(May 31, 2025) In an electrifying climax to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki of Dallas, Texas, spelled the French word éclaircissement, meaning ‘enlightenment’ with astonishing poise, earning him the coveted Scripps Cup, a medal, and a prize of $50,000. As confetti rained down and cheers erupted, Faizan, whose family has roots in Hyderabad, dropped to the stage floor in disbelief, clutching a triumph that had been years in the making.
In 2025, the Scripps National Spelling Bee celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of championing young linguistic talent and academic excellence. What began in 1925 with just nine contestants has since grown into a globally watched event, inspiring millions of students across generations.
A childhood full of words
Faizan’s journey to the national spotlight didn’t begin in a flash of brilliance, it was nurtured steadily, beginning as early as age two when he started reading. By seven, he had already made history, becoming one of the youngest participants.
“What began as a fun family activity quickly turned into a serious passion,” said Faizan, who attends C.M. Rice Middle School in Dallas. Encouraged by his parents, Arshia Quadri and Zaki Anwar who are Hyderabad natives. Spelling became a central part of their family routine. “He knows the dictionary like the back of his hand,” Faizan’s father proudly shared, calling his son “the GOAT.”
Four appearances, one crown
The 2025 championship was Faizan’s fourth appearance at the national bee. His first, in 2019, ended with a modest tie for 370th place. Undeterred, he returned stronger in 2023 and then again in 2024, where he narrowly missed the title in a dramatic tiebreaker. Last year’s contest came down to a spell-off against his friend, Bruhat Soma.
Recalling that loss, Faizan shared in an interview with NBC News, “In 2024, I was able to do 20 out of 25 (words in the spell-off). My opponent Bruhat was able to do 29 out of 30! So he won that!” The sting of near-victory stayed with him, but so did the lessons.
“Last time I learned that I need to prepare for everything, not just spelling,” he told. This insight led to a refined strategy for the 2025 contest, which saw him outlast 243 participants from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, and Kuwait during a three-day competition held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Maryland.
A word, a moment, a legacy
The final round was nail-biting. Faizan’s composure stood out. He didn’t even ask for the word to be repeated or for any definitions. As éclaircissement was announced, his eyes lit up. He mimed keystrokes with calm precision, the only tell being a slight tremble in his voice. “I instantly recognized it. I was gasping for air at the end when I was spelling the last four letters, and I was really excited,” he said.
When the judge confirmed the spelling, Faizan’s body crumpled in pure elation as the crowd erupted. “I’m going to be having nightmares about that tonight,” he joked later, still visibly overwhelmed.
Reflecting on the moment, Faizan remarked, “I was amazed when I won my first school bee. Then I just kept winning.” And indeed, he kept winning until he stood victorious on one of America’s most competitive academic stages.
A centennial milestone
Faizan’s victory carries additional significance, arriving in the centennial year of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Faizan’s name now joins a legacy that spans generations. As the fifth contestant in history to win the bee a year after finishing second, his story embodies perseverance, growth, and the spirit of the competition.
More than just spelling
The Scripps Bee isn’t just about spelling obscure words, it’s about focus, endurance, and nerves of steel. Faizan mastered all three. The competition’s final spell-off segment, where participants attempt to spell as many words as possible in 90 seconds, was one of the pivotal moments in last year’s loss and a motivating factor for his return.
“He’s been doing this for years,” said his father, clearly emotional about the win. “He knows what it takes.” From the toddler who started reading at two, to the 13-year-old who conquered a global stage, Faizan Zaki has lived a story of dedication.
100 years of word power
The Scripps National Spelling Bee has come a long way since its humble beginnings 100 years ago, when a mere nine spellers gathered to compete in Louisville, Kentucky. Over the decades, it has evolved into a prestigious academic showcase, drawing students aged 8 to 14 from all over the United States and beyond. The competition not only celebrates orthographic mastery but also resilience, focus, and poise under pressure. To honour this milestone, Scripps released a 168-page commemorative book featuring rare archival photographs, stories of past champions, and insights into how this beloved institution has shaped generations of young wordsmiths.
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