Bruhat Soma’s Spectacular Victory at the Scripps National Spelling Bee

In a remarkable display of spelling prowess, Bruhat Soma clinched victory in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, marking only the second spell-off in the competition’s history. Bruhat dazzled the audience and judges alike by correctly spelling 29 words in just 90 seconds, including challenging terms like “heautophany,” “nachschläge,” and “puszta.”

The spell-off, held on Thursday night, saw Bruhat outpace his competitor, Faizan Zaki, a sixth-grader from Dallas, who correctly spelled 20 words. Bruhat’s performance not only earned him the coveted Scripps Cup and a grand prize of $50,000 but also shattered the previous spell-off record of 22 correct words set in 2022.

Standing on stage amid a shower of confetti, the 12-year-old from Tampa, Florida, was visibly stunned by his triumph. “It’s been my goal for the past year to win,” Bruhat, a seventh-grader, said. “I can’t describe it. I’m so shaky.”

Bruhat’s journey to the Scripps Cup was driven by determination and resilience. Last year, he was eliminated in the first round of the quarterfinals, tying for 74th place. Reflecting on that experience, he shared in a recorded interview aired during the competition, “I was pretty disappointed by my performance, and I knew I had to work harder.” His participation in 2022 had also ended prematurely, with a tie for 163rd place.

From the moment Bruhat tackled his first word of the night, “habitude,” which means one’s usual disposition or mode of behavior, it was clear he was prepared for the challenge. As the competition progressed, he confidently spelled complex words like “Okvik,” an Alaskan geographical name, and “hoofddorp,” a Dutch term. Bruhat’s composure on stage was evident as he methodically thought through each word, often mimicking typing the letters in the air.

Following his spectacular win, Bruhat was joined on stage by his proud parents and two siblings. His family’s joy and pride in his achievement were palpable. In a prerecorded interview shown during the event, Bruhat revealed that he is not only a spelling enthusiast but also enjoys basketball, citing LeBron James as his favorite player. According to his bio on the Scripps National Spelling Bee website, Bruhat’s hobbies also include reading, ping-pong, and badminton, and he plays the snare drum in his middle school band.

Throughout the competition, Bruhat’s forehead bore a vermilion tika, a Hindu symbol of power and purity. His parents shared that Bruhat has memorized about 80 percent of the sacred Hindu texts, the Bhagavad Gita, a testament to his dedication and discipline.

Bruhat’s victory is a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. He had set his sights on the Scripps Cup following his early eliminations in previous years. His methodical preparation and determination to improve were evident in his flawless performance during the spell-off.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee, renowned for its challenging words and intense competition, has seen many talented spellers over the years, but Bruhat’s record-breaking spell-off will be remembered as one of the most impressive displays of spelling mastery. His ability to remain calm under pressure and his strategic approach to spelling complex words showcased his exceptional talent and preparation.

As the confetti settled and the cheers from the audience faded, Bruhat stood as a symbol of dedication and excellence. His victory not only earned him the Scripps Cup but also inspired countless young spellers watching the competition. Bruhat Soma’s name will be etched in the history of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, a testament to his hard work, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

In the days following his victory, Bruhat’s story of determination and success will undoubtedly inspire other young competitors to dream big and strive for greatness. His journey from disappointment to triumph exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and the rewards of relentless hard work. As Bruhat moves forward, his achievement at the Scripps National Spelling Bee will serve as a proud milestone in his academic and personal journey.