Spelling Bee Champ's Shocking Admission "I Couldn't Breathe!"

Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, Texas, Crowned 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion – Admits to 'Hyperventilating' During Victory

The pressure cooker environment of the Scripps National Spelling Bee is known for testing even the most seasoned young spellers. But for Faizan Zaki, the newly crowned 2025 champion, the intensity of the final round went beyond just mental fortitude – it was a physical experience.

Fresh off his victory on Thursday night, after correctly spelling "éclaircissement" in the 21st round, a visibly elated Faizan revealed the extent of his emotions in a "Good Morning America" interview. "I was just so excited and, like, after I spoke my word, at the end, when I spoke my word, I was kind of losing breath," he confessed, admitting he only managed to snag a couple of hours of sleep amidst the whirlwind of excitement.

From Runner-Up to Champion: A Year of Dedication

For Faizan, this victory was the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. The 13-year-old Texan, who finished as runner-up last year, dedicated an astounding **40 hours a week** to spelling practice in the lead-up to the competition. His rigorous routine involved:

• Spending five to six hours daily on weekdays.
• Ramping up to seven to eight hours daily on weekends.
• Scanning the dictionary for unfamiliar words.
• Meticulously writing down each new discovery.

A Near Miss and a Triumphant Finish

The path to victory wasn't without its bumps. Just two words away from claiming the title, Faizan stumbled on "commelina," rushing his spelling and initially calling out "K-A-M" instead of the correct "C-O-M." This error briefly reopened the competition, giving his rivals a chance to seize the crown.

However, Faizan's knowledge and composure shone through when presented with the final word, "éclaircissement." He said he "immediately recognized" the word – a noun meaning enlightenment – allowing him to confidently spell it correctly and collapse onto the stage in pure elation.

Cool Under Pressure: A Casual Champion

Despite the high stakes, Faizan maintained a remarkably relaxed demeanor throughout the competition. His casual attire, including a hoodie, and his informal address of the judges as "bro" belied the intense preparation he had undertaken.

"I mean, yeah, I've been in this for seven years so at this point I'm not really that nervous," Faizan explained. "I'm definitely confident but not overconfident. I also have that casual style."

What's Next for the Spelling Champ?

With the Scripps Cup in hand, Faizan is already looking towards new challenges. While relieved that the spelling bee is over, he's considering shifting his focus to another area where he excels: mathematics.

"I really enjoy math so maybe I can try getting into the International [Mathematical] Olympiad," he revealed, hinting at a future potentially filled with equations and theorems.

Faizan Zaki's victory is a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and a little bit of "hyperventilating" excitement. His journey serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere, proving that with hard work and a passion for learning, anything is possible. We wish Faizan the best in all his future endeavors, be they linguistic or mathematical!

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/scripps-national-spelling-bee-winner-faizan-zaki/story?id=122339861