California Eighth-Grader Wins 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee
A 14-year-old student from Rancho Cucamonga, California, won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 28. He defeated the other finalist in a 90-second spell-off by correctly spelling 32 words.
indiatoday.intoday.inA 14-year-old eighth-grader from Rancho Cucamonga, California, won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 28 at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The student, Shrey Parikh, correctly spelled the word bromocriptine to claim the title after a final spell-off against fellow finalist Ishan Gupta. He spelled 32 words in 90 seconds, setting a new spell-off record according to Scripps.
Parikh said his practice method of typing words helped him during the rapid spell-off. He told ABC News he prepared by trying to spell as many words as possible each day. The event featured 247 spellers ages 9 to 15 representing all 50 states, U.S. territories, and several countries.
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes served as host alongside longtime analyst Paul Loeffler, with a new production team led by Michael Davies.
Parikh previously placed 89th in 2022 and tied for third in 2024. He missed the 2025 competition due to illness. "It honestly feels amazing," Parikh said in a May 29 interview on Good Morning America. " Along with the championship trophy, Parikh received more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.
The 2026 bee marked his final year of eligibility.
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