OXON HILL, Md. – Bruhat Soma, a 12-year-old seventh-grader from Tampa, Florida, conquered the Scripps National Spelling Bee stage with remarkable poise, clinching victory in a lightning-round tiebreaker that left spectators both amazed and perplexed. Soma, who hadn’t lost a spelling bee in the past eight months, showcased his exceptional spelling skills by breezing through 30 words in just 90 seconds during the intense spell-off. The judges determined that he spelled 29 of them correctly, outshining his competitor, Faizan Zaki, and securing the championship title along with a trophy and over $50,000 in cash and prizes.
Despite his nerves during the waiting period before his turn, Soma’s confidence never wavered when he faced the microphone, showcasing the result of six months of daily rehearsals for the spell-off. The final rounds of the competition, which saw the smallest number of spellers since 2010, were met with mixed reactions due to the unexpected introduction of the lightning-round tiebreaker. Observers, including former champion Dev Shah, expressed disappointment and confusion over the unorthodox conclusion to the prestigious event.
While Soma’s victory was undisputed, some critics questioned the emphasis on speed and commercial breaks that interrupted the flow of the competition. The use of a spell-off as a time-saving measure raised concerns about the traditional nature of the spelling bee, prompting calls for a more traditional duel between the top contenders before resorting to such mechanisms. As Soma celebrated his win, his competitor, Faizan, found solace in the support of fellow spellers after an emotional elimination following the tiebreaker.
Soma’s remarkable journey to victory was marked by months of intense preparation and multiple wins in other spelling competitions prior to his triumph at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Despite a minor setback in a previous bee, Soma’s determination and unwavering focus propelled him to success on the grand stage. His win underscores the continued dominance of Indian American spellers in the competition, with a significant number of champions and contenders hailing from the Indian American community.
The significance of Soma’s achievement is further highlighted by the legacy of past champions like Nupur Lala, whose inspirational story continues to resonate with aspiring spellers. The involvement of former spellers turned coaches, like 16-year-old Sam Evans, in shaping the success of emerging talents adds a unique dimension to the evolving landscape of competitive spelling. Soma’s win not only symbolizes individual triumph but also represents a proud moment in the collective narrative of Indian American excellence in the realm of spelling competitions.