The annual National Spelling Bee has concluded with a new champion, 14-year-old Shrey Parikh. Parikh secured his victory after a high-pressure 90-second lightning round, during which he correctly spelled 32 words. His performance allowed him to edge out 12-year-old runner-up Ishaan Gupta, who successfully spelled 25 words during the same tiebreaker session.

This year’s competition featured a field of 247 participants, ranging in age from nine to 15. The event tested the linguistic precision and composure of the young spellers under intense scrutiny. By outlasting his peers, Parikh earned the top title and a cash prize of $52,000.

The victory marks a significant achievement for Parikh, who navigated multiple rounds of rigorous competition to reach the final stage. The event continues to serve as a premier platform for showcasing academic excellence and dedication among students across the country.