Teen from Allen, Texas wins Scripps National Spelling Bee with 'eclaircissement'
Share this @internewscast.com

No éclaircissement was needed after 13-year-old Faizan Zaki triumphed in the 21st round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The teen collapsed on the floor with excitement after correctly spelling “éclaircissement” and securing the national title — not to mention a trophy and $50,000. Zaki’s win also coincided with a major milestone: the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

When spelling the “M-E-N-T” in “éclaircissement,” Zaki, who hails from Allen, Texas, was understandably thrilled after coming in second place at last year’s competition behind Bruhat Soma, who was 12 years old when he took home the trophy.

Faizan Zaki wins the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee

E.W. Scripps Company president and CEO Adam Symson presents the trophy to Faizan Zaki, 13, the winner of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

“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,” Zaki’s father, Said Zaki Anwar told ESPN.

Zaki’s win was notable not only for the final word and the Bee’s centennial, but also because it marked the first time in nearly 25 years that a former runner-up returned to win the title. According to ESPN, the last person to do so was Sean Conley, who was the 2001 champion. Zaki and Conley are members of an extremely exclusive club with just five members total from the event’s 100 years.

Faizan Zaki reacts as he wins the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee

Faizan Zaki, 13, reacts as he wins the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

The final three in the 2025 competition also included 11-year-old Sarv Dharavane, who would have been the competition’s youngest champion since Nihar Janga, who won in 2016.

Zaki’s stumble over “commelina” and subsequent comeback are not the first examples of drama at the spelling bee. This children’s competition has produced a surprising number of historic moments. In 2019, the spelling bee’s results were arguably some of the most controversial, as the competition ended with the only eight-way tie in the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s history.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
San Diego authorities arrest 3 noncitizens allegedly involved in transporting more than $5M worth of meth

San Diego Officials Detain 3 Foreign Nationals Suspected of Smuggling Over $5 Million in Meth

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Federal and local authorities…
French report identifies Muslim Brotherhood threat as Ted Cruz seeks US terror designation for group

French Report Flags Muslim Brotherhood Threat Amid Ted Cruz Pushes for US Terror Label

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! President Emmanuel Macron of…
A major explosion and fire with secondary detonations at Bryansk airfield led to speculation by Russian war channels that a new Western missiles was used, with some claims of a German-supplied Taurus.

Ukraine’s ‘Secret Missile’: New Weapon Unleashes Chaos on Russia, Spooking Putin and Forces

VLADIMIR Putin has been left shell-shocked by a brand new mystery missile…
Trump vs Musk feud forces allies to take sides as questions swirl over Elon ‘olive branch’ and X rant fallout

The Conflict Between Trump and Musk Compels Supporters to Choose Sides Amid Speculation About Elon’s ‘Olive Branch’ and the Consequences of an Argument on Platform X

THE feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk has forced lawmakers…
Judge approves athlete payment plan in landmark college sports decision

Court Endorses Payment Plan for College Athletes in Groundbreaking Ruling

The agreement signifies a major transformation for schools, which now have to…
Florida Gov. DeSantis enacts new DUI penalties

Florida Governor DeSantis Implements Stricter DUI Penalties

The laws cover a range of topics, including the implementation of the…
Renna O'Rourke dies attempting dangerous online 'dusting' challenge

Tragic Incident: Renna O’Rourke Passes Away During Hazardous ‘Dusting’ Challenge

A fame-seeking teenager died attempting an alarming social-media challenge called “dusting,” according…
Current air quality Chicago: AQI high in Illinois, Indiana counties with air quality alert due to 2025 Canadian wildfires

Chicago’s Air Quality Update: High AQI in Illinois and Indiana Due to 2025 Canadian Wildfires; Air Quality Alert Issued

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area is under an air quality alert…
Fire and smoke rising over a city at night after a drone strike.

Russian Airstrikes on Kyiv Leave Four Dead and Many Injured Amid Putin’s Retaliation Plan for Operation Spiderweb

RUSSIA has launched an overnight missile and drone blitz against Ukraine, killing…
Tesla stock drops as Trump and Musk's public feud escalates

Tesla Shares Decline Amid Increasing Tension Between Trump and Musk

By the end of the trading day, $150 billion of Tesla’s value…
On 81st anniversary of D-Day, one US Navy veteran's son is the first American Pope

81 Years After D-Day, Son of US Navy Veteran Becomes First American Pope

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Marking the 81st year…
Delta Air Lines passenger drunkenly slugged retiree over reclining seat: lawsuit

Lawsuit Claims Drunken Delta Passenger Punched Senior Over Reclined Seat Dispute

A retired woman mourning her son’s death was allegedly punched in the…