Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Plano ISD student from Allen, won the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee after finishing second last year.
Zaki, a seventh-grader at C.M. Rice Middle School, earned the title in round 21 when he correctly spelled “éclaircissement,” which is defined as “the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment.”
This was Zaki’s fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Zaki finished second in 2024 in a spell-off to Bruhat Soma. Zaki is the fifth speller in Bee history to win after coming in second place the year before.
He tied for 21st place in 2023 and 370th place in 2019. Zaki was sponsored by the Dallas Sports Commission.
Adam Symson, president and CEO of The E.W. Scripps Co., presented the championship trophy moments before ION television, a Scripps network, signed off from the 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee.
“Faizan exemplified the determination that defines a champion,” Symson said.
“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,” Symson said. “Their stories remind us of the shared joy in cheering for their success, reinforcing the Bee’s legacy as a beloved tradition that, for a century, has championed connection, resilience and the limitless potential of young minds.”
Zaki’s walkoff winnings
Here’s what Zaki won:
From Scripps: a $50,000 cash prize, commemorative medal, and the Scripps Cup, the official championship trophy of the Scripps National Spelling Bee;
From Merriam-Webster: a $2,500 cash prize and reference library from the Bee’s dictionary partner;
From Encyclopædia Britannica: $400 of reference works, including a 1768 Encyclopædia Britannica Replica Set and a three-year membership to Britannica Online Premium;
From Scholastic: $1,000 Scholastic Dollars to be donated to the school of the champion’s choice in their honor;
From News-O-Matic: A five-year subscription to News-O-Matic’s K-8 news platform awarded to the champion’s school.
Scripps said that Sarvadnya Kadam of Visalia, California, representing Tulare County Office of Education, placed second in the competition and will receive $25,000.
Sarv Dharavane of Dunwoody, Georgia, representing Georgia Association of Educators, will receive $15,000.
The 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee took place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The competition began Tuesday with 242 spellers.
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