Faizan Zaki Wins 100th National Spelling Bee

Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old seventh grader from Allen, Texas, won the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, becoming the 100th champion in the event's history. After finishing as runner-up last year, Faizan dedicated extensive time to preparation, supported by his parents, twin sister, and extended family with roots in Khammam and Hyderabad, India. The final was marked by suspense as Faizan nearly misspelled 'commelina' but ultimately secured victory by spelling 'éclaircissement' correctly. His journey was characterized by years of perseverance and encouragement from family and friends. Communities in Texas and India celebrated his achievement, with his grandmother watching the competition live from Khammam. Faizan's win highlights resilience, strong family support, and a passion for linguistics.