NATIONAL HARBOR, MD, May 30, 2025 — In a spellbinding finale, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki from Allen, Texas, captured the national spotlight by winning the 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee. The event, held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, marked the centennial celebration of one of America’s most revered academic competitions.
Zaki, who was the runner-up in last year’s competition, made a triumphant return, showcasing his unwavering dedication and linguistic finesse. His championship word, “éclaircissement,” a French term that means “the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment,” sealed his victory in the 21st round of intense competition. It was a fitting culmination to an evening that tested endurance, intellect, and composure under pressure.
Returning Stronger After Near Miss
For Zaki, the road to victory was paved with perseverance. In 2024, he narrowly missed first place, an experience that only sharpened his resolve. Over the past year, he devoted countless hours to studying word roots, etymologies, and obscure terms from multiple languages.
His moment of triumph wasn’t without suspense. Midway through the final rounds, Zaki experienced a momentary lapse when he prematurely misspelled “commelina,” a genus of flowering plants. The apparent elimination prompted confusion and drama as judges reviewed the proceedings. Ultimately, the decision was made to reinstate two other finalists, prolonging the championship and heightening the intensity.
Despite the setback, Zaki maintained his composure. With steely focus, he rebounded in the subsequent rounds, correctly spelling increasingly difficult words until he stood alone as champion.
Celebrating Excellence and Diversity
The 2025 Bee welcomed 243 talented spellers from across the United States and its territories, as well as international competitors from countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Kuwait, Canada, and the Bahamas. The global representation underscored the universal appeal and prestige of the event.
Runner-up Sarvadnya Kadam and third-place finisher Sarv Dharavane also turned in impressive performances. Both spellers demonstrated exceptional mastery of complex vocabulary, earning the admiration of audiences and judges alike.
All three top finishers shared a common heritage, continuing a longstanding trend of Indian-American dominance in the competition. This year’s Bee marked yet another chapter in a tradition of excellence that has inspired generations of young learners.
A Milestone Year for the Spelling Bee
Beyond the fierce competition, 2025 was a landmark year for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the event paid homage to its rich legacy. Since its inception in 1925, the Bee has grown from a modest local contest into a nationally televised phenomenon celebrating academic achievement.
One highlight of this year’s festivities was the recognition of the Akron Beacon Journal as the Regional Partner of the Year. The Ohio-based newspaper has supported the Bee since its earliest days and played a pivotal role in its continued success.
Another significant announcement was the relocation of the event. After years in National Harbor, Maryland, the 2026 competition will be hosted at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., reflecting a new chapter in the Bee’s evolution.
Inspiring a Generation
Zaki’s win resonated far beyond the stage. For millions of students, his journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of words. The young champion expressed gratitude for his coaches, family, and peers who supported him throughout his preparation.
Educators and language lovers hailed the competition as an enduring celebration of learning. “The Spelling Bee is more than just a contest,” remarked one observer. “It’s a showcase of dedication, intellectual curiosity, and cultural appreciation.”
As confetti rained down and Zaki hoisted the trophy, the audience erupted in applause—not just for a single word spelled correctly, but for the years of preparation and passion it represented. His achievement adds a new name to the roster of champions and inspires the next wave of aspiring spellers.
