Fourteen-year-old Dev Shah of Largo, Florida Triumphs at the 95th Scripps National Spelling Bee

Fourteen-year-old Dev Shah of Largo, Florida is the champion of the 95th Scripps National Spelling Bee. Shah beat out his final opponent, eighth-grader Charlotte Walsh of Arlington, Virginia, by correctly spelling the word “psammophile,” which is defined by Merriam-Webster as “an organism that prefers or thrives in sandy soils or areas.”

Shah had his spelling career interrupted by the pandemic, then didn’t make it out of his regional bee last year. This year, he made it through his highly competitive regional for a third and final try at the national title, and he ended up holding the trophy over his head as confetti fell.

Shah asked for the word to be used in a sentence, something he described a day earlier as a “dream come true.” He then asked precise questions about obscure Greek roots, rushed through his second-to-last word and rolled to the Scripps National Spelling Bee title Thursday night.

“It’s surreal,” Shah said after being announced the champion. “I’m so happy and grateful to have this opportunity. I’m just so thankful for everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is an annual competition that tests the spelling and vocabulary skills of students from across the United States. This year, Shah emerged as the champion, and his victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication.