13-Year-Old Wins Spelling Bee
In a stunning display of perseverance, preparation, and poise, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki emerged as the champion of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, triumphantly claiming the coveted title just one year after narrowly missing it in 2024. The middle schooler from Irving, Texas, captured hearts across the nation as he returned to the competition with renewed determination, culminating in his flawless spelling of the final, and winning, word: éclaircissement — a French-derived term meaning “an enlightening explanation.”
On Friday morning, Zaki joined the TODAY show for a celebratory interview, radiating confidence and humility. Speaking with hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, Faizan reflected on his spelling journey, the emotions behind his hard-fought victory, and the lessons he learned in the year between placing second and winning it all.
A Year of Redemption
When asked what it felt like to hear the announcement that he had won the 2025 Spelling Bee, Faizan broke into a wide grin. “It was surreal. Last year, when I got second, I told myself I’d come back stronger, and I worked every single day with that goal in mind. To actually win this time — it’s a dream come true.”
In 2024, Faizan’s run had ended in heartbreak when he stumbled on a particularly obscure word in the final rounds. That moment, however, only fueled his motivation. He described the past year as “intense but rewarding,” marked by hours of studying root languages, expanding his knowledge of etymology, and mastering thousands of words—some so rare that they barely appear in modern usage.
“I realized that it’s not just about memorizing words,” he said. “It’s about understanding where they come from — the roots, the prefixes, the patterns across different languages. That helped me so much this year.”
The Winning Word: éclaircissement
The moment that secured Faizan’s place in spelling bee history came when he was asked to spell éclaircissement. A hush fell over the auditorium as he calmly asked for the word’s definition and language of origin. “French,” the judges confirmed.
“I had seen that word before,” he recalled during the interview. “It’s one of those beautiful French words that shows up in literature and philosophy. I practiced it about a month ago. When I heard it, I knew I had to slow down and trust my preparation.”
Letter by letter, Faizan spelled it perfectly, drawing applause from the audience and an audible sigh of relief from his family members in the front row. Moments later, the confetti fell, and Faizan stood smiling with the championship trophy in hand.
Plans for the Future
Though just 13, Faizan already speaks with a maturity beyond his years. When asked what he plans to do next, he responded with clarity and enthusiasm. “I want to keep learning languages. I love how words connect people and cultures. I’m especially interested in Latin and Sanskrit — they have such deep roots in so many modern languages.”
He also expressed a desire to pursue a career in linguistics or international law. “I want to do something that makes a difference, and I think understanding language can help solve global problems.”
What About the Prize Money?
As the champion, Faizan took home a $50,000 cash prize, along with other awards including a reference library and a trip to the White House. But for this grounded teen, the money isn’t about extravagance.
“I’m planning to save most of it for college,” he said. “But I also want to donate a portion to literacy charities. I know how lucky I am to have had access to books and tutors and competitions. Not everyone does, and I want to help change that.”
Family, Faith, and Focus
Behind Faizan’s success stands a strong support system — his parents, teachers, and a network of spelling mentors who guided him through the rigorous preparation process. His parents, who appeared briefly during the TODAY segment, spoke proudly about his dedication and discipline.
“We never had to push him,” his mother said. “Faizan was self-driven. He set this goal for himself and worked tirelessly to achieve it.”
Faizan also credits his Islamic faith for helping him stay grounded. “I pray before each round,” he shared. “It helps me focus and stay calm.”
A Role Model for Young Learners
Faizan Zaki’s journey from runner-up to champion is more than just a spelling bee success story — it’s a testament to resilience, intellectual curiosity, and the power of second chances. His win is already inspiring a new generation of young spellers and learners across the country.
As he wrapped up his interview on TODAY, Faizan offered a piece of advice to aspiring spellers. “Don’t be afraid of failure. If you love learning, and you keep going even after a setback, you can accomplish amazing things.”
Wise words from a young champion whose story is just beginning.
