Archive · 2 Jun 2025
Texas Teen Wins Scripps Spelling Bee After Comeback Victory
A 13-year-old named Faizan Zaki from Texas won the Scripps National Spelling Bee by spelling the word “éclaircissement.”
He had previously come in second place in the 2023 competition.
This year's final round had eight spellers.
Zaki almost messed up during a previous word but was allowed to continue.
He recovered and won, taking home a lot of money.
The competition was held in Maryland for the last time, before moving to a new location in Washington, D.C. Champions need to study words and their origins.
Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Texas, won the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Zaki’s winning word was “éclaircissement,” a French-derived term.
The event marked Zaki's comeback after a second-place finish in 2023.
The 2024 Bee was held in Maryland, the final time at that location.
The competition included rigorous rounds, high pressure moments, and a prize of $52,500.
- Who
- Faizan Zaki won the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
- What
- Zaki correctly spelled “éclaircissement” to win.
- When
- The 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held on May 29, 2024.
- Where
- The spelling bee was held just outside Washington, D.C.
- Why
- Zaki trained hard after coming in second place in 2023.
- Champion
- Faizan Zaki
- Age
- 13
- Winning Word
- Éclaircissement
- Prize Money
- $52,500
- Event Location
- National Harbor, Maryland
- Previous Rank
- 2nd place (2023)
- Event Year
- 2024