May 29: Fourteen-year-old Indian-American student Shrey Parikh from California has won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, delivering a standout performance in a closely contested final round.
Parikh, an eighth-grade student at Day Creek Intermediate School in Rancho Cucamonga, secured the championship title after correctly spelling “bromocriptine,” a polypeptide alkaloid used in medical treatments. His victory came during a high-pressure 90-second spell-off round that tested speed, accuracy, and composure.
In a record-breaking performance, Parikh successfully spelled 32 out of 35 words in the final round, surpassing the previous benchmark set in 2024 and setting a new standard for the competition. The win marks one of the most impressive finishes in the Bee’s recent history.
The contest concluded after an intense showdown among top finalists. Twelve-year-old Ishaan Gupta from Jersey City, New Jersey, finished as runner-up and received $25,000, while another 12-year-old finalist, Sarv Dharavane from Tucker, Georgia, secured third place and a prize of $15,000.
Organizers noted that this year’s edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee was among the most competitive, with participants demonstrating exceptional linguistic skill and preparation throughout the tournament.
Parikh’s victory highlights the continued strong performance of Indian-American students in the prestigious academic competition, which draws top young spellers from across the United States.