In a nail-biting finish at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki from Allen, Texas, emerged as the champion after correctly spelling the word “éclaircissement” in the final round. The word, meaning “the clearing up of something obscure,” clinched Zaki’s victory and earned him more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.
Zaki’s win wasn’t without drama. Earlier in the final, he stumbled on the word “commelina,” mistakenly starting with “K-A-M” instead of “C-O-M.” That error briefly put his competitors back in contention, but Zaki regained his composure and sealed the championship with a flawless performance in the 21st round.
This marks Zaki’s first national title after finishing as runner-up in 2024. His triumph adds to Texas’ impressive legacy at the Bee, making him the 17th champion from the Lone Star State Zaki, a self-described “linguistics nerd,” celebrated by collapsing to the stage in excitement as the crowd erupted.
The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, held during the competition’s centennial year, highlighted not only Zaki’s spelling prowess but also his resilience under pressure—a moment sure to inspire future spellers nationwide..
