Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Texas, won the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee with the word “eclaircissement.” Known for his expressive style, Faizan nearly slipped with an early mistake but recovered to secure the title. He was runner-up last year and is now one of the few to return and win after finishing second.

In its centennial year, the Spelling Bee delivered an intense showcase of brilliance, with competitors achieving flawless rounds and pushing the limits of linguistic mastery. Faizan, passionate about language since age 7, stood out for his enthusiasm and love for obscure words. His total prize money now stands at $77,500, and he plans to donate much of it to charity.