Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, wins the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee after a fast “spell-off” tiebreaker. Parikh defeats Ishaan Gupta of New Jersey, with both contestants getting 90 seconds to spell as many words as possible. Multiple outlets report that Parikh correctly spells 32 words during the spell-off, while the final outcome is decided on speed and accuracy under pressure. The competition spans three days and includes 18 rounds in some accounts, with a field that includes contestants from across the United States and other locations. Several reports note that the event is the 101st year of the national spelling competition and that tiebreakers of this type have been used more recently; NPR says rapid-fire spell-offs have been part of the event’s format since 2021. ABC News highlights that the win is featured on “Good Morning America.” Coverage also describes Parikh as an experienced competitor, including having been a finalist in the 2024 edition, and mentions that he receives multiple awards and prizes associated with the championship.
Shrey Parikh wins 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in 90-second spell-off
Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, wins the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee after a fast “spell-off” tiebreaker. Parikh defeats Ishaan Gupta of New Jersey, with both con...
- Shrey Parikh, 14, from Rancho Cucamonga, California, wins the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
- Parikh beats Ishaan Gupta of New Jersey in a lightning “spell-off.”
- The spell-off lasts 90 seconds, and Parikh correctly spells 32 words.
- The Bee takes place in Washington, D.C., over three days and is the competition’s 101st year.
- Parikh had previously been a finalist in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Parikh beat the previous spell-off record set in 2024 after he spelt 32 of the 35 words correctly in 90 seconds; of the nine finalists this year, five were of Indian origin
2 months agoShrey Parikh, a 14-year-old, won the competition this year after correctly spelling 32 words in a 90-second lighting round tiebreaker.
2 months agoHis final tally: 32 words spelled correctly in 90 seconds, a record for the shootout-style finish that was first used in 2022.
2 months agoShrey Parikh from Rancho Cucamonga, California, correctly spelled 32 words in 90 seconds, breaking a Spell-Off record, in the 101st anniversary of the game.
2 months agoShrey Parikh has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee, beating Ishaan Gupta in a lightning-round tiebreaker. Shrey is a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California.
2 months agoShrey Parikh felt his body shake from nerves and doubts every time he walked to the microphone at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the final test of a six-year competitive spelling career marked by triumph and heartbreak that he knew could end at any moment.
2 months ago
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed trial set for June 2028 with three co-defendants
A U.S. military judge sets a trial for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, accused by prosecutors as the “mastermind” of the Septemb...
Modern Asian-fusion pop-up announced for Perth, sparking debate on local dining needs
A “modern Asian fusion” pop-up is set to open in Perth, with coverage across major outlets highlighting the concept’s fo...
Murder investigation after Middlesbrough house fire kills two, police cite organised-crime links
Two people die in an early-hours house fire in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, prompting Cleveland Police to launch a murder...