Teen from Allen, Texas Wins Scripps National Spelling Bee with 'Eclaircissement'

Excitement and celebration filled the air as 13-year-old Faizan Zaki claimed victory in the 21st round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, dazzling the audience by spelling the challenging word "éclaircissement" correctly. The young champion, hailing from Allen, Texas, could not contain his joy, collapsing to the floor moments after clinching the national title, a trophy, and the coveted $50,000 grand prize. This win was more than a personal triumph for Zaki; it came on the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, adding historical significance to an already emotional evening.

Zaki’s remarkable performance held extra weight as he sought redemption, having finished in second place at last year’s competition. That loss came at the hands of Bruhat Soma, who then became one of the youngest champions at just 12 years old. Reflecting on his journey and the high expectations, Zaki’s perseverance was evident with every carefully articulated letter, especially during the final, tension-filled rounds.

But Zaki’s path to victory was far from smooth. In round 18, drama erupted when he nearly faltered on "commelina." Starting to spell it as "K-A-M," Zaki realized his error and stopped himself, famously telling head judge Mary Brooks to "just ring the bell." This moment of vulnerability set the stage for an extraordinary comeback. With fate on his side, Zaki earned another chance after 14-year-old Sarvadnya Kadam stumbled on "Uaupes" in round 20, allowing Zaki to persevere and eventually triumph with "éclaircissement."

Celebrated widely across social media, Zaki was lauded for his unwavering commitment and display of sportsmanship. As many noted online, the teenager “left everything on stage,” embodying the resilience and focus required to conquer such a prestigious event. Emotional tributes poured in from family and supporters, with Zaki’s father, Said Zaki Anwar, describing him as the greatest of all time: “He’s been doing it for so long, and he knows the dictionary in and out.”

This year’s bee achieved more than a hundred-year milestone; it also marked the rare occasion of a former runner-up returning to claim the crown. Zaki became only the fifth contestant in the spelling bee’s storied history to accomplish this feat, joining the ranks of Sean Conley, who won in 2001. The exclusivity of this club underscores the difficulty of not only reaching but winning the national finals after a previous near-miss.

The event was also noteworthy for its fierce competition among the final three spellers, which included 11-year-old Sarv Dharavane, who was vying to become the youngest winner since Nihar Janga in 2016. The intensity and unpredictability of the contest showcased why the Scripps National Spelling Bee continues to captivate viewers and participants alike, year after year.

Zaki’s stumble and dramatic recovery echo the many unforgettable moments in the bee’s history. From tight contests to unexpected ties—such as the unprecedented eight-way tie in 2019—the Scripps National Spelling Bee has built a legacy of suspense and achievement. This year’s centennial edition once again demonstrated how young minds rise to the occasion, reminding all that perseverance, skill, and a deep love for language remain at the heart of America’s greatest spelling competition.