Azzi Fudd makes WNBA history with unprecedented 3-point contest victory

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Azzi Fudd arrived at WNBA All-Star Weekend as the only rookie in the 3-point contest field. She left Chicago with the trophy and a place in league history.

The Dallas Wings guard won the 2026 WNBA 3-Point Contest on Friday night, becoming the first rookie ever to capture the event. Fudd delivered under pressure against a field of established long-range shooters, adding another major accomplishment to what has already been a memorable year.

“A historic night for Azzi Fudd,” the WNBA wrote on social media after her victory. “She’s the first rookie EVER to win the WNBA 3-PT shooting contest.”

Fudd defeated a six-player field that included Atlanta Dream star Rhyne Howard, Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey, Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun, Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton and Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman.

The 23-year-old was the only first-year player invited to compete. She did much more than simply represent the rookie class.

Azzi Fudd delivers on the big stage

Fudd has long been regarded as one of the smoothest shooters in women’s basketball. She showed exactly why on Friday. The Wings rookie remained composed while moving around the perimeter, knocking down enough shots to advance from the opening round and then finishing the job in the championship round.

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 25, 2026

The contest included five traditional shooting locations, money balls worth two points and deep “From the Logo” attempts worth three points. That new wrinkle increased the difficulty, but it was not enough to stop Fudd from making history. Her victory was especially impressive considering the experience surrounding her. Mabrey and Howard had previously competed in the event, while every other player in the field had already established herself as a dangerous WNBA shooter.

Fudd was the newcomer. By the end of the night, she was the champion.

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Fudd adds another achievement to remarkable journey

The 3-point title is the latest chapter in Fudd’s rise from UConn star to one of the most important pieces of the Wings’ future. Dallas selected her with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft after a decorated college career. Fudd won a national championship with UConn in 2025 and was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player after scoring 24 points in the championship game.

Her journey was not always smooth. Fudd battled multiple significant injuries during her career, including serious knee issues that cost her considerable playing time. She continued working through those setbacks and eventually developed into the player many expected her to become when she was the nation’s No. 1 high school recruit. Fudd entered All-Star Weekend averaging 13.2 points per game during her rookie season with Dallas. She has quickly become an important perimeter weapon for a Wings team also featuring Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale.

Now, Fudd owns a distinction no other rookie in WNBA history can claim.

Her first professional 3-point contest ended with a trophy, a record and one unforgettable night in Chicago.