By Hannah Russo, Senior Correspondent
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD — May 30, 2025 — Thirteen-year-old Faizan Zaki of Allen, Texas, has been crowned the champion of the 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee, held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. His win concluded a weeklong showcase of academic excellence, language mastery, and youth determination that drew competitors and spectators from across the globe.
Zaki secured his victory by flawlessly spelling the word éclaircissement, a French-derived term meaning “enlightenment” or “clarification.” The final, high-stakes round was marked by silence and suspense as he calmly spelled the word without asking for a definition or language of origin, a move that showcased both his confidence and preparation. With that performance, he claimed the championship title and a $50,000 cash prize.
This year’s spelling bee marked the 100th anniversary since the competition began in 1925, a milestone that added historical weight to the event. The 2025 edition welcomed 243 spellers, aged 8 to 14, from across the United States and territories, as well as international entrants from countries including Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Kuwait, and the Bahamas. Preliminary rounds were held on May 27, followed by quarterfinals and semifinals on May 28, and culminating in the finals on May 29.
Zaki’s win was not his first time in the spotlight. He finished as runner-up in the 2024 National Spelling Bee, making his 2025 victory a well-earned redemption story. Throughout the final evening, he displayed poise under pressure, especially in Round 18 when he briefly faltered on the word commelina—a rare misstep that nearly cost him the title. However, he rebounded quickly and maintained perfect performance in the subsequent rounds, ultimately outlasting his competitors.
Zaki’s championship continues the notable trend of Indian-American excellence in the bee. In fact, all three top spots were held by Indian-American spellers this year. Sarvadnya Kadam of Visalia, California, took second place after misspelling Uaupes, while Sarv Dharavane of Georgia secured third. The strong showing adds to a legacy of over two decades during which Indian-American children have frequently dominated the national stage in spelling competitions.
At home, Zaki’s family stood firmly behind him throughout his spelling journey. His twin sister, Zara, and parents, Arshia Quadri and Zaki Anwar, were instrumental in his preparation. Zaki reportedly practiced as much as 40 hours per week leading up to the competition. His focus extended beyond rote memorization; he delved into word etymology, language roots, and cultural context—skills that gave him an edge in complex rounds.
While the final was held in Maryland, the excitement spanned continents. In India, Zaki’s extended family in Khammam and Hyderabad followed his progress with pride. His grandmother, watching the live telecast, was overcome with emotion as he raised the championship trophy. The cross-cultural celebration highlighted the global reach and unifying spirit of the Spelling Bee.
This year’s event also featured special recognition of the Akron Beacon Journal as the Scripps Regional Partner of the Year, an award acknowledging its century-long tradition of sponsoring spelling talent. The Bee, beyond its linguistic challenges, serves as a platform for community building, international exchange, and scholastic inspiration.
As the confetti fell and cameras flashed, Faizan Zaki stood center stage—smiling, composed, and triumphant. His story is not only one of victory but of perseverance, preparation, and passion for learning. In an era when academic achievement often competes with screen time and distractions, Zaki’s dedication stands as a shining example of youth excellence.
