Faizan Zaki
Faizan Zaki | |
|---|---|
 Faizan Zaki, winner of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee | |
| Born | March 15, 2012 |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Years active | 2019-2025 |
| Organization | Scripps National Spelling Bee |
| Known for | Winning the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. |
| Title | Champion of the Scripps National Spelling Bee |
| Predecessor | Bruhat Soma |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | Zara Jabeen (sister) |
Faizan Zaki is an Indian-American spelling bee contestant known for winning the 97th Scripps National Spelling Bee that marks the 100th anniversary of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Biography
Faizan is a student from Allen, Texas, attending C. M. Rice Middle School in the Plano Independent School District (ISD).[1] He developed an interest in spelling at a young age and began competing in spelling bees at the age of seven.[2] At seven years old, he was the youngest participant in the nationals, competing in the 92nd Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2019.[3] In 2023, he advanced to the semifinals and tied for 21st place.[4] In 2024, he finished in second place, losing in a spell-off against Bruhat Soma, the champion of the year, from St. Petersburg, Florida.[5]
In 2025, he returned to the national finals. Nearing the end of the competition, he misspelled "commelina" by rushing. He confused the word with "kamelaika", a variant spelling of the word "kamleika". However, he was able to once more surpass Sarvadnya Kadam, the second-place, and Sarv Dharavane, the third-place, by spelling the word "éclaircissement" correct and taking the championship.[6]
Other interests
Beyond spelling, Faizan has an interest in astronomy and playing the viola.[3] In addition to his spelling achievements, Faizan enjoys speedcubing and aspires to pursue a career in medicine or linguistics. [7]
References
- ^ "North Texas 12-year-old places 2nd in National Spelling Bee, prepping for next year". WFAA. 4 June 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
- ^ "Meet the Spellers". Scripps National Spelling Bee. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
- ^ a b "Meet the youngest speller at the 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee". ABC Action News. 27 May 2019. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
- ^ "Plano ISD student wins second place at 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee". Local Profile. 3 June 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
- ^ "A Plano sixth-grader almost won the Scripps National Spelling Bee last night". D Magazine. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
- ^ "Faizan Zaki overcomes a shocking, self-inflicted flub and wins the Scripps National Spelling Bee". AP News. 2025-05-30. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ "Allen 6th grader Faizan Zaki claims second place at National Spelling Bee". The Dallas Morning News. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2025.