Who Are the NBA 3-Point Contest Champions? Complete Winners List Revealed

I still remember watching my first NBA 3-Point Contest back in 1998 - the electric atmosphere when Dirk Nowitzki stepped up to the arc, the collective gasp when Ray Allen went on one of his legendary streaks, and the sheer excitement when underdogs defied expectations. There's something magical about watching the world's best shooters compete in what essentially becomes a high-pressure shooting clinic. Over the years, I've come to appreciate not just the winners but the stories behind their victories - the countless hours of practice, the mental fortitude required, and the moments that defined careers.

The NBA 3-Point Contest has evolved tremendously since its inception in 1986, transforming from what some initially considered a novelty act into what I believe is now the most compelling All-Star Saturday Night event. Larry Bird's legendary three-peat from 1986 to 1988 set the standard for excellence, with his famous "who's coming in second?" remark before his first victory still echoing through basketball lore. What many newer fans might not realize is how much the contest format has changed - we've gone from five racks of five balls each to the current setup with money balls and special racks, making strategy as important as pure shooting ability.

Looking at the complete winners list reveals fascinating patterns about the evolution of shooting in the NBA. The early years were dominated by specialists like Craig Hodges, who won three consecutive times from 1990 to 1992, but recent contests have seen more versatile players like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard claiming the crown. I've always found it interesting how some phenomenal game shooters struggle in the contest format - the pressure is different, the rhythm is unique, and there's no defense to react to. It's pure, unadulterated shooting skill under the brightest lights.

The 2023 contest particularly stands out in my memory, not just for the winner but for the dramatic fashion in which victory was achieved. Watching Damian Lillard repeat as champion while representing the Milwaukee Bucks was special - his confidence in that final rack, knowing exactly what he needed, then draining the money ball to seal it. That's the kind of moment that makes the 3-Point Contest so compelling year after year. It's not just about who wins, but how they win, and what it means for their legacy.

Speaking of memorable moments, I can't help but recall the 2022 contest where Karl-Anthony Towns became the first center to win the event. That victory felt significant - it symbolized how the game has evolved, with big men now expected to stretch the floor and knock down threes consistently. Towns' victory wasn't just personal; it represented a shift in basketball philosophy that we've been witnessing over the past decade.

The international flavor of recent winners also speaks volumes about basketball's globalization. From Dirk Nowitzki's 2006 victory to more recent international champions, the contest has become a global showcase. This reminds me of the collaborative spirit captured in that Philippines golf event quote - "We had a blast and we are looking to do it again next year--with more of the same faces and at a different course." There's a similar energy in the 3-Point Contest, where competitors often seem to genuinely enjoy each other's company while still competing fiercely. That blend of camaraderie and competition creates special moments that fans remember for years.

Stephen Curry's 2021 victory, for instance, felt like a coronation of the greatest shooter in NBA history. His final round score of 28 points was spectacular, but what impressed me more was his consistency throughout the competition. Having watched countless contests over the years, I've noticed that the truly great shooters maintain their form regardless of the pressure - their muscle memory takes over, and the ball just finds the bottom of the net.

The contest has produced its share of surprises too. Who could forget Joe Harris defeating Stephen Curry in 2019, or Jason Kapono's back-to-back wins in 2007 and 2008? These unexpected victories add to the contest's charm, proving that on any given night, with the right rhythm and focus, any elite shooter can claim the crown. I've always appreciated how the contest levels the playing field - it doesn't matter if you're a superstar or a role player; what matters is making shots when it counts.

As I reflect on the complete list of champions, what strikes me is how each era has its distinctive shooting style. The methodical approach of earlier champions like Mark Price contrasts with the quicker releases we see today from players like Trae Young. The game has sped up, and the contest reflects that evolution. Yet some fundamentals remain unchanged - footwork, balance, and that intangible "shooter's touch" that separates good shooters from great ones.

The future of the 3-Point Contest looks brighter than ever, with young stars like Tyrese Haliburton showing that the art of shooting continues to evolve. What I'm most excited about is seeing how the next generation will push the boundaries of what we think is possible from beyond the arc. Will we see someone break the 30-point barrier in the current format? Can someone match or exceed Larry Bird's three-peat? These questions keep me coming back year after year, and I suspect they do the same for millions of basketball fans worldwide.

In many ways, the NBA 3-Point Contest champions list serves as a timeline of basketball's evolution, marking not just who won each year but how the game itself was changing. From the early specialists to today's versatile marksmen, each champion represents a chapter in basketball's ongoing story. And like that Philippines golf event that brought people together while planning for future gatherings, the 3-Point Contest continues to unite basketball fans in anticipation of next year's spectacle, always wondering who will add their name to this prestigious list of champions.