Shrey Parikh Wins Scripps National Spelling Bee with Record-Breaking Performance
Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee after a record-breaking performance in a spell-off. Parikh spelled 32 words correctly in 90 seconds, securing the victory over runner-up Ishaan Gupta, who spelled 25 words. This win marks a significant achievement for Parikh, who had previously ranked 89th in 2022 and third in 2024. The competition, held at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., featured 247 participants from various regions, including the U.S. and international locations.