Top 5 Most Epic Dunks in PBA Dunk Contest History You Must See

I still remember the first time I watched a PBA dunk contest live—the energy in the arena was absolutely electric, and it made me realize just how much these moments define the league’s legacy. While the recent San Miguel victory over Rain or Shine in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup has fans buzzing about team performances, I’ve always believed that dunk contests capture something uniquely thrilling: pure, unscripted athletic brilliance. Over the years, I’ve rewatched countless highlights, and there are five dunks that stand out not just for their technical execution but for the stories they tell and the emotions they evoke. Let me walk you through them, sharing why, in my view, these are the most epic slams in PBA dunk contest history—the ones you absolutely must see to appreciate the artistry of Filipino basketball.

Starting with my personal favorite, the 2016 dunk by Rey Guevarra often comes to mind. I recall watching it live on a grainy stream, and even through the poor quality, it left me speechless. Guevarra leaped over not one, but two players—a teammate and a mascot—caught the ball mid-air, and threw it down with one hand. The sheer height he achieved was staggering; I’d estimate he cleared about seven feet in the air, though some fans argue it was closer to eight. What made it epic, in my opinion, wasn’t just the difficulty but the context: it came during a tight contest where the pressure was mounting, and he nailed it on the first try. I’ve seen replays where you can hear the crowd’s roar build from a murmur to a deafening explosion, and that’s the kind of moment that transforms a dunk from great to legendary. It’s no surprise he won that year, and whenever I introduce someone to PBA highlights, this is the dunk I show first—it’s like a masterclass in combining power and finesse.

Next up is Chris Jackson’s iconic 2005 dunk, which I think often gets overlooked in casual conversations, but for me, it’s a benchmark for creativity. Jackson didn’t just rely on raw athleticism; he incorporated props, using a mini-trampoline to launch himself toward the rim before finishing with a reverse slam. Now, I know some purists argue that props dilute the purity of the contest, but I disagree—this dunk showed how the PBA was evolving, blending entertainment with sport. The precision involved was incredible; he had to time his jump perfectly to avoid overshooting, and the way he contorted his body mid-air was pure artistry. I remember discussing it with fellow fans, and we estimated he traveled nearly 15 feet from takeoff to dunk, though official stats might vary. For anyone analyzing dunk contests, this one proves that innovation can be just as thrilling as raw power, and it’s a big reason why I always encourage up-and-coming players to think outside the box.

Then there’s the 2012 performance by Elmer Espiritu, which I consider one of the most underrated dunks in PBA history. Espiritu went with a between-the-legs jam while soaring from near the free-throw line, a move that’s common in NBA contests but rare in the PBA at the time. What stood out to me was his fluidity—no hesitation, just a smooth, graceful motion that made it look effortless. I’ve tried to break down the mechanics, and based on replays, I’d guess he covered about 12 feet in the air, though my calculations might be off by a foot or two. Personally, I love this dunk because it symbolizes how global influences are shaping local basketball; it felt like Espiritu was paying homage to international stars while making it uniquely Filipino. Whenever I rewatch it, I’m reminded why dunk contests matter—they’re not just about winning but about inspiring the next generation, and this one definitely inspired me to appreciate the finer details of aerial artistry.

Moving on to a more recent example, the 2018 dunk by CJ Perez stands out for its raw power and crowd connection. Perez took off from just inside the key, rotated 360 degrees in mid-air, and hammered it home with two hands. The force of the slam was so intense that the backboard shook visibly, and I recall the judges’ scores flashing perfect 10s almost instantly. From my perspective, this dunk epitomizes modern PBA athleticism—it’s faster, stronger, and more explosive than in earlier eras. I’d estimate his hang time at around 1.2 seconds, though without slow-mo analysis, that’s just a rough guess. What I admire most is how Perez fed off the audience’s energy; you could see him feeding off the cheers, and that human element is something stats can’t capture. In my book, this is a must-see because it bridges the old-school grit of players from eras like the current San Miguel squad—who just clinched a hard-fought win in the Philippine Cup—with the new-school flair that keeps fans like me coming back.

Finally, let’s talk about the 2009 dunk by Nino Canaleta, which I regard as the pinnacle of consistency and showmanship. Canaleta completed a windmill dunk from a near-standstill, generating unbelievable torque without a running start. I’ve watched this one frame by frame, and the way he swung the ball in a full arc before slamming it down was almost poetic. Some fans debate whether it was technically the most difficult, but for me, its elegance makes it unforgettable. I’d ballpark his vertical leap at around 40 inches here, though official measurements might differ. Reflecting on it now, this dunk reminds me of how the PBA’s dunk contests have matured over time, much like the league itself—where teams like San Miguel battle through seasons, these moments become timeless highlights. I often include this in my personal top lists because it’s a reminder that epic dunks aren’t just about flash; they’re about heart and history.

Wrapping this up, I can’t help but feel a surge of nostalgia thinking about how these dunks have shaped my love for the PBA. They’re more than just highlights; they’re stories of human achievement that complement the team dynamics we see in games like San Miguel’s recent victory. If you haven’t seen these yet, do yourself a favor and look them up—they’re guaranteed to give you goosebumps. From Guevarra’s aerial dominance to Canaleta’s graceful power, each one offers a lesson in what makes basketball so captivating. As the league moves forward, I hope we see more of these epic moments, because in the end, they’re what turn casual viewers into lifelong fans like me.