New York: Thirteen-year-old Faizan Zaki from Allen, Texas, captured the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee championship by correctly spelling “éclaircissement,” meaning “the clearing up of something obscure.” This victory is particularly noteworthy as Zaki was the runner-up in the 2024 competition, making him only the fifth contestant in the Bee’s history to win after finishing second the previous year.
Zaki’s journey wasn’t without challenges. During the final rounds, he prematurely began spelling “commelina” incorrectly but caught himself in time, leading to a restart of the round. Despite this slip, he maintained composure and ultimately clinched the title.
Meet the Finalists
The 2025 competition featured 243 spellers aged 8 to 14 from across the U.S. and other countries. The top finalists included:
- 1st Place: Faizan Zaki (13, Texas)
- 2nd Place: Sarvadnya Kadam (14, California)
- 3rd Place: Sarv Dharavane (11, Georgia)
- Tied 4th Place: Harini Murali (New Jersey), Brian Liu, Aishwarya Kallakuri
- Tied 7th Place: Esha Marupudi, Oliver Halkett (13, California)
- 9th Place: Akshaj Somisetty
These young spellers showcased exceptional talent, navigating complex words and intense competition.
Memorable Words and Moments
The Bee’s centennial edition was filled with remarkable moments:
- Winning Word: “éclaircissement” – the word that secured Zaki’s championship.
- Challenging Words: “commelina,” “Chaldee,” and “eserine” tested the finalists’ prowess.
- Dramatic Turn: Zaki’s near-miss on “commelina” added suspense to the finals.
The competition was broadcast on Ion Television, marking its fourth year away from ESPN after the network’s agreement with the E.W. Scripps Company expired.
Watch the Winning Moment
Experience Faizan Zaki’s championship moment:
Prizes and Recognition
Zaki received a $50,000 cash prize, along with additional awards from Merriam-Webster and Encyclopædia Britannica. His total earnings from the Bee now amount to $77,500, some of which he plans to donate to charity.
