Wings' Azzi Fudd makes history with WNBA 3-point shooting contest win, challenges Steph Curry to a 'rematch'

In a landmark moment during the 2026 WNBA All-Star festivities, Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd emerged as the first newcomer to claim the league’s 3-point shooting contest title. Fudd’s impressive 30-point finish in the final round not only secured her the trophy but also placed her among an exclusive group of rookies who have competed in this event since its inception in 2006.

Fudd’s journey to this achievement is underscored by her strong shooting reputation, cultivated during her collegiate career at UConn and cemented by her early forays into competitive shooting contests. Notably, her past encounters include a memorable matchup against NBA superstar Stephen Curry at his basketball camp, where Fudd competed as a teenager. Although she narrowly lost that earlier challenge, she now publicly invites Curry to settle the score with a rematch.

The contest itself featured a rigorous two-round format. Fudd opened the event with a solid 24 points, advancing to the final round where she faced Portland Fire’s Bridget Carleton, who qualified with 29 points. Fudd demonstrated remarkable composure and precision, particularly by flawlessly converting every shot in the initial rack during the final round. Her consistency allowed her to outpace Carleton, who struggled with early misses and ultimately scored 19 points.

This victory places Fudd alongside only a handful of rookies, such as Rhyne Howard, who reached the final round in 2022 but did not win. It also invokes comparisons with previous champions like Sabrina Ionescu, whose record-setting 37-point performance in 2023 remains unmatched in WNBA and NBA All-Star history.

Beyond individual accolades, the event was notable for the presence and support of Fudd's current and former teammates, including Paige Bueckers, who celebrated the triumph courtside. The emotional moment highlighted the communal spirit within the Wings and UConn programs, as Fudd expressed deep gratitude for the encouragement from those close to her.

Fudd’s history with shooting competitions extends internationally as well. She notably bested Steph Curry and his brother Seth in a shooting contest during the Curry Camp tour in China, marking a rare occasion where she outperformed NBA talent. This adds an intriguing layer to her recent call for a rematch with Stephen Curry, signaling a competitive spirit that crosses gender and league boundaries.

In conjunction with the 3-point contest, the WNBA All-Star weekend also debuted the Shooting Stars competition, a unique event featuring teams composed of WNBA legends, current players, and elite high school prospects. Team Washington, anchored by veteran Elena Delle Donne and rising stars Shakira Austin and Jezelle "GG" Banks, captured the inaugural title. Banks, a top recruit from the Nike EYBL circuit, delivered clutch shots that clinched the victory for her team, further showcasing the depth and future talent pipeline within women's basketball.

The Shooting Stars competition also celebrated multi-generational connections within the sport. Delle Donne’s involvement alongside Banks, who attends the same high school Delle Donne once did, emphasized the ongoing legacy and mentorship that characterize women's basketball development.

These events during the WNBA All-Star weekend not only spotlight individual excellence but also the evolving narratives of women's basketball, where rising stars like Azzi Fudd are creating new milestones and challenging established norms. Her historic win and willingness to engage with NBA icons reflect a growing confidence and ambition among the league's youngest talents, signaling an exciting future for the sport.