Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Dallas, Texas, captured the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee title with a confident and joyful approach, overcoming an unexpected slip during the final rounds.

A Journey From Runner-Up to Champion

Faizan entered this year’s competition as a favorite, after finishing second in 2024. Last year, he excelled in traditional spelling rounds but lost in a sudden-death tiebreaker, which he admitted he hadn’t prepared for. This time, Faizan took the pressure lightly, showing enthusiasm and calmness throughout.

The Moment of Doubt

During the final three contestants’ showdown, Faizan stumbled on the word “commelina.” Instead of asking clarifying questions about the word’s meaning or origin, he quickly started spelling and then realized his mistake.

He stopped and told the judge, “Just ring the bell,” signaling he wanted to pass. This unexpected moment gave his two rivals a second chance.

Victory Despite the Setback

After the brief pause, Faizan regained his composure. When given the winning word “eclaircissement,” he spelled it flawlessly without hesitation, celebrating his victory by pumping his fists and collapsing to the stage in excitement.

New Rules, Exciting Competition

This year marked the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Organizers adjusted the rules to allow more time before using a tiebreaker. The result was intense competition and impressive performances, including several perfect rounds.

A Strong Legacy of Champions

Faizan became the fifth speller in a century to win the championship after previously finishing as runner-up, a rare achievement. Notably, 30 of the last 36 champions, including Faizan, are Indian American, continuing a strong tradition that began in 1999.

Faizan’s Passion for Words

Known for his love of language, Faizan has been spelling competitively for more than half his life. He started at age 7 through a wild-card program and steadily improved, demonstrating a deep passion for rare and complex words.

Despite his fun and relaxed style, Faizan is highly skilled and dedicated, guided by coaches Scott Remer, Sam Evans, and Sohum Sukhantankar.

Prize and Future Plans

With his 2025 win, Faizan’s total Scripps earnings reached $77,500, including last year’s second-place prize. He plans to donate a significant part of his winnings to charity, showing generosity beyond the competition.

Conclusion

Faizan Zaki’s win at the Scripps National Spelling Bee highlights a unique mix of skill, passion, and confidence. His story inspires young spellers and language lovers worldwide, marking a memorable moment in the bee’s centennial year.