Shray Parekh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee by setting a new record in the lightning-round finale. - He correctly spelled 32 words in 90 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 29.
- The Day Creek Intermediate School eighth grader competed in Washington, D.C., with his parents. - Runner-up Isran spelled 25 words in the final round.
Shray's journey began when his teacher showed him the hotel for nationals, motivating him to participate. His achievement marks the first time a speller has reached 32 words in the competition's history.