US EditionOhio Valley sixth-grader heads to 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee
- The 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee begins May 27 with Faizan returning to compete for the title in Washington, D.C.
- The bee eliminated the mandatory spell-off tiebreaker used when the two-hour broadcast nears its end due to criticism of last year’s abrupt finish.
- Judges now have discretion to let the competition continue into overtime, allowing more regular competition instead of forcing a speedy tie-breaker round.
- A 40-question written test returned to preliminaries to fairly reduce competitors to about 100 quarterfinalists, with editorial director Molly Becker noting spellers appreciate its equal word examination.
- These changes aim to reduce pressure during finals and support the program’s growth while preserving the competition’s fairness and drama.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Ohio Valley sixth-grader heads to 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee
MINGO JUNCTION, Ohio - Indian Creek Middle School sixth-grader Kaden Haddox is getting ready as he heads to the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee later this month. Haddox, the son of Nick and Jessica Haddox of Steubenville, earned the spot when he correctly spelled the word “abscess” during the 2025 Jefferson-Harrison Regional Spelling Bee at Buckeye North Elementary School in March. He faced 29 challengers and lasted 41 rounds to win the comp…
The Morning Sun
Scripps National Spelling Bee tweaks its rules to make ‘spell-off’ tiebreaker less likely
By BEN NUCKOLS WASHINGTON (AP) — The Scripps National Spelling Bee won’t be so quick to force spellers into a lightning-round tiebreaker to decide a champion this year, a shift that follows criticism of the abrupt ending to last year’s competition. Related Articles Kane Brown’s unique country sounds coming to Michigan for two-night concert Movies playing in Southeast Michigan, new releases May 9 ‘T…
After Backlash, National Spelling Bee Makes a Change
Major changes are coming to the Scripps National Spelling Bee this year following backlash over last year's abrupt finale. Scripps has dropped its rule requiring a rapid-fire "spell-off" tiebreaker when the finals push up against the end of their scheduled TV slot. Now, judges can let regular competition continue into...
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