The 13-year-old who lost in a lightning-round tiebreaker last year, outlasted eight other accomplished spellers to win the title on Thursday.
OXON HILL, Md. — Faizan Zaki nearly threw away his opportunity to go from runner-up to champion at the Scripps National Spelling Bee with a shocking moment of overconfidence. Given a second chance, he seized the title of best speller in the English language.
The 13-year-old from Allen, Texas, who lost in a lightning-round tiebreaker last year, outlasted eight other accomplished spellers to win the title on Thursday night, including two that he let back into the competition after his own careless flub.
Told to take a deep breath before his final word, “eclaircissement,” he didn’t ask a single question before spelling it correctly, and he pumped his fists and collapsed to the stage after saying the final letter.
Plano ISD, the school district Zaki attends, congratulated him in a celebratory social media post following his win.
What does the Scripps National Spelling Bee winner get?
The winner receives a custom trophy and more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. Here are the prize payouts:
— First place: $52,500 in cash, reference works from Encyclopaedia Britannica and Merriam-Webster, and a $1,000 contribution to a school of the champion’s choice.
— Second place: $25,000.
— Third place: $15,000.
— Fourth place: $10,000.
— Fifth place: $5,000.
— Sixth place: $2,500.
— All other finalists: $2,000.
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