OXON HILL, Md. (AP) -- Faizan Zaki's enthusiasm for spelling nearly got the better of him. Ultimately, his joyful approach made him the Scripps National Spelling Bee champion.

E.W. Scripps Company president and CEO Adam Symson presents the trophy to Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, the winner of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md.

Faizan Zaki was declared the winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, May 29. After three days of competition, Zaki beat the other nine finalists to win the competition.

Wearing his winner’s shirt hours after the final round, Faizan Zaki was still soaking in his triumph as the newest Scripps National Spelling Bee champion. “I’m still trying to process that I ...

Faizan Zaki has been spelling for most of his life. He first competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2019 when he was just 7 years old, getting in through a wild-card programme that no ...

He had everything under control. Faizan Zaki celebrates after winning the Scripps National Spelling Bee championship. And after finishing second the year prior, the moment still felt elusive.

Because he made sure there was no spell-off. But he also didn’t make it easy on himself. Zaki bested Sarvadnya Kadam in the 20th round to win the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday ...

Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, reacts Thursday as he wins the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Oxon Hill, Md. JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS BEN NUCKOLS Associated Press ...

Faizan Zaki, champion of 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, poses with some of his trophies he won during his spelling journey, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his residence in Allen. (Shafkat ...

Faizan Zaki Wins Spelling Bee The 13-year-old champion dropped to the floor after correctly spelling the word “éclaircissement,” taking home the Scripps National Spelling Bee trophy.

OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — Faizan Zaki's enthusiasm for spelling nearly got the better of him. Ultimately, his joyful approach made him the Scripps National Spelling Bee champion.