Faizan Zaki, age 13, spelled the word “eclaircissement” and collapsed on the floor in victory as confetti showered him at the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee last week.

OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — Faizan Zaki's enthusiasm for spelling nearly got the better of him. Ultimately, his joyful approach made him the Scripps National Spelling Bee champion.

Gabriel uses practice spelling apps on the phone, but beyond trying to memorize the whole dictionary, he’s at a loss for how to better his game. He’s a natural, said his mom, Whitney Aguirre.