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, and Vince Carter cementing their legacies through iconic dunk performances.

The details

The first official NBA Slam Dunk Contest was held in 1984 in Denver, though the event actually debuted nearly a decade earlier in the American Basketball Association. Julius Erving won the ABA's inaugural dunk contest in 1976, and Darnell Hillman of the Indiana Pacers won the first NBA edition in 1977, though he did not receive a trophy until 2017. The NBA then revived the contest in 1984, and it has been a fixture of All-Star Weekend ever since.

  • The first official NBA Slam Dunk Contest was held in 1984 in Denver.
  • The ABA held the first dunk contest in 1976, with Julius Erving as the winner.
  • Darnell Hillman of the Indiana Pacers won the first NBA dunk contest in 1977, though he did not receive a trophy until 2017.

The players

Julius Erving

A legendary ABA and NBA player who won the first-ever dunk contest in 1976 as part of the ABA's All-Star festivities.

Darnell Hillman

An Indiana Pacers player who won the first NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1977, though he did not receive a trophy until 2017.

Michael Jordan

One of the greatest players in NBA history, who participated in and won multiple Slam Dunk Contests, including his iconic free-throw line dunk in 1988.

Dominique Wilkins

A Hall of Famer known as the "Human Highlight Film" for his electrifying dunking ability, Wilkins was a fierce competitor in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Vince Carter

A Hall of Famer who put on one of the greatest Slam Dunk Contest performances ever in 2000, helping to revive interest in the event.

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The takeaway

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has produced some of the most iconic moments in basketball history, from Michael Jordan's free-throw line dunk to Vince Carter's breathtaking performance in 2000. While the event has lost some of its luster in recent years, the contest remains an important part of the league's culture and a showcase for the athleticism and creativity of the NBA's top players.