Scripps National Spelling Bee Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Riveting Competition

OXON HILL, Md. – The Scripps National Spelling Bee is celebrating a century of competition, language, and academic excellence. The event, which began in 1925 with just nine spellers, has blossomed into a global showcase of talent. This year’s finals will air live on ION on Thursday, May 29, from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the famous bee, but technically, it is the 97th iteration because the competition was canceled during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite those interruptions, this year’s champion will be recognized as the 110th due to several years ending with co-champions.

The preliminary rounds begin today, featuring 243 spellers from across the U.S. and beyond, including participants from Canada, Puerto Rico, and several other countries. Among the top contenders is Faizan Zaki, last year’s runner-up, who is back for another chance.

Spellers must qualify through regional competitions, having not advanced beyond the eighth grade or turned 15. They participate in different rounds, including oral spelling and vocabulary tests, leading to a final round that will determine the winner. Words used in the bee come from the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

The competition has had remarkable effects on past champions. Karthik Nemmani, who won in 2018, reflected on how learning to spell complex words has aided his academic success. Another champion, Nupur Lala, expressed how her experience prepared her for her career in neuro-oncology.

As the bee prepares to crown its next champion, excitement is in the air. Finals will determine who will take home over $50,000 in cash and prizes. This year’s bee promises to be a celebration of language and skill on its milestone anniversary.