Bruhat Soma Wins Scripps National Spelling Bee in Dramatic Spell-Off

OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — Bruhat Soma, a 12-year-old seventh-grader from Tampa, Florida, showcased his extraordinary spelling abilities to claim victory in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Despite insisting he was nervous during the idle hours before taking the stage, Bruhat exhibited poise and confidence in front of the microphone. The competition culminated in a lightning-round tiebreaker, known as a "spell-off," where Bruhat excelled.

Having not lost a spelling bee in eight months, Bruhat entered the spell-off with determination. The intense final round required spellers to spell as many words as possible within 90 seconds. Bruhat managed to spell 30 words, of which 29 were correct, outpacing his competitor, Faizan Zaki, by nine words. As the champion, Bruhat received a trophy and more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Bruhat had diligently prepared for the spell-off, practicing every day for six months. "I was pretty confident that I had a chance at winning because I’ve been working so hard," he said. "And I really wanted to win. That’s why I practiced the spell-off so much."

The finals began with eight spellers, the fewest since 2010, and it was clear that Scripps aimed to fill the two-hour broadcast window on Ion, a network owned by the Cincinnati-based media company. Frequent and lengthy commercial breaks allowed spellers to interact with their coaches and supporters.

However, many observers felt the sudden shift to the tiebreaker was abrupt and unsatisfactory. "I don’t think it was a good bee," said Dev Shah, last year's champion. "It’s not about spelling as many words as you can in 90 seconds. That’s not what the spelling bee is."

The competition rules state that a spell-off is used in the interest of time, but the process left some, including former competitors, longing for a more traditional head-to-head battle. "I do wish that we would have gotten to see more of a duel between them," said Charlotte Walsh, who finished runner-up to Dev in 2023.

Scripps declared Bruhat’s winning word as “abseil,” defined as “descent in mountaineering by means of a rope looped over a projection above.” This was only the second time the spell-off format was used, with Harini Logan winning the previous year.

Following the spell-off, Faizan Zaki, a 12-year-old sixth-grader from Allen, Texas, was visibly emotional but received hugs and support from fellow competitors. Earlier, Faizan had confidently spelled “nicuri” in the regular competition without hesitation, showcasing his skill.

Bruhat’s journey to victory included winning the Words of Wisdom bee, the SpellPundit bee, and an online bee emceed by Dev Shah. His last defeat was in September at the WishWin senior spelling bee, where he misspelled “Gloucester.”

Among the challenging words he faced, Bruhat encountered "tennesi," a monetary unit of Turkmenistan, which he admitted he did not know. Ananya Prassanna, a 13-year-old from Apex, North Carolina, correctly spelled it, finishing tied for third.

Bruhat’s victory continues a notable trend, with 29 of the last 35 spelling bee champions being Indian American. His parents, immigrants from the southern Indian state of Telangana, reflect the strong representation of this community in the competition since 1999.

Nupur Lala, who won in 1999 and was featured in the documentary “Spellbound,” returned to the bee for the first time in a decade to witness this new generation of spellers.

Bruhat’s triumph was also a significant moment for 16-year-old coach Sam Evans, who guided three of the top four finishers, including Faizan and Shrey Parikh, a 12-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California. Evans praised Bruhat’s remarkable memory and composure, noting that he rarely appeared nervous.

“I always want to win. And this was, like, my main goal,” Bruhat said. “It didn’t matter if I won all those other bees. This is what I was aiming for. So I’m just really happy that I won this.”

With his remarkable performance, Bruhat Soma has cemented his place as a champion, inspiring future generations of spellers with his dedication and skill.

A Community of Champions

The success of Indian American spellers in recent years highlights a remarkable trend in the spelling bee community. With Bruhat Soma's victory, 29 out of the last 35 champions have been Indian American, demonstrating the significant impact of this community on the competition. This trend can be traced back to Nupur Lala's win in 1999, which inspired a generation of young spellers and was featured in the documentary "Spellbound." The influence of these champions extends beyond the competition, serving as role models for aspiring spellers and emphasizing the importance of dedication, practice, and resilience.

The Importance of Preparation and Strategy

Bruhat's dedication to practicing for the spell-off every day for six months underscores the importance of preparation and strategy in achieving success. His ability to remain calm under pressure and execute his plan flawlessly during the tiebreaker round highlights the value of thorough preparation and mental fortitude. This level of commitment is a testament to the rigorous training and support provided by his coaches and family, who played a crucial role in his journey to becoming a champion.

The Evolution of the Scripps National Spelling Bee

The Scripps National Spelling Bee continues to evolve, with the introduction of the spell-off format adding a new dimension to the competition. While this format has generated mixed reactions, it underscores the bee's commitment to adapting and finding ways to maintain excitement and engagement for both participants and viewers. The evolution of the competition reflects the broader changes in educational and extracurricular activities, emphasizing the need to balance tradition with innovation to keep the competition relevant and appealing to future generations.

Conclusion

Bruhat Soma's victory in the Scripps National Spelling Bee is a testament to his dedication, preparation, and resilience. His success, along with the broader trend of Indian American champions, highlights the impact of community support and the importance of role models in inspiring future generations. As the spelling bee continues to evolve, the commitment to maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation will ensure that it remains a cherished and significant competition for years to come.