Shrey Parikh Wins Spelling Bee

14-year-old Shrey Parikh from California has won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee after a dramatic lightning-round spell-off.

He correctly spelled 32 words in 90 seconds to secure the $52,500 grand prize and orthographic immortality.

Parikh, a returning competitor, outperformed hundreds of other students in the final rounds held in Maryland.

His victory was sealed when he correctly spelled 'psammophile' in the closing moments of the competition.

The event remains one of the most prestigious academic challenges for students in the United States.