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India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Indian-American Faizan Zaki wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee
13-year-old Faizan Zaki of Dallas, Texas, won the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee by accurately spelling the difficult French word "claircissement" in an exciting climax that had the audience on the edge of their seats. His significant victory included the coveted Scripps Cup trophy, a commemorative medal, and a $50,000 cash a seventh-grader at C.M. Rice Middle School, started his spelling journey at the age of 7. What began as a fun family activity quickly turned into a serious passion. 'He just enjoys learning new words,' said his mother, Arshia Quadri. 'It's something that came naturally to him.'advertisementHis father, Zaki Anwar, recalled, 'We just wanted him to enjoy the experience of competing at the bee. If he could spell a few words and achieve a few rounds, that would be great. But this is amazing!'A Special Year For The Bee This year's spelling bee was especially significant, marking its 100th anniversary. The competition saw 243 participants aged 8 to 14 from around the world gather at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, from May 27 to 30. Only nine made it to the final spelled his winning word in the 21st round. As confetti rained down, he dropped to the floor in disbelief, living the moment. 'I'm going to be having nightmares about that tonight,' he said, still overwhelmed by the Time's The CharmadvertisementThis was Faizan's fourth time participating in the national bee. Last year, he was narrowly defeated in a tiebreaker round by his friend, Bruhat Soma, who jokingly said, 'I think he cared too much about his aura.'Proud of his son's achievement, Faizan's father called him 'the GOAT,' adding, 'He's been doing this for years. He knows the dictionary like the back of his hand.'Faizan's win not only highlights his love for words but also inspires countless young spellers chasing the same dream.
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet 13-year-old Indian-American genius who won Rs 4277590 for...., his name is...
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Indian-American student from Texas, has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee after he spelt 'éclaircissement' correctly, maintaining the dominance of the children from the community in the prestigious US competition. The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation's largest and longest-running educational program, having launched in 1925. The first Spelling Bee competition was held in 1925 in Washington, DC, and only nine kids participated, according to Scripps. This year, more than 200 students competed. Zaki is only 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 will take home USD 50,000, a medal and a trophy as he won the Spelling Bee in its 100th year. The 13-year-old took home the Scripps Cup outspelling more than 240 students from across the country, Scripps said in a post on X. According to the news agency PTI report, Zaki bested Sarvadnya Kadam to win the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night. A 7th-grade student at C M Rice Middle School, Zaki finished second in 2024 in a spell-off to another Indian-American Bruhat Soma. This was Zaki's fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Zaki earned the prestigious title in round 21 when he correctly spelt 'éclaircissement,' which is defined as 'the clearing up of something obscure: enlightenment.' He outlasted eight other accomplished spellers to win the title. The culmination of the national championship came with a shock. Zaki had an earlier chance to win this year's bee, in the 18th round, after mistakes by two other finalists. In what could have been the last round, when there were three left, Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane got their words wrong. It seemed to be Zaki's big chance. But he rushed to spell his word before a proper explanation and got the first letter wrong. #Speller207 Faizan Zaki left everything on stage. A four-time competitor, 2024 Runner-Up, and now, the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion! Summing up his journey, 'I was amazed when I won my first school bee. Then I just kept winning.'🐝 #TheBeeTurns100 #SpellingBee — Scripps National Spelling Bee (@ScrippsBee) May 30, 2025 Hardly before the word 'commelina' had left the pronouncer's mouth, Zaki jumped on it, saying, 'k-a-m ——' He recognised his mistake right away, but it was too late. As he spelt the winning word, Zaki fell on the stage in joy as confetti rained down. 'I don't know what to say. I'm just really happy,' he said. According to the official website, Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old Indian-American student from Texas will receive 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. Adam Symson, president and CEO of the E W Scripps Company, presented the championship trophy. 'Faizan exemplified the determination that defines a champion,' said Symson. His unwavering focus and preparation led to a well-earned victory tonight on the Bee's largest stage, he said. 'In this landmark 100th year of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Scripps is honoured to celebrate Faizan's extraordinary achievement as well as the spellers throughout the Bee's history who continue to inspire millions,' he said. Nupur Lala was the first Indian-American to win the competition in 1999. As of May 30, 2025, the exchange rate for 1 US Dollar (USD) is approximately ₹85.52 Indian Rupees (INR). Therefore, USD 50,000 is equivalent to about ₹4,277,590.10. Please note that exchange rates fluctuate regularly, so the exact amount may vary depending on the time and platform used for the conversion. (With PTI Inputs)
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who are Faizan Zaki's parents? Scripps National Spelling Bee winner's father calls son ‘the GOAT'
Faizan Zaki won the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee after spelling the French word 'éclaircissement' correctly. The 13-year-old took home the coveted Scripps Cup along with $50,000 in cash and a commemorative medal as he bested over 240 contestants from across the country Thursday night. The young Indian-American 'loves words,' according to his mother, Arshia Quadri. Zaki, a seventh-grade student at C.M. Rice Middle School in Dallas, Texas, began his competitive spelling journey in 2019 when he was just 7 years old. In an interview with ABC Action News at the time, his parents, Quadri and Zaki Anwar, revealed that his interest in complex words began as a family activity. 'He loves it. I mean he loves the learning and words, and so that has been like, you know, it's just been very easy,' Quadri told the outlet, adding, 'We just want him to be happy and, you know, experience that. You know the whole experience of going to the bee.' 'And if he can spell a few words there and get to a few rounds, then good for him, that would be amazing,' Zaki's father added at the time. Thursday's competition was the teenager's fourth time participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. After he correctly spelt his winning word in the 21st round, Zaki lay on the floor ecstatic as confetti rained down. 'I'm definitely going to be having nightmares about that tonight,' he later said while standing next to the trophy, per Associated Press. Zaki's friend, Bruhat Soma, who beat him in the 'spell-off' tiebreaker last year, said, 'I think he cared too much about his aura.' Meanwhile, his father, Anwar, said, 'He's the GOAT. I actually believe that. He's really good, man. He's been doing it for so long, and he knows the dictionary in and out,' per the outlet.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Who is Faizan Zaki, the Indian-origin winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee?
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old with roots from Hyderabad, won the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. He outspelled over 240 of the country's top young spellers to earn his championship title. He correctly spelt 'éclaircissement' in a dramatic contest with fellow Sarvadnya Kadam and won a $50,000 prize read more Faizan Zaki outspelled over 240 of the country's top young spellers to earn his 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Image courtesy: Reuters Faizan Zaki has officially been crowned the champion of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 13-year-old clinched the title in a tense 20th round, outlasting fellow finalist Sarvadnya Kadam. His winning word? Éclaircissement. The moment he spelled it correctly, Faizan ran out of breath, dropped to the floor, and let the confetti fall as the crowd erupted in celebration. Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, Texas, reacts after winning the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, U.S., May 29, 2025. Reuters 'I can't describe it,' Zaki, who hails from Texas and has roots in Hyderabad, said just minutes after his win. 'It's so amazing, getting to this point. Winning? I never expected this.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition to lifting the coveted Scripps Cup, Faizan also takes home a $50,000 cash prize and a commemorative medal. He outspelled over 240 of the country's top young spellers to earn his championship title. But who is Faizan Zaki? How did he prepare for one of the toughest spelling stages in the country? And on a broader note, why do Indian-American students continue to shine year after year at this prestigious competition? Here's a closer look. Who is Faizan Zaki? Faizan Zaki is no stranger to the Scripps National Spelling Bee stage. A seventh grader at CM Rice Middle School in Dallas, Texas, he's been working toward this moment for years, ever since his spelling journey began at the age of 7. Back in 2019, he made his debut as one of the youngest contestants in bee history, finishing in 370th place. By 2023, he had climbed to 21st. And just last year, he came heartbreakingly close to the title, finishing as runner-up after a dramatic spell-off. 'Obviously, I was really disappointed,' Zaki told USA Today. 'But then I just had that sudden drive to keep studying. So that's what motivated me to do better. And now I'm here. I have the trophy.' Faizan Zaki. AP Faizan's love for words started as a fun family activity. His parents, Zaki Anwar and Arshia Quadri, say he was already reading by the age of 2. 'He loves it. I mean he loves the learning and words, and so that has been like, you know, it's just been very easy,' his mother told the outlet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She added, 'We just want him to be happy and, you know, experience that. You know the whole experience of going to the bee.' His father echoed that sentiment: 'And if he can spell a few words there and get to a few rounds, then good for him, that would be amazing.' To sharpen his vocabulary, Faizan followed a new daily routine recommended by a representative from the Dallas Sports Commission, according to The New York Times. But spelling isn't all he's into. When he's not buried in word lists, Faizan enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends, and speed-solving Rubik's Cubes. He's also currently learning French. Had things gone differently this year, he would have had one more shot at the bee. But now, he's thinking about new challenges, maybe trying his hand at the Math Olympiad or exploring his interest in linguistics. 'I'll have to think over summer what to do,' he said. 'I'll definitely make sure to get some new hobbies, since spelling's over.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why do Indian-Americans excel at spelling bees? Year after year, Indian-Americans have been making their mark at the spelling bee championship. Despite making up just 1 per cent of the US population, they've produced 29 winners since 1999. So, what explains this consistent success? A big part of the answer lies in the strong academic culture within Indian-American families. According to Pawan Dhingra, a sociology and American Studies professor at Amherst College, this 'has to do with a firm commitment by families to spend the time and money necessary to help their kids fully prepare'. Dev Shah, an Indian-American, has won the 2023 US National Spelling Bee competition. These children perform well not only in spelling bees but also geography, math and other academic contests, he added. Many parents in the community are highly educated — more than a third have postgraduate degrees, and another third hold college degrees. Most of these qualifications are in technical fields, especially engineering. In an article for The Conversation, Dhingra notes that this educational background shapes how parents approach extracurriculars. Many viewed it as an academic achievement that is key to getting into top colleges. Shalini Shankar, a cultural anthropologist and author of 'Beeline: What Spelling Bees Reveal about Generation Z's New Path to Success', in an interview with The New York Times, explained how Indian-American parents look for hobbies for their children that align with academic growth. Spelling often becomes one of these extracurricular activities, sometimes even being passed down through generations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another reason, as per a BBC article, it is believed that Indian-Americans are 'particularly adept at rote learning and memorisation'. Harini Logan, a 14-year-old from San Antonio, Texas, lifted the Scripps National Spelling Bee trophy in 2022. File Photo/Reuters Sanjoy Chakravorty of Temple University in Philadelphia wrote for the outlet in 2016: 'There are suggestions that they are particularly adept at rote learning and memorisation. They work in clusters and use ethnic and family networks to dominate a few professions. These properties are strikingly similar to what works for their children in the spelling and geography bees - education, memorisation, and networks.' According to The Quint report, as many Indian-Americans are multilingual, it is 'normal' for the children to be well-versed in the vocabulary of different languages and excel in English. Thus, it is common for these kids to know several dictionaries by the age of 12. As Chakravorty wrote for the BBC, 'The immigrant's hunger for success, as individuals and as a community. The drive to work hard and suffer deprivations when needed. Anything that must be done to be both part of the mainstream and a shining example in it.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Scripps National Spelling Bee: Faizan Zaki, 13-year-old prodigy from Texas, wins despite blunder
The 13-year-old prodigy Faizan Zaki won the latest installment of the Scripps National Spelling Bee contest despite nearly throwing away the chance because of a careless error. He outlasted eight accomplished spellers to achieve the feat and bag a cash prize of $52,500. Interestingly, two of them actually got a second chance in the contest because of Faizan's blunder. Faizan Zaki wins Scripps National Spelling Bee despite a scare Faizan Zaki, a teenager from Texas, got an opportunity to shut out the competition when Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane misspelled their words. He, however, failed to seize the chance as he misspelled the word 'commelina'. This allowed Sarvadnya and Sarv to return to the stage. 🏆 Faizan Zaki is your 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion!The 13-year-old, who was last year's runner-up, took home the Scripps Cup after correctly spelling éclaircissement — outspelling more than 240 students from across the country.👏 Congrats to Faizan.… However, luckily for Faizan, both of them misspelled their words. Post this, the teenager stayed calm and ensured that his competitors did not get another chance to return to the microphone. He took home the prize by spelling ' éclaircissement' in one go. With this, he took home a cash prize of $52,500. He had previously taken home $25,000 for securing second place in the competition. His total earnings from the competition are $77,500. About Scripps National Spelling Bee Scripps National Spelling Bee wads first held in 1925 ands has emerged as a major attraction since. It is backed by Scripps, a media company. This year's contest marked the last time it was held at a convention center just outside Washington on the banks of the Potomac River, which has been its home for 14 years. Next year, it will be held at Constitution Hall, a nearly century-old concert venue near the White House.
