Faizan Zaki Claims Dramatic Victory at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee
On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Dallas, Texas, outlasted eight other finalists in a dramatic, high-stakes showdown to win the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Centre in National Harbor, Maryland. Zaki, competing in his fourth national bee and last year’s runner-up, clinched the championship by correctly spelling “éclaircissement” after a series of tense rounds that saw multiple spellers falter and return, marking the Bee’s centennial with unforgettable suspense and emotion. The event, broadcast live on ION and streamed across various platforms, drew millions of viewers as Zaki claimed more than $50,000 in cash and prizes, cementing his place in spelling bee history.
A Night of High Drama and Historic Achievement
Nine spellers, aged 11 to 14, took the stage Thursday night for the finals, representing the pinnacle of a three-day competition that began with 243 participants from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and several countries abroad. Zaki, the only returning finalist from 2024, entered the finals with strong momentum, having posted a top score in the preliminary rounds. The stage was set for a battle of nerves, vocabulary, and linguistic mastery.
The broadcast, available on ION and several streaming platforms, captured the drama as spellers faced increasingly complex words. The competition was structured so that only two spellers remained in the final rounds, but the option for a spell-off—a rapid-fire tiebreaker—was available if needed. This year, however, the contest stretched into the 20th and 21st rounds, with Zaki and Sarvadnya Kadam of Visalia, California, as the last two standing.
Zaki’s Redemption and Triumph
Zaki’s path to victory was far from smooth. In the 18th round, he nearly threw away his chance by starting to spell before the judges gave him the go-ahead, prompting the bell and allowing his competitors back into the contest. “It was a shocking moment of overconfidence,” reported the Associated Press, but Zaki regained his composure and pressed on.
The final rounds saw Zaki and Kadam trading flawless spellings until the decisive moment when Zaki correctly spelled “Chaldee” in the 20th round, followed by “éclaircissement” in the 21st, sealing his victory. “I can’t describe it,” Zaki said after his win. “It’s so amazing, getting to this point. Winning? I never expected this”.
“I was amazed when I won my first school bee. Then I just kept winning,” Zaki said, per the Spelling Bee’s official site.
Zaki’s victory was especially poignant given his runner-up finish in 2024, when he lost in a rapid-fire spell-off. His determination and resilience became a defining narrative of this year’s competition.
A Showcase of Talent and Diversity
The 2025 finals featured a diverse and accomplished group of spellers. Sarvadnya Kadam, 14, from Visalia, California, finished as runner-up, while Sarv Dharavane, 11, from Tucker, Georgia, took third place. Other notable finalists included Harini Murali (Edison, New Jersey), Brian Liu (Great Neck, New York), and Aishwarya Kallakuri (Charlotte, North Carolina), all of whom demonstrated remarkable skill and poise under pressure.
The finals began with a perfect round—all nine spellers correctly spelled their first words, a feat not seen since 2019. The competition was marked by multiple perfect rounds and spellers who captivated the audience with their confidence and accuracy.
A Gruelling Three-Day Journey
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is a multi-stage event that tests not only spelling ability but also vocabulary and word knowledge. Contestants must first advance through local and regional bees to qualify for the national stage. This year, 243 spellers from across the U.S. and the world gathered in Maryland for the centennial event.
The competition included preliminary rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, each progressively narrowing the field. The finals featured nine spellers who had survived a rigorous series of oral and written tests, including vocabulary questions introduced in recent years to challenge participants further.
Celebrating 100 Years of Spelling Excellence
The 2025 Bee marked the 100th anniversary of the competition, which began in 1925 when the Louisville Courier-Journal invited newspapers to send their champions to Washington, D.C.. Over the years, the Bee has grown into a nationally televised event, attracting millions of viewers and inspiring generations of young spellers.
This year’s champion will be the 110th, accounting for ties in previous years, most notably the eight-way tie in 2019. The Bee has also become a showcase for the achievements of Indian-American students, who have dominated the competition for more than two decades.
Prizes, Accolades, and the Legacy of the Bee
Zaki’s victory earned him a grand prize of $50,000, the prestigious Scripps Cup, a $2,500 cash prize and reference library from Merriam-Webster, $400 in Encyclopedia Britannica reference works, and $1,000 in Scholastic Dollars to donate to a school of his choice. All finalists received cash prizes, with runner-up Kadam earning $25,000 and third-place Dharavane taking home $15,000.
The Bee’s impact extends beyond the awards. It celebrates academic excellence, perseverance, and the power of words to unite and inspire. “Their stories remind us of the shared joy in cheering for their success, reinforcing the Bee’s legacy as a beloved tradition that, for a century, has championed connection, resilience, and the limitless potential of young minds,” said a Scripps spokesperson.
Behind the Scenes: How the Bee Works
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is governed by a set of rules designed to ensure fairness and challenge. Spellers must be under 16 and not beyond eighth grade. The competition includes spelling and vocabulary rounds, with the latter introduced in 2021 to deepen the focus on word knowledge.
The spell-off, a rapid-fire tiebreaker, was introduced after the historic eight-way tie in 2019. Judges have discretion to use the spell-off when only two spellers remain, but this year’s contest did not require it.
The Bee is broadcast and streamed on ION and other Scripps-owned networks, as well as on the official Spelling Bee website. Viewers can use a tool on the site to find their local channel or streaming option.
Stories of Preparation and Perseverance
Zaki’s journey to the championship was years in the making. A seventh-grader at CM Rice Middle School in Dallas, he began competing in spelling bees at age seven and made his national debut in 2019, finishing in 370th place. By 2023, he had climbed to 21st, and in 2024, he was the runner-up.
“I was disappointed,” Zaki told USA Today about his 2024 loss. “But then I just had that sudden drive to keep studying. So that’s what motivated me to do better. And now I’m here. I have the trophy”.
Other finalists shared similar stories of dedication. Sarv Dharavane, the youngest finalist at 11, said, “It’s the finals. I’m also really ecstatic because this is my main goal for the entire two years that I’ve been doing this. This is unbelievable. I can’t believe I did this, but we’ll see what happens because
Spelling Bees and American Life
The Scripps National Spelling Bee has become a cultural touchstone, reflecting the diversity and ambition of American youth. The competition has inspired books, movies, and countless school spelling bees across the country.
The Bee also highlights the contributions of immigrant communities, particularly South Asian Americans, who have won a majority of championships in recent years. This year’s finalists included spellers of Indian, Chinese, and other backgrounds, showcasing the multicultural fabric of the United States.
The Future of the Spelling Bee
As the Scripps National Spelling Bee enters its second century, it continues to evolve. The introduction of vocabulary rounds and the spell-off has added new layers of challenge and excitement. The Bee’s organizers are committed to maintaining their tradition of excellence while adapting to the changing educational landscape.
For Faizan Zaki, the future is bright. His victory is not just a personal achievement but an inspiration to young spellers everywhere. “I can’t describe it,” he said after his win. “It’s so amazing, getting to this point. Winning? I never expected this”.
A Night to Remember
The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee will be remembered as a night of high drama, historic achievement, and inspiring stories. Faizan Zaki’s victory, earned through years of hard work and unwavering determination, capped off the Bee’s centennial celebration in spectacular fashion.
As the confetti fell and the crowd erupted in applause, Zaki’s triumph became a symbol of the power of perseverance, the joy of learning, and the enduring legacy of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The competition continues to inspire millions, proving that with dedication and passion, anything is possible.