Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old student from Allen, Texas, emerged as the champion of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on the night of May 29, triumphing in the 21st round by correctly spelling “éclaircissement.” The winning word, which means “the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment,” secured his place in the annals of spelling bee history.
Representing C.M. Rice Middle School, where he is in the seventh grade, Zaki demonstrated not only his linguistic prowess but also an extraordinary level of composure and focus. When he spelled the championship word without hesitation or requesting any clarification, he dropped to the stage floor in relief, visibly overcome with emotion. This intense moment reflected the culmination of years of dedication and repeated efforts in one of America’s most competitive academic contests.
“Faizan exemplified the determination that defines a champion,” said Adam Symson, president and CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company. “His unwavering focus and preparation led to a well-earned victory tonight on the Bee’s largest stage.”
Zaki’s journey to this crowning moment was not without drama. The final night of competition, held at National Harbor in Maryland, brimmed with suspense as the top contestants battled through complex and often obscure words. Although Zaki made an early mistake that could have cost him the title, fate gave him a second chance. The contestants who re-entered due to his error stumbled later, allowing Zaki to regain his standing. In a contest known for its intensity and razor-thin margins, Zaki’s ability to rebound and push forward was remarkable. He ultimately emerged as the last standing out of eight finalists.
Finishing in second place was Sarvadnya Kadam from Visalia, California. Her exceptional performance earned her a $25,000 prize, reflecting the rigorous preparation required to reach the final stages of the competition. Third place went to Sarv Dharavane of Dunwoody, Georgia, who secured a $15,000 reward for his strong showing.
This victory was the culmination of Zaki’s four-year journey with the Scripps Bee. His first foray into the competition came in 2019 when, at just 7 years old, he placed 370th. From that humble start, his progress has been steady and determined. He rose to 21st place in 2023 and claimed second place in 2024. That year, he narrowly missed the championship in a tense tiebreaker against Bruhat Soma, another Indian-origin contestant. With this 2025 triumph, Zaki becomes only the fifth person in the Bee’s history to win after having finished as runner-up the previous year.
His perseverance and growth over the years place him in an elite group of past contestants who have shown not just talent, but also resilience. That kind of sustained effort across multiple years, especially in a competition that sees hundreds of young minds each year, underscores Zaki’s remarkable achievement.
Along with the prestigious title and the admiration of his peers, Zaki walks away with a generous collection of prizes. From Scripps, he receives $50,000 in cash and the championship trophy, known as the Scripps Cup. Additionally, he was awarded a $2,500 cash prize and a reference library from Merriam-Webster. His winnings also include a $400 reference set from Britannica and a three-year Britannica Online Premium membership.
Further contributing to his prize pool is a $1,000 Scholastic Dollars grant, which Zaki can donate to any school of his choice. The school he selects will also receive a five-year subscription to News-O-Matic, an educational news service for children. Zaki was sponsored by the Dallas Sports Commission, which helped support his participation in the national competition.
The 2025 Bee held special significance, as it marked the 100th anniversary of this storied competition. Originally launched in 1925, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has become a beloved fixture in American education, celebrating academic excellence, hard work, and the power of language. To commemorate the centennial, the organizers invited former champions to attend, turning the event into a meaningful celebration of its legacy.
In its hundred-year history, the Bee has grown from a small spelling contest into a major cultural institution, drawing participants from across the United States and even other countries. Each year, spellers study thousands of words, train with coaches and parents, and often dedicate months of preparation to qualify for this stage. The Bee has become a rite of passage for academically gifted students, particularly among South Asian American families who have had a strong presence in recent decades.
Zaki’s win continues a long line of successful Indian-American spellers, a trend that began gaining attention in the early 2000s. Their dominance has been widely attributed to strong family support, emphasis on education, and the establishment of informal spelling communities that prepare students through mock bees and study groups.
However, what makes Zaki’s story stand out is not only his cultural background but also his long-term commitment to the competition. Competing in four different years and steadily climbing the ranks required an exceptional degree of patience, adaptability, and sustained effort. While many spellers do not return after one or two appearances, Zaki remained focused on his ultimate goal, even after a heartbreaking loss in 2024.
His final performance, spelling “éclaircissement” with clarity and confidence, demonstrated that he had learned from past missteps and matured as a competitor. In the end, it was his calm delivery and unwavering concentration that clinched the title for him.
As the 2025 champion, Zaki now joins the pantheon of spelling greats who have left their mark on the national stage. More than just a spelling contest, the Bee is also about personal growth, public performance, and mental stamina. Faizan Zaki’s win embodies all those values and more.
Now that the competition has concluded, Zaki’s victory will inspire a new generation of students aiming for the Bee. His story proves that perseverance pays off, especially when matched with diligence and heart. As the centennial celebration comes to a close, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has once again delivered not just a winner, but a moment of triumph that resonates far beyond the final word.