A 14-year-old California student has taken top honors at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, outlasting 247 competitors in a three-day contest at Washington’s Constitution Hall.
Shrey Parikh emerged victorious, correctly spelling 32 words in the final round, including the winning word “cashaw,” a type of pumpkin, to claim a $52,000 cash prize.
National Spelling Bee Winner
The annual contest, now in its 101st year, drew spellers aged 9 to 15 from across the country, with the final nine contestants facing off on stage in front of family and friends.
In the final round, Shrey went head-to-head against 12-year-old Ishaan Gupta from New Jersey, who correctly spelled 25 words in the allotted 90 seconds.
Spelling Bee Competition
Despite his calm demeanor, Shrey admitted to feeling nervous early on, saying he had to trust his instincts to get the words right.
The competition has become a beloved American tradition, showcasing the linguistic skills and dedication of young students from coast to coast.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee has been a launching pad for many young scholars, with past winners going on to achieve great things in their academic and professional careers.
