We look forward to them every year. All four major sports have an all-star event that usually takes place in the middle of the season (unless you’re the NFL). But, which league had the best one? Let’s rank them from worst to best.
4. NFL Pro Bowl (Games)
Remember when it was simply the AFC vs. NFC in a game featuring the best of the best? Like actual tackle football? Now, it’s a complete trash show.
We understand. Football is a brutal sport and the last thing the league wants to see is a freak injury in a game that doesn’t even matter.
The “Pro Bowl” has turned into (literally) flag football mixed in with some playground “mini-games” of sorts. Are they entertaining? To an extent. The skill challenges like precision passing and best catch make sense. But, when we’re featuring games involving mini golf or dodgeball? That’s where it gets to be a problem.
Just scrap the Pro Bowl.
Patrick Surtain II gets a pick-six in the NFL’s Pro Bowl games: pic.twitter.com/efVdHqRpxz
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) February 5, 2024
3. NHL All-Star Weekend
If the NFL needed help creating a decent week of an all-star weekend, they should look no further than the NHL.
From the fastest skater competition to the accuracy shooting challenge, it’s a showcase of hockey’s blend of speed, precision, and hand-eye coordination. The trick shot challenge adds a layer of unexpected creativity, making it a truly unique spectacle.
I don’t watch a lot of hockey. But, I understand it enough to say their all-star games are better than what the National Football League hosts. Four teams filled up with 11 players each compete in three-on-three hockey, with the winner from two matches facing off against each other in the final. I like the idea, especially considering there’s actually CONTACT (to an extent).
2. MLB All-Star Game + Home Run Derby
Two simple, yet entertaining events. Seeing players compete against each other to see who can hit the most home runs, it’s fun and unpredictable.
Then, you have the classic all-star game. American vs. National League. Considering the fact that both teams compete as if it were an actual game (without getting injured), I love watching the game. For those who complain it’s too slow, there are no excuses now thanks to the pitch clock.
1. NBA All-Star Weekend
The skills competition, three-point contest, dunk contest, and all-star game are all four events featured in this action-packed weekend.
Fans get to enjoy seeing players test their ability to shoot, pass, and even dunk in these all-star challenges. All of this takes place before the all-star game, which has gone back to a East vs. West format.
Yes, I hear you. The players don’t try at all and there’s a lot of scoring with limited to no defense. But, factoring in the other three events (plus the celebrity game), the NBA has the best all-star game format.
Also, we need another form of Steph vs. Sabrina three-point competition next year. Please?
Sabrina vs Steph lived up to the hype.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 18, 2024
Amazing All Star Event. @PatBevPod
pic.twitter.com/X57mazYo4F
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