Education

Faizan Zaki: The 13-Year-Old Prodigy Who Conquered the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee

In a thrilling finale at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki from Plano, 2025 Texas, emerged victorious as the champion of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. On May 29, 2025, Faizan secured the prestigious Scripps Cup by correctly spelling the French-derived word “éclaircissement,” a noun meaning a clearing up of something obscure, in the 21st round of the competition. His victory marked the 100th anniversary of the iconic spelling bee, making it a historic moment for the young speller and the competition itself.

A Journey of Resilience and Redemption

Faizan’s path to the 2025 title was anything but straightforward. As last year’s runner-up, he entered the 2025 competition as a favorite, carrying the weight of expectations after a heartbreaking loss in the 2024 spell-off tiebreaker. Last year, Faizan, then 12, didn’t misspell a single word in the conventional rounds but fell short in a lightning-round tiebreaker he hadn’t prepared for, losing to Bruhat Soma from St. Petersburg, Florida. Determined to avoid a repeat, Faizan studied the spell-off format intensely, ensuring he was ready for any challenge this year.

His preparation paid off. Competing against 242 other spellers from across the United States, Faizan showcased not only his spelling prowess but also his ability to stay calm under pressure. The finals were a rollercoaster, with a dramatic moment in the 18th round when Faizan, in a rare lapse of overconfidence, fumbled the spelling of “commelina.” Realizing his mistake, he exclaimed, “Oh, shoot!” and asked head judge Mary Brooks to ring the bell, signaling an incorrect spelling. This self-inflicted blunder extended the competition by three more rounds, giving his competitors, Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane, a chance to catch up. However, both misspelled their subsequent words, and Faizan seized the opportunity, spelling “Chaldee” correctly in the 20th round and “éclaircissement” in the 21st to clinch the title.

A Natural Talent Nurtured by Dedication

Faizan, a seventh-grader at C.M. Rice Middle School in Plano, Texas, sponsored by the Dallas Sports Commission, has been a spelling enthusiast since he was a toddler. His parents, Zaki Anwar and Arshia Quadri, shared that Faizan began reading at age two and competed in his first Scripps National Spelling Bee at just seven years old, making him one of the youngest contestants in the competition’s history. His passion for words grew into a family activity, with his parents fostering his love for language through consistent encouragement.

This year marked Faizan’s fourth appearance at the national bee, a testament to his dedication. His training regimen included weekly hour-long private lessons with his coaches, Scott Remer, Sam Evans, and Sohum Sukhantankar. These sessions focused on mastering difficult words, honing deductive reasoning, and building mental resilience for the high-pressure environment of the national stage. Despite the rigorous preparation, Faizan’s coaches noted his lighthearted approach. “He’s crazy. He’s having a good time, and he’s doing what he loves, which is spelling,” said Sam Evans. His father, Zaki Anwar, proudly called him “the GOAT,” reflecting the family’s belief in his extraordinary talent.

Faizan’s interests extend beyond spelling. A multifaceted teen, he enjoys playing video games, chatting with friends, speed-solving Rubik’s cubes (he can solve one in about 30 seconds), and playing the viola. His ability to balance these hobbies with his intense spelling preparation highlights his discipline and versatility.

A Historic Win with a Generous Heart

Faizan’s victory earned him more than just the Scripps Cup. The 2025 champion took home over $50,000 in cash and prizes, adding to the $25,000 he won as last year’s runner-up, bringing his total bee earnings to $77,500. Last year, he splurged on a $1,500 Rubik’s cube with 21 squares on each side, but this time, Faizan plans to donate a significant portion of his winnings to charity, showcasing his generous spirit.

His win is particularly notable in the context of the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s history. Only five runners-up in the competition’s 100-year history have returned to claim the title, and Faizan became the fifth, joining an elite group. The last to achieve this feat was Sean Conley in 2001. Faizan’s triumph defied the odds, as historical trends suggested that runners-up rarely go on to win. “Don’t tell Faizan Zaki those odds,” noted a Guardian article, capturing his determination to rewrite the narrative.

A Memorable Finale and a Bright Future

The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee was a celebration of linguistic talent and youthful perseverance. The competition, which began in 1925, has grown into a cultural institution, showcasing the brilliance of young spellers from across the country. This year’s finals, held in Washington, D.C., were especially gripping, with several rounds of flawless spelling before the seventh round saw multiple eliminations. By the end, Faizan faced off against Kadam and Dharavane in a tense battle, ultimately emerging victorious.

Faizan’s win was a moment of pure joy. As he spelled the final word, his voice cracked with emotion, and he dramatically fell to the floor in disbelief, prompting laughter from the audience. E.W. Scripps Company president and CEO Adam Symson presented him with the trophy, marking the culmination of years of hard work. When asked what he’d do next, Faizan, ever the teenager, quipped, “I’m probably going to stay up the entire night or something.”

The Indian-American community celebrated Faizan’s achievement, noting that many of the top ten finalists were of South Asian descent, reflecting the strong presence of Indian-American spellers in recent years. Faizan, whose family hails from Hyderabad, India, became a source of pride for his community and his hometown of Plano, Texas

What’s Next for Faizan Zaki?

Faizan’s future looks bright. His perfect score on the written test this year and his ability to rebound from a near-catastrophic mistake demonstrate his intellectual agility and emotional resilience. While he hasn’t outlined specific plans beyond celebrating his win, his coaches and family believe he has the potential to excel in whatever he pursues, whether in academics, music, or even competitive Rubik’s cube solving.

For now, Faizan’s story is one of triumph over adversity, a reminder that setbacks can fuel success with the right mindset and preparation. His victory at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee will be remembered as a highlight of the competition’s 100th year, inspiring young spellers and dreamers everywhere.

For more details on Faizan’s journey, check out the coverage from Reuters and The New York Times. To learn more about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, visit Scripps News.

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