Shrey Parikh has won the National Spelling Bee

What's happened

Shrey Parikh, 14, from Rancho Cucamonga, has won the National Spelling Bee after a 32-word spell-off against Ishaan Gupta, setting a record for a 90-second round. The victory concludes a six-year run in competitive spelling and follows a prior miss in 2024. Parikh’s win includes a $50,000 prize and a Scripps Cup.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

Shrey Parikh has secured the championship amid a highly competitive field of finalists. The event has featured a spell-off format since 2021, which favors rapid recall and composure under pressure.
The win continues a notable trend of champions with Indian heritage and showcases the benefits of disciplined preparation (coaching, online practice, and targeted studying).
The 90-second spell-off format has produced dramatic outcomes, with Parikh achieving 32 words in a single round while opponent Ishaan Gupta spells 25. The format increases the salience of speed and accuracy in finals.
The victory may influence aspiring spellers by highlighting resilience after previous setbacks, including Parikh’s fever-related exit in 2023/2024 campaigns and his subsequent comeback.
Looking ahead, the bee ecosystem may see continued emphasis on coaching networks and online participation as pathways to national titles.

How we got here

Parikh has built a dominant track record in online and classroom bees after a fever forced him to miss last year’s regional bee. He has since trained with coaches and study guides, steadily improving to claim the championship in Washington, D.C.

Our analysis

The Independent reports Parikh’s win and notes the 32-word spell-off; NY Post and AP also cover the event with similar details. The New York Times provides a concise summary of final word counts and prize.

Go deeper

What does this win mean for Parikh’s future in spelling competitions?
How has the spell-off format evolved since its introduction?
What role did coaching and online practice play in Parikh’s preparation?