From Flub to Champ Faizan Zaki's Spelling Bee Redemption!

Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old spelling prodigy from Dallas, has emerged victorious at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, but not without a heart-stopping moment that will be remembered for years to come. After a near-miss that showcased both his confidence and vulnerability, Zaki clinched the title, proving that passion and a love for language can conquer even the most nerve-wracking of challenges.

Zaki, who finished as runner-up last year after losing in a lightning-round tiebreaker, entered this year's competition as a favorite. He approached the microphone with a casual demeanor, spelling words with visible enjoyment. Throughout the finals held in Oxon Hill, Maryland, he appeared to be a champion in waiting. However, a moment of overconfidence nearly cost him everything.

With only three spellers remaining, and after Sarvadnya Kadam and Sarv Dharavane both stumbled, Zaki found himself two words away from victory. The word "commelina" stood between him and spelling bee glory, but instead of taking the standard approach of asking for the definition and language of origin, Zaki let his enthusiasm take over, blurting out "K-A-M" before quickly realizing his mistake. "OK, let me do this. Oh, shoot!" he exclaimed, before conceding the error to head judge Mary Brooks.

This shocking flub brought the other two spellers back to the stage, adding immense pressure to Zaki. Later, reflecting on the moment, he admitted, "I’m definitely going to be having nightmares about that tonight."

Despite the setback, Zaki rallied. When presented with the winning word, "eclaircissement," he didn't hesitate. Without asking a single question, he spelled it flawlessly, erupting in celebration as he secured the championship.

Here are some key takeaways from this year's thrilling Scripps National Spelling Bee:

• Faizan Zaki is the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion.
• Zaki almost lost due to a self-inflicted error on the word "commelina."
• His winning word was "eclaircissement."
• This year marked the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
• Including Faizan, 30 of the past 36 champions have been Indian American.

Bruhat Soma, who defeated Zaki in last year's spell-off, noted that Faizan's passion for language sets him apart. "One thing that differentiates him is he really has a passion for this... I don’t think he cares as much about the title as his passion for language and words."

Zaki's father, Zaki Anwar, proudly declared his son "the GOAT," emphasizing his dedication and deep knowledge of the dictionary. His coach, Sam Evans, shared that, "He’s crazy. He’s having a good time, and he’s doing what he loves, which is spelling."

With a winner’s haul of $52,500, added to his previous earnings of $25,000 from last year, Zaki has amassed a total of $77,500 from his Spelling Bee journey. This year, he plans to donate a significant portion of his winnings to charity.

The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee was a testament to the dedication, passion, and sheer brilliance of young spellers from across the nation. Faizan Zaki's victory, marked by both triumph and tribulation, will undoubtedly inspire future generations to embrace their love for language and pursue their dreams with unwavering enthusiasm. This year was an exceptional centennial celebration, honoring the rich history of the bee and its impact on countless individuals.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/scripps-national-spelling-bee-2025-champion-70f6767e4f30a29b52dfc3dfc77eb553