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Spell-Off Showdown: Calif. Teen Wins $50K National Bee
29 May
Summary
- Eighth grader Shrey Parikh won the bee in a record-breaking spell-off.
- The spell-off format returned, determining a single winner after nine rounds.
- A sixth grader captivated the audience with his enthusiastic performance.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee concluded with a dramatic spell-off, crowning eighth grader Shrey Parikh of Rancho Cucamonga, California, as champion. Parikh achieved a spell-off record, correctly spelling 32 words in 90 seconds to defeat finalist Ishaan Gupta. This victory earned Parikh $50,000 and the Scripps Cup. The spell-off, reintroduced in 2021, aims to prevent multiple winners and added excitement to the final rounds.
Earlier rounds proved challenging, with Round 3 eliminating four contestants. Notable eliminations included Aiden Meng and Oliver Halkett, both from California. Eighth grader Avishka Dudala was tripped up by a tricky pronunciation, while Zwe Spacetime's run ended on a mineral name, with his sister, 2021 winner Zaila Avant-garde, watching.
Sixth grader Logan Bailey from Houston captured the audience's hearts with his exuberant reactions to correctly spelled words. Although eliminated on the word "Quincke tube," his infectious enthusiasm made him a fan favorite. Head judge Mary Brooks continued her role of comforting eliminated contestants, offering words of encouragement to the young spellers.
