- Faizan Zaki pronounces "éclairsissement," wins 100th National Spelling Bee
Faizan Zaki, 13, of Allen, Texas, etched his name in history by winning the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee on a night of high drama and heart-stopping suspense. The last word that sealed his victory? "éclairsissement," a French word meaning "clarification" or "enlightenment," which Faizan spoke confidently, without hesitation, while confetti rained down and the crowd cheered.
This year's competition, held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, marked a historic milestone—the contest's centennial anniversary. It began with 243 young spellers from across the country and around the world, all competing for the coveted Scripps Cup. Only nine participants made it to the final round, where Faizan faced formidable opponents like Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane.
The road to victory was not easy. At a crucial moment, Faizan almost lost his chance when he hurried to write a type of plant called "commelina" and made a mistake on the first letter. This mistake pushed the competition into an extra round, adding to the tension of the night. But Faizan, demonstrating remarkable composure for his age, took a deep breath before speaking his final word, on the advice of the official pronouncer. With the pressure at its peak, he spelled "éclairsissement" impeccably, then collapsed on stage in relief and joy.
Faizan's win is a testament to perseverance. This was his fourth time competing at the national level. In 2024, he finished as the runner-up after an impeccable performance in the traditional round, but was eliminated in a fast-paced tiebreaker. This year, he returned more determined than ever, studying relentlessly and drawing inspiration from his supportive family and dedicated coaches. His father, Zaki Anwar, praised his dedication and passion for words, calling him the “GOAT.”
Apart from the trophy and more than $50,000 in prize money, Faizan’s win adds to the remarkable legacy of Indian-American spellers in the Bees’ history. Thirty of the past 36 champions have been from the community, a trend that began with Nupur Lala in 1999. Faizan’s grandparents, watching from their home in Hyderabad, joined his parents in celebrating this extraordinary achievement.
Interviewed after his win, Faizan attributed his success to his love for words and the encouragement of his family and coaches. “I was just relieved that I got my word right,” he said, recalling the overwhelming moment when he heard the final bell and realized he had won. He plans to donate a large portion of his winnings to charity, which shows his generosity and humility.
As the confetti settled and Faizan raised the Scripps Cup aloft, his story became a tale of resilience, hard work, and the power of never giving up. His journey from 7-year-old wildcard entrant to champion of the 100th National Spelling Bee will inspire countless young spellers for years to come.