Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Allen and a student in Plano ISD, claimed victory at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, becoming the nation’s top speller in the competition’s 97th edition. Zaki secured the championship title in Round 21 by correctly spelling éclaircissement, a French word meaning “the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment.”
“Faizan exemplified the determination that defines a champion,” said Scripps CEO Adam Symson in an official statement. “His unwavering focus and preparation led to a well-earned victory tonight on the Bee’s largest stage.”
A Journey Years in the Making
This year marked Zaki’s fourth appearance at the national Bee. He is a 7th grader at C.M. Rice Middle School in Plano and was sponsored by the Dallas Sports Commission. His ascent to the top spot is a story of persistence: he tied for 370th place in his first Bee appearance in 2019, jumped to 21st in 2023, and finished a heartbreaking second in 2024 after a tense spell-off against eventual winner Bruhat Soma.
That runner-up finish only fueled Zaki’s resolve. In becoming the 2025 champion, he joins an elite group, only the fifth speller in Bee history to win after finishing second the previous year.
A Centennial Celebration of Excellence
This year’s Bee carries additional historical significance: it is the 100th anniversary of the competition’s founding in 1925. Though the 2025 edition was officially the 97th bee due to several cancellations over the years, Scripps marked the occasion with a message of gratitude for all the spellers who have shaped the Bee’s enduring legacy.
“In this landmark 100th year of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Scripps is honored to celebrate Faizan’s extraordinary achievement as well as the spellers throughout the Bee’s history who continue to inspire millions,” the organization said. “Their stories remind us of the shared joy in cheering for their success, reinforcing the Bee’s legacy as a beloved tradition that champions connection, resilience and the limitless potential of young minds.”
Awards and Honors
As the 2025 champion, Zaki receives a prize package including:
- From Scripps: $50,000 cash prize, a commemorative medal, and the iconic Scripps Cup trophy
- From Merriam-Webster: $2,500 cash and a reference library
- From Encyclopædia Britannica: $400 in reference works, including a 1768 replica set and a three-year Britannica Online Premium membership
- From Scholastic: $1,000 Scholastic Dollars to be donated to the school of Zaki’s choice
- From News-O-Matic: A five-year subscription to its K–8 news platform, awarded to Zaki’s school
Sarvadnya Kadam of Visalia, California, who represented the Tulare County Office of Education, finished in second place and will receive a $25,000 prize. Sarv Dharavane of Dunwoody, Georgia, representing the Georgia Association of Educators, placed third and will receive $15,000.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
