In a heartwarming display of talent and determination, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki from Dallas, Texas, clinched the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee title, marking a historic moment in the competition’s 100th anniversary. With roots tracing back to Hyderabad, India, Faizan captivated audiences by correctly spelling the French-derived word “éclaircissement,” meaning the clearing up of something obscure, to secure the championship. His victory not only earned him the prestigious Scripps Cup but also a $50,000 cash prize, a commemorative medal, and a reference library from Merriam-Webster. This triumph is a testament to Faizan’s resilience, especially after his runner-up finish in the 2024 competition, and it continues the remarkable legacy of Indian-American dominance in the spelling bee.
Faizan’s path to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee title was anything but easy. A seventh-grader at C.M. Rice Middle School in Allen, Texas, Faizan has been competing in the spelling bee since he was just seven years old. His journey began in 2019, when he tied for 370th place, followed by a 21st-place tie in 2023. Last year, he came tantalizingly close to the title, finishing as the runner-up to Bruhat Soma after a dramatic lightning-round tiebreaker. Despite the setback, Faizan’s determination never wavered. “I was amazed when I won my first school bee. Then I just kept winning,” he said, reflecting on his progress.
This year, Faizan returned with renewed focus and a relaxed demeanor that charmed both judges and spectators. Known for his distinctive style—hands tucked into his Aeropostale hoodie, long hair falling over his glasses, and rhythmic gestures while spelling—he approached the microphone with confidence. His journey to the top was a story of redemption, as he outlasted 242 other spellers from across the United States and beyond, showcasing his mastery of words like “adytum” and “radicicolous” before sealing the win with “éclaircissement.”
The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, held from May 27 to May 30 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, marked its 100th anniversary. This milestone made Faizan’s victory even more significant, as he became only the fifth speller in the competition’s history to win the title the year after finishing second—a feat last accomplished in 2001. The event, broadcast live on ION TV, drew millions of viewers who watched the intense competition unfold over three days of preliminaries, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
The spelling bee has evolved significantly since its inception in 1925. Originally known as the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee, it has grown into a global stage for young spellers aged 8 to 14. The competition has faced interruptions, including cancellations during World War II and the 2020 pandemic, making this year’s event the 97th edition. Over the years, it has introduced innovations like the “spell-off,” a rapid-fire tiebreaker round implemented after an unprecedented eight-way tie in 2019. Faizan’s victory, achieved without needing a spell-off, underscored his ability to perform under pressure in the traditional spelling format.
Faizan’s win adds to the remarkable streak of Indian-American spellers who have dominated the Scripps National Spelling Bee for over two decades. Since 1999, 29 of the 35 champions have been of Indian descent, including seven of the eight co-champions in 2019. This year’s finals were no exception, with Indian-American spellers securing the top three spots. Sarvadnya Kadam from Bossier City, Louisiana, took second place after stumbling on “Uaupes,” a South American river, while Sarv Dharavane from Austin, Texas, finished third after misspelling “eserine,” a word for an antidote to poisons.
The success of Indian-American spellers has become a celebrated tradition, often attributed to a strong emphasis on education, disciplined study habits, and community support. Many competitors, including Faizan, rely on professional coaching and resources like SpellPundit, a platform designed to help spellers master complex words. Faizan’s father, Zaki Anwar, shared that the family’s goal was simply for Faizan to enjoy the experience. “We just wanted him to have fun and spell a few words,” he said. “This win is beyond our expectations.”
The 2025 finals were a rollercoaster of emotions. Faizan nearly faced elimination in the 18th round when he misspelled “commelina,” a genus of flowering plants, by rushing and starting with a “k.” The bell rang, signaling an error, but his competitors, Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane, also faltered on their words—“meliponine” (a type of stingless bee) and “burgall” (a small North American fish), respectively. This gave Faizan a second chance, and he seized it, advancing to the 20th round alongside Kadam.
In the final moments, the tension was palpable. Pronouncer Jacques Bailly, a former champion and the bee’s pronouncer for 22 years, playfully asked everyone to “take a deep breath” before giving Faizan his final word. Faizan, with his characteristic humor, quipped, “That did not help at all,” before confidently spelling “éclaircissement” without asking for its definition or origin. The crowd erupted as confetti rained down, and Faizan collapsed to the stage in excitement, later joking, “Somebody peel him off the floor!” as announcer Alexandra E. Petri declared him the champion.
Faizan’s victory is more than just a personal achievement; it’s an inspiration for young spellers everywhere. His $50,000 prize, along with an additional $2,500 and a Merriam-Webster reference library, will support his future endeavors. A multi-talented student, Faizan’s interests extend beyond spelling to include academics and creative pursuits. His journey from a seven-year-old competitor to a national champion highlights the power of perseverance and passion.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee continues to be a platform for showcasing young talent, and Faizan’s win reinforces its legacy as a celebration of intellect and determination. As the competition prepares to return to Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in 2026, Faizan’s story will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of spellers to chase their dreams with confidence and joy.
For more details on Faizan Zaki’s journey, visit NDTV’s exclusive interview or check out India Today’s coverage of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. To learn more about the competition’s history, explore The New York Times’ highlights.
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