Tunisia World Cup

I still remember watching my first NBA 3-Point Contest back in 2015 - the year Steph Curry put on an absolute shooting clinic that left my jaw on the floor. There's something magical about watching the best shooters in basketball line up around that familiar arc, the orange ball arcing perfectly through the air while the crowd holds its collective breath. Over the years, this contest has given us some of the most memorable moments in All-Star Weekend history, from Larry Bird's legendary "who's coming in second?" comment to Klay Thompson's record-breaking 27-point round.

Thinking about these contests reminds me of something Jun de Dios, the Philippines Business partner of Newgen, said after organizing a golf event: "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." That sentiment perfectly captures what makes the 3-Point Contest so special year after year. It's that perfect blend of familiar faces returning to defend their titles while new challengers emerge, all competing on what essentially becomes a "different course" each year as the format occasionally evolves and the pressure mounts in new ways. The contest has been running since 1986, and let me tell you, some years have been absolutely electric while others... well, let's just say not every contest can be legendary.

Larry Bird dominated the first three contests from 1986 to 1988, and honestly, watching those old tapes still gives me chills. The man was pure confidence wrapped in Celtics green, famously not even bothering to take off his warmup jacket before winning his first title. Craig Hodges then went on his own remarkable run, winning three straight from 1990 to 1992, including that incredible 1991 performance where he hit 19 straight shots at one point. The 90s gave us some incredible shooters like Mark Price and Jeff Hornacek, but my personal favorite from that era has to be Glen Rice's 1995 victory where he scored 24 points in the final round - a record that stood for eight long years.

The early 2000s saw some phenomenal shooting from Peja Stojakovic, who won back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003, and Jason Kapono's 2008 performance where he scored 25 points in the final round still stands as one of the most technically perfect displays I've ever witnessed. But let's be real - the modern era has completely revolutionized what we thought was possible in this contest. When Steph Curry won in 2015 with that smooth, effortless stroke of his, it felt like we were watching basketball evolution in real time. The following year, Klay Thompson broke the record with 27 points, and I remember thinking "well, that's it, nobody will ever top that."

Then came the 2018 contest format change that added those two "MTN DEW Zone" shots worth three points each, and honestly, I was skeptical at first. But watching Devin Booker win with that new format made me appreciate how the contest continues to innovate while maintaining its core identity. The most recent champions - Joe Harris, Buddy Hield, Stephen Curry again, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Damian Lillard - have all brought their unique styles to the competition. Towns' victory in 2022 was particularly memorable as he became the first big man to win since Kevin Love in 2012, proving that in today's NBA, everyone needs to be able to shoot from deep.

What fascinates me about tracking all these champions through the years is noticing how the contest reflects the broader evolution of basketball itself. In the early days, the three-point shot was almost seen as a novelty - something specialists would trot out for this specific event. Now? Every champion from recent years is a legitimate superstar whose three-point proficiency is central to their team's offensive identity. The shooting percentages have climbed steadily too - where 15-18 points might have won you the contest in the 90s, nowadays you need at least 26-28 to have a real shot at the title.

I've always had a soft spot for the underdog stories in this contest - like when Jason Kapono, who was never considered an elite shooter during the regular season, came out and dominated twice. Or when Quentin Richardson shocked everyone in 2005. There's something beautiful about seeing players rise to the occasion in this unique pressure-cooker environment. The contest format, with its five racks of balls and that money ball rack at the end, creates this wonderful rhythm that's become so familiar to basketball fans.

Looking ahead, I can't help but wonder who the next repeat champions will be. Will we see another three-peat like Bird and Hodges managed? Could Steph Curry come back for a third title? The contest continues to evolve while maintaining that perfect balance Jun de Dios described - familiar faces returning year after year, but always with new challenges and fresh narratives. That's what keeps me coming back every All-Star Weekend, eagerly waiting to see who will add their name to this prestigious list of champions. Whether you're a casual fan or a basketball junkie like me, there's no denying the simple thrill of watching the net swish over and over as the best shooters in the world do what they do best.