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 $50,000 grand prize.

Parikh, an eighth grader from Rancho Cucamonga, set a new record for the shootout-style finish, which was introduced in 2022 to prevent deadlocks.

His victory marks the third time the national competition has been decided by a spell-off, concluding a six-year competitive career for the young champion.