Faizan Zaki is a 13-year-old student from Allen, Texas, who gained national recognition by winning the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. He is a seventh-grader at C.M. Rice Middle School in the Dallas area. Zaki's journey in the spelling bee began at a young age, and he has been consistently improving his performance over the years. His first appearance at the national level was in 2019, where he finished 370th. By 2023, he had advanced to 21st place, and in 2024, he came close to winning, finishing as the runner-up in a spell-off. Zaki's determination and perseverance paid off when he correctly spelled "éclaircissement" in the final round of the 2025 competition, securing the championship title. This achievement marked him as only the fifth speller in the history of the Scripps National Spelling Bee to win after coming in second place the previous year. His victory was celebrated as a testament to his hard work and focus, attributes that Adam Symson, CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company, highlighted during the presentation of the championship trophy. As a champion, Zaki received a cash prize of $50,000 along with a commemorative medal. His success has drawn attention to the consistent excellence of participants from diverse backgrounds in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Zaki's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the broader trend of academic excellence among young students in competitive events. His story serves as an inspiration for many, emphasizing the importance of dedication and resilience in achieving success.