Texas teen stuns with historic win at the Scripps National Spelling Bee after years of close calls
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old seventh grader from Dallas, Texas, made headlines on Friday, May 30, after winning the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Zaki clinched the coveted title by correctly spelling the word “éclaircissement”, beating out 242 top spellers from across the country.
The official Instagram handle of the Spelling Bee announced his victory, posting a photo of Zaki moments after his win with the caption:
“Faizan Zaki, representing the Dallas Sports Commission, has done it! He is your 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion! One of the most unforgettable performances in the 100-year history of the Bee! His winning word: éclaircissement.”
In addition to receiving the Scripps Cup, Zaki also took home $50,000 in prize money and an honorary medal.
California, Georgia students finish second and third
Sarvadnya Kadam from California was declared the runner-up, receiving $25,000, while Sarv Dharavane from Georgia finished third and was awarded $15,000.
Following his win, Faizan Zaki told reporters: “I can’t describe it. It’s so amazing, getting to this point. Winning? I never expected this.”
A comeback story years in the making
Faizan Zaki is a 7th-grade student at C.M. Rice Middle School in Dallas and represented the Dallas Sports Commission in this year’s Bee. His championship win follows years of persistence and hard work.
Zaki had participated in the Scripps Bee three times before. In 2024, he came second after losing to fellow Indian-American Bruhat Soma due to a hurried misspelling. His victory this year makes him only the fifth contestant in Bee history to win the title after being a runner-up in the previous edition.
Zaki began his spelling journey young—he first competed in the National Spelling Bee in 2019 at the age of seven, finishing in 370th place. He returned in 2023 and 2024, slowly climbing the ranks before ultimately seizing the title in 2025.
His remarkable journey and final triumph have earned him a place among the most memorable champions in the Bee’s century-long history.