12-Year-Old Bruhat Soma Triumphs in Thrilling Spell-Off to Win 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee

Bruhat Soma, a 12-year-old from Tampa, Florida, emerged victorious at the 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee held on May 30th. His impressive performance in a spell-off saw him correctly spell 29 challenging words in just 90 seconds. This rapid-fire round featured some of the most obscure and difficult words in the English language.

This year’s competition, which saw its 96th edition, concluded with a spell-off, a fast-paced elimination method that was introduced in 2021 and has only been used once before. Bruhat qualified for this decisive round by correctly spelling “Hoofddorp,” a town near Amsterdam, positioning himself against Faizan Zaki, another 12-year-old from Allen, Texas. Faizan secured his spot by flawlessly spelling “nicuri,” a term derived from a Brazilian palm, without seeking any clarification on its origin or meaning.

In the spell-off, Bruhat swiftly navigated through a series of words, managing to spell 29 accurately before the 90-second timer expired. Faizan, competing from the same list, correctly spelled 20 words in the allotted time. This remarkable performance secured Bruhat the esteemed trophy and a $50,000 prize. A recorded segment earlier in the televised event showcased Bruhat, a basketball enthusiast, shooting hoops.

The eight finalists, including Bruhat and Faizan, had advanced from regional competitions that filtered down to 245 local champions aged 8 to 15. These finalists competed over three days at a convention center near Washington, D.C. Among them, some were stumped by particularly tricky words such as “Lillooet” (a people from modern British Columbia), “kanin” (boiled rice in the Philippines), and “murrina” (a horse disease).

Throughout the competition, young participants demonstrated exceptional skill and composure as they tackled some of the English language’s most difficult and rarely used words. Their ability to spell with such accuracy and confidence left spectators in awe.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee, sponsored by the Scripps media group since 1925, has been held annually except for a hiatus during World War II and a pause in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The majority of participants hail from the United States, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, this year’s competition featured contenders from Canada, the Bahamas, Germany, and Ghana.

The history and prestige of the Scripps National Spelling Bee make it a significant event in the academic lives of young spellers. The competition not only tests their spelling prowess but also their ability to remain composed under pressure. Each year, the bee highlights the dedication and hard work of these young scholars, who often spend countless hours preparing for this momentous event.

The introduction of the spell-off in 2021 added a new level of excitement and urgency to the competition. This rapid-elimination format tests contestants’ quick thinking and spelling accuracy under extreme time constraints, making for a thrilling conclusion to the bee. Bruhat’s success in this format is a testament to his exceptional preparation and mental agility.

Bruhat’s journey to victory is an inspiring story of perseverance and passion. His ability to spell 29 words correctly in just 90 seconds is a remarkable achievement that showcases his dedication and love for language. This win not only brings him a substantial monetary prize but also the honor of being recognized as one of the top young spellers in the nation.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee continues to be a celebration of linguistic talent and intellectual prowess. It brings together young minds from diverse backgrounds, united by their love of words and their commitment to academic excellence. As the competition grows in scope and popularity, it continues to inspire new generations of spellers to pursue their passion for language and learning.

The 96th Scripps National Spelling Bee was marked by the impressive performances of its young finalists, particularly Bruhat Soma, whose skill and speed in the spell-off secured him the championship. The event remains a cornerstone of academic competition, highlighting the extraordinary talents of young spellers from across the globe. Bruhat’s victory serves as a reminder of the importance of dedication, hard work, and the joy of learning.