Texas Teen Faizan Zaki Wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee with Éclaircissement

In a dazzling display of lexical prowess, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki from Allen, Texas, clinched the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee title by mastering éclaircissement in the 21st round. The victory, marked by Zaki collapsing in joy on stage, netted him a trophy and $50,000, coinciding with the Bee’s 100th anniversary. After a near-miss in round 18 with commelina, where he halted mid-spell and jokingly asked for the bell, Zaki seized his chance when competitor Sarvadnya Kadam stumbled on Uaupes. This triumph makes Zaki one of only five runners-up in the Bee’s century-long history to return and claim the crown, a feat last achieved in 2001.

Z “‘He’s the GOAT,’ his father, Said Zaki Anwar, told reporters, praising his son’s deep knowledge of the dictionary. The competition, not short on drama, saw 11-year-old Sarv Dharavane vying to become the youngest champion since 2016. Zaki’s win underscores the Spelling Bee’s legacy of high-stakes wordplay, where brilliance and resilience spell success.