Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old student from Dallas, Texas, has won the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The seventh-grader from C.M. Rice Middle School secured the prestigious Scripps Cup on Thursday night by correctly spelling the French word “éclaircissement,” which means clarification, explanation or enlightenment.

Two rounds earlier, Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane misspelled their words, clearing a path for Faizan, but instead of making sure he knew the word, “commelina,” Faizan let his showmanship get the better of him. This year’s victory came after a strong showing in 2024, where Faizan finished in second place.

Faizan lost to Bruhat Soma last year in a tiebreaker known as a “spell-off.” He became only the fifth runner-up to come back and win and the first since since Sean Conley in 2001.

Faizan’s journey through the Scripps Bee has been a gradual climb. He first participated in 2019, tying for 370th place. In 2023, he advanced to a tie for 21st, followed by his near-win in 2024 before finally clinching the title this year.

Outside of spelling, Faizan has a variety of interests. He enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends, speed-solving Rubik’s Cubes and playing the viola. As reported by Scripps News, he is also passionate about languages and linguistics and is currently learning French.

According to The New York Times, Faizan’s mother, Arshia Quadri, shared that her son’s love for learning began early. He started reading at the age of 2, a development she found both remarkable and not entirely significant. By the age of 3, he had memorised all the countries in the world and their capitals — a feat she admitted, laughing, she had never achieved herself.

By the time Faizan turned 4, friends and acquaintances had begun recommending schools for gifted children to his parents, Arshia and Zaki Anwar.

Faizan also has a twin sister, Zara Jabeen. While she hasn’t competed in spelling bees, she has coached others in preparation for the competitions. He mentioned that he might try to persuade her to come along with him.

(with inputs from agencies)