ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT: Texas Teen Wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee
Zaki, last year's runner-up, triumphed over eight finalists in the centennial Scripps National Spelling Bee, hosted at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Washington, D.C. The contest began with 243 spellers aged 11 to 14, narrowed to Zaki, Sarv Dharavane, 11, and Sarvadnya Kadam, 14. All three misspelled words in one round, forcing a tense additional round.
'I can't remember the last time we've seen this kind of late-round drama here at the spelling bee,' Paul Loeffler, the Bee's TV analyst, said, per CBS News.
In the 21st round, Zaki faced Kadam and spelled 'éclaircissement,' a noun meaning a clearing up of something obscure. He pumped his fists and collapsed to the floor in excitement after finishing the word.
'I'm really happy,' Zaki said afterward. Earlier, he faltered on the spelling of 'commelina' but was reinstated after collective missteps by his fellow finalists.
Zaki's victory as the 110th champion of the Scripps spelling bee adds to Texas' legacy of spelling champions. He is the 17th winner from the Lone Star State. Beyond the Scripps Cup, he earned a $50,000 prize from Scripps, a $2,500 award and reference library from Merriam-Webster, and $400 in Encyclopædia Britannica reference works. A self-proclaimed 'linguistics nerd,' Zaki is eyeing the math olympiad next, reflecting his wide-ranging interests.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee, which started in 1925, will move to Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in 2026.
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