13-year-old Faizan Zaki of Dallas, Texas, etched his name into history by winning the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee with the flawless spelling of the French word claircissement, meaning "clarification." The electrifying moment took place in the 21st round of the competition and marked the emotional climax of a journey that began when Faizan was just 7 years old.
A student at C.M. Rice Middle School and a four-time participant in the national bee, Faizan’s long-standing dedication to the art of spelling finally paid off. His win secured him the prestigious Scripps Cup trophy, a commemorative medal, and a $50,000 cash prize. This year’s bee was particularly momentous, celebrating its 100th anniversary with 243 contestants, aged 8 to 14, competing from around the world at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
Faizan’s triumph was made even more special by the fact that only nine spellers advanced to the final round. As he correctly spelled the championship word, he sank to the floor in astonishment as confetti showered from above—a symbol of both relief and celebration. “I’m going to be having nightmares about that tonight,” he joked, still awestruck by the experience.
His journey was marked by perseverance. After three prior appearances at the national level, including a near-victory in 2024 when he lost in a dramatic tiebreaker to his friend and fellow top speller Bruhat Soma, Faizan returned this year with renewed determination. Bruhat, ever the good sport, quipped after the 2024 contest that Faizan “cared too much about his aura”—a comment now turned into light-hearted history.
Faizan’s parents, Arshia Quadri and Zaki Anwar, never pressured him for results. “We just wanted him to enjoy the experience,” said his father. “If he could make it through a few rounds, we were happy. But this is amazing!” His mother added, “He just enjoys learning new words. It’s something that came naturally to him.”
Zaki Anwar proudly called his son “the GOAT,” praising his unmatched dedication to mastering vocabulary. “He knows the dictionary like the back of his hand,” he said.
Faizan's victory is more than just a personal milestone; it’s an inspiration for young word-lovers everywhere. His story reflects not just intelligence, but persistence, humility, and the quiet passion that can turn a childhood hobby into a championship moment.
