Faizan Zaki’s incredible spelling bee victory over the past week has sparked a wave of admiration, both for his poise under duress and for the crucial part his parents played in helping him get to this point. Millions of people watched as 13-year-old Faizan stood tall at the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals, spelling the French word “éclaircissement” with assurance. However, that assurance was the result of many hours of preparation and a very encouraging family that influenced his course in remarkably subtle and reliable ways.
Faizan was raised in Dallas, Texas, and his early passion for words was not forced upon him. It developed organically in his home, where learning a language became a family activity. Dr. Arshia Quadri, his Hyderabad-born mother, saw his talent early on. She still remembers filming him reading complete sentences with ease when he was only two years old. Zaki Anwar, his proud father with Khammam ancestry, often talked about how Faizan’s journey began more as a bonding activity than an academic race.
Faizan Zaki – Biography and Family Snapshot
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Faizan Zaki |
| Age | 13 |
| Birthplace | Dallas, Texas, United States |
| Education | Student at C.M. Rice Middle School |
| Major Achievement | Winner of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee |
| Winning Word | éclaircissement |
| Mother | Dr. Arshia Quadri (Hyderabad origin, medical doctor) |
| Father | Zaki Anwar (roots from Khammam, India) |
| Sibling | Twin sister Zara Zaki |
| Ethnic Background | Indian-American |
| Aspirations | Future neurosurgeon, plans to donate part of his prize money to charity |
The Zaki family created a foundational love of language by turning regular family time into word games and reading marathons. When Faizan started taking his preparations for national competition seriously, this environment was especially helpful. There was a great deal of pressure. Faizan reportedly dedicated herself to daily study routines after placing second in the 2024 bee, sometimes going up to six hours during the week and more on the weekends.
The strain of expectations had started to wear him down by the middle of April. Faizan freely acknowledged experiencing burnout, a feeling that many accomplished students experience but rarely express. His parents decided to be present rather than put pressure on him at that time. They silently encouraged him, sometimes simply sitting by him while he studied, rather than telling him to work harder. Faizan benefited greatly from this kind of nonverbal support, which helped to emotionally ground him when he needed it most.
Following the victory, Zaki Anwar’s pride was evident. He referred to his son as “the GOAT” in an interview, grinning with the unadulterated awe of a father. His remarks struck a chord with many people, in part because they were surprisingly human in a highly competitive environment. His mother, who was equally proud, said that Faizan’s learning process was “easy” in certain respects and that his curiosity always took the lead.
What makes their parenting unique is the way they combine structure and humility. Their strategy was based on possibility rather than pressure. Faizan’s victory was never forced; rather, it came about as a result of hard work and opportunity, supported by unwavering support.
The question of why Indian-American children so often win academic competitions has been revisited by analysts in recent days. Thirty of the last 36 Spelling Bee champions over the last 20 years have come from Indian-origin families. Researchers identify a number of contributing factors, including a tradition of multilingualism, a culture of education that emphasizes memorization and repetition, and notably high parental involvement. These conclusions are supported by Faizan’s story, which also shows how emotional support deepens academic achievement.
His victory has wider implications than just vocabulary proficiency. It honors a parenting style that strikes a balance between empathy and discipline. That equilibrium was demonstrated by Faizan’s parents. Instead of retreating, they assisted him in resetting, even when he was worn out. Their assistance came from observation, perseverance, and the capacity for attentive listening rather than from a manual.
Zara, Faizan’s twin sister, was another unwavering inspiration. “Oh my God, you’re going to win,” she assured him before the finals. He acknowledged that it was pleasant to hear the memory and grinned. Her unqualified belief became a component of his inner drive.
It was more than just the result of months of work when Faizan stood triumphant, lying on the stage floor as confetti fell; it was the symbol of a family’s arduous journey. A family that prioritized connection over rivalry and encouragement over enforcement.
With the goal of studying neurosurgery in college, he now intends to set aside half of his $50,000 prize money. He claims that the remaining half will be donated to aid the impoverished. This choice demonstrates a more profound aspect of his character, one that is based on thankfulness and influenced by morals taught at home. Faizan’s gesture stands out as a strikingly obvious reminder of character in a society that frequently gauges success solely by accolades.
Faizan is already considering his next move. He is studying linguistics, learning French, and even thinking about competing in the Math Olympiad in the future. But his parents’ influence will always be ingrained in his future, no matter what happens. Their approach, which is based on kindness, reliability, and hope, has not only worked but is also a model.