Strategies differ for finalists at Scripps National Spelling Bee

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Nine finalists, including experienced spellers like Shrey Parikh and newcomers like Sarv Dharavane, are preparing with markedly different strategies ahead of the Scripps National Spelling Bee final on Thursday night. Their varied approaches—from intensive coaching and specialized study to minimalist self-study—highlight the diverse paths competitors take to tackle the challenging words and vie for the national title.

As the Scripps National Spelling Bee approaches its final round on Thursday night, contestants are employing notably different strategies to secure the coveted title. Among the nine finalists advancing from Wednesday’s semifinals are seasoned spellers and emerging talents, each with their own unique preparation methods.

Fourteen-year-old Shrey Parikh from Rancho Cucamonga, California, is among the frontrunners. Parikh, who placed third in the 2024 competition, is in his final year of eligibility and has dedicated considerable resources to his preparation. He works with three coaches, invests in specialized word lists and study guides, and studies extensively the roots and patterns of Greek and Latin languages. He also participates in online bees throughout the year, competing against other top spellers nationwide. Parikh’s method exemplifies a comprehensive and disciplined approach.

“At the end of finals, most of the words aren’t going to have a really clean-cut language pattern or rule that you can pull from," noted Sam Evans, who coached the last two national champions. "So I think memorization is really important. Sometimes it gets a bad reputation, but you have to do it.”

In contrast, 12-year-old Sarv Dharavane from Dunwoody, Georgia, takes a more minimalist but equally effective approach. Dharavane, who secured third place last year as a relative newcomer to the spelling bee community, trains without a coach or participation in online competitions. His sole study resource is Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged dictionary, the official reference for the contest’s words.

“The book is my coach,” Dharavane said. He noted that he maintained the same strategy for this year’s competition, opting to continue his previous regimen, which already yielded significant success.

The remaining finalists include 14-year-old eighth-graders Oliver Halkett of Los Angeles and Zwe Spacetime from Fort Washington, Maryland; 13-year-old seventh-graders Aiden Meng of Orinda, California; Kushi Gottimukkala of Morrisville, North Carolina; Avishka Dudala of Prosper, Texas; and 12-year-old seventh-grader Ishaan Gupta of Jersey City, New Jersey, as well as 12-year-old sixth-grader Logan Bailey from Houston.

Another notable participant was 12-year-old Seraj Zerhouni, a sixth grader from LaSalle II Elementary School in Chicago and the winner of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) spelling bee in March. Zerhouni competed in the early rounds in Washington, placing tied for 55th after misspelling “Graustark” in the sixth round.

With such a diverse range of preparation tactics and backgrounds among the finalists, Thursday’s championship round is set to showcase a wide spectrum of spelling expertise and skill.