Indian-American Faizan Zaki wins 2025 Scripps Nationwide Spelling Bee

13-year-old Faizan Zaki of Dallas, Texas, gained the 2025 Scripps Nationwide Spelling Bee by precisely spelling the tough French phrase “claircissement” in an thrilling climax that had the viewers on the sting of their seats. His vital victory included the coveted Scripps Cup trophy, a commemorative medal, and a $50,000 money reward.

Faizan, a seventh-grader at C.M. Rice Center College, began his spelling journey on the age of seven. What started as a enjoyable household exercise shortly was a severe ardour. “He simply enjoys studying new phrases,” stated his mom, Arshia Quadri. “It’s one thing that got here naturally to him.”

His father, Zaki Anwar, recalled, “We simply needed him to benefit from the expertise of competing on the bee. If he might spell just a few phrases and obtain just a few rounds, that might be nice. However that is superb!”

A Particular Yr For The Bee

This yr’s spelling bee was particularly vital, marking its a hundredth anniversary. The competitors noticed 243 individuals aged 8 to 14 from all over the world collect on the Gaylord Nationwide Resort and Conference Middle in Nationwide Harbor, Maryland, from Could 27 to 30. Solely 9 made it to the ultimate spherical.

Faizan spelled his profitable phrase within the twenty first spherical. As confetti rained down, he dropped to the ground in disbelief, dwelling the second. “I’m going to be having nightmares about that tonight,” he stated, nonetheless overwhelmed by the victory.

Fourth Time’s The Attraction

This was Faizan’s fourth time collaborating within the nationwide bee. Final yr, he was narrowly defeated in a tiebreaker spherical by his buddy, Bruhat Soma, who jokingly stated, “I believe he cared an excessive amount of about his aura.”

Happy with his son’s achievement, Faizan’s father referred to as him “the GOAT,” including, “He’s been doing this for years. He is aware of the dictionary just like the again of his hand.”

Faizan’s win not solely highlights his love for phrases but in addition conjures up numerous younger spellers chasing the identical dream.