Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Allen, Texas, captured national attention after winning the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. His victory came after an intense and competitive final round where he correctly spelled the word “éclaircissement”—a French word meaning "clarification"—to claim the championship. The spelling bee took place on May 29, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, located in National Harbor, Maryland. The event gathered hundreds of bright young minds from across the United States and abroad. Faizan's win wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was also a source of pride for his school, family, and local community. He showed what dedication, focus, and persistence can achieve when backed by hard work.
Redemption After 2024 Runner-Up Finish
Faizan’s journey to the top was not without setbacks. In 2024, he came heartbreakingly close to winning but finished in second place. Instead of giving up, Faizan used the experience to grow stronger. Over the past year, he dedicated himself to studying roots, etymology, and word patterns with even more determination. That persistence paid off in 2025. By winning this year, he became only the fifth person in the bee’s 100-year history to win after placing second the previous year. His story is a powerful reminder that failure is not the end—sometimes, it's just the beginning of a bigger comeback.
A Small Slip, A Big Comeback
During the finals, Faizan faced a brief moment of uncertainty when he misspelled “commelina,” a genus of flowering plants. This error allowed his fellow contestants to re-enter the competition in what’s known as a “spell-off reset.” But Faizan didn’t let the mistake rattle him. Instead, he stayed composed and confidently spelled his way through the next rounds. His ability to remain calm under pressure and bounce back quickly is one of the key qualities that helped him clinch the title. It showed that winning isn’t about being perfect—it’s about how you handle challenges along the way.
Prizes and Recognition
Winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee is about more than just being proud—there are big rewards too. Faizan was awarded $50,000 in cash by Scripps, a $2,500 scholarship along with a collection of books from Merriam-Webster, and reference materials worth $400 from Encyclopædia Britannica. These rewards honor the immense amount of preparation and intellectual effort it takes to win such a competition. Including his earnings from 2024, Faizan has now earned $77,500 in prize money. Beyond the prizes, he’s gained national recognition, media attention, and admiration from aspiring spellers all across the country. His story will inspire future competitors for years to come.
Celebrating 100 Years of the Bee
This year’s spelling bee was especially significant as it marked the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Held annually since 1925, the bee has become a prestigious event celebrating academic excellence and language mastery. The 2025 competition featured 243 contestants between the ages of 8 and 14. These spellers came from diverse backgrounds, representing different states and even other countries. Faizan’s win also continues the legacy of Indian American excellence in spelling bees—a trend that has seen Indian American students win 30 of the last 36 competitions. His victory is a symbol of the cultural richness and academic strength that define the event today
