Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, holds the trophy after winning the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP ...

Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, holds the trophy after winning the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP ...

Faizan Zaki, 13, of Dallas, reacts after spelling a word correctly in the semifinals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) ...

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.

By BEN NUCKOLS OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — 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 ...

Faizan Zaki wins the Scripps National Spelling Bee. His winning word, "éclaircissement," capped off an impressive spelling streak. He plans to donate a large portion of his $52,500 prize.