Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old eighth grader from Rancho Cucamonga, California, wins the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, the 98th annual competition. Multiple outlets report that Parikh takes the title after a high-stakes “spell-off,” where he correctly spells a series of challenging words. CBS News specifically notes that he spells 32 words in 90 seconds during the final tiebreaker. The coverage describes the spell-off as the decisive moment in determining the champion. Reporting also emphasizes the prize associated with the win, including a $50,000 cash prize referenced by Newsweek. Other outlets focus on Parikh’s performance with difficult terms, citing examples such as “bromocriptine,” “cywyddau,” and “taurokathapsia.” Parikh is named champion following the conclusion of the final round, and CBS News additionally includes his reaction after the victory. Overall, the accounts agree that Parikh’s final-round performance secures his first national spelling bee title in 2026.