The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee's Double-Digit Champion

Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, has emerged victorious in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, defeating Ishaan Gupta, a 12-year-old from Jersey City, New Jersey.

Shrey, who finished third in 2024 but lost his school bee last year due to a fever, has been a dominant force in the bee circuit, winning several online competitions against many of the same kids he faced this week.

The final round of the bee was a tense, high-quality showdown, with Shrey spelling 32 words correctly and Ishaan spelling 25 words correctly in the tiebreaker.

A Familiar Pattern from the 2025 Bee

The win marked Shrey's second consecutive victory in the bee, following his triumph in 2025.

This achievement solidifies Shrey's position as a top contender in the world of competitive spelling.

What's Next for Shrey Parikh?

As Shrey continues to dominate the bee circuit, fans and competitors alike are eager to see what the future holds for this talented young speller.

Will Shrey's winning streak continue, or will a new challenger emerge to take the top spot?

The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee's Venue and Broadcast

The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee was held at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D .C., and was broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN2.

This high-profile event drew in a large audience, eager to witness the culmination of Shrey's hard work and dedication.