Meet the Winners of the Scripps National Spelling Bee

After beginning the week with 284 competitors, the Scripps National Spelling Bee ended in a tie for the third year in a row, but it wasn’t without its thrills. Winners Nihar Janga and Jairam Hathwar went 25 rounds before splitting the title. Hathwar’s final word was Feldenkrais, while Janga helped earn his share of the win by spelling gesellschaft. Janga is the youngest Scripps champion ever, and Hathwar’s brother Sriram won the competition in 2014. The duo spoke with Carson Daly on Today. “We feel great. I mean, I didn’t expect it,” said Janga. “Because I’m so young. I’m just speechless.”

Spelling bees aren’t typically known for their excitement, but this one had some high-energy moments. Nihar was able to identify the definitions of several words before being prompted by the announcer, sending the audience into a roar of applause. Despite rule changes to prevent co-champions, these two youngsters get to share the prize. Until next year — happy spelling.

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