Meet Faizan Zaki, Indian-origin teen who triumphed at the 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee

Éclaircissement

Origin: French

Definition: The clearing up of something obscure

A tensed speller #207 walked up to the microphone, with a serious demeanour and arms behind his back. Jacques Bailly, the man tasked with giving him the word that could make or break his championship, offered a few calming words before presenting it—éclaircissement.

The 13-year-old’s head perked up as he instantly recognised the word and, without hesitation or the need for origin and definition, spelt it flawlessly before collapsing on the floor, as confetti rained down on him. “I can't describe it,” Faizan Zaki said minutes later, according to PTI. “It's so amazing, getting to this point. Winning? I never expected this.”

Zaki clinched the trophy at the 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee and walked away with USD 50,000 and a medal beating out fellow competitor Sarvadnya Kadam. He will also receive a USD 2,500 prize and a reference library from the Bee's dictionary partner Merriam-Webster.

The teenager had the opportunity to get the winning prize in the 18th round, but an avoidable slip-up cost him the chance. Nevertheless, he emerged triumphant in the Round 21.

Who is Faizan Zaki?

Zaki is an Indian-American from Hyderabad, a 7th-grade student who will now be a well-known figure in his school—C. M. Rice Middle School in Texas. The teen, sponsored by the Dallas Sports Commission, out-spelled 240 competitors from across the country.

This was not Zaki’s first stint with the Bee. He made his debut at the competition at the age of 7, in 2019. He finished in 370th place back then. By 2023, he climbed quickly to the 21st position. Last year, Zaki came incredibly close to victory but was bested by Bruhat Soma in a tie-breaker round, and settled for second place.

In a conversation with USA Today, he said “Obviously, I was really disappointed. 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.”

Now that he has conquered the Bee, what lies ahead for Zaki? The master of words does have other interests. According to the American publication, he enjoys spending time with friends, playing video games and solving the Rubik’s Cube and is currently embarking on a side quest to master the French language.

“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.”

Society