15 Legendary Moments from 100 Years of the National Spelling Bee
These unforgettable spelling bee moments have defined a century of triumphs, surprises, and pure heart.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
The National Spelling Bee has had some unforgettable moments over the past 100 years. These 15 legendary moments show just how exciting spelling can be. Whether it made headlines or just touched hearts, every moment on this list is worth remembering.
1. Frank Neuhauser Wins the First Bee in 1925
Heather Temske on Wikimedia Commons
Frank Neuhauser walked into history by winning the very first National Spelling Bee. The word? “Gladiolus.” He was just 11 years old but was already setting the tone for future champions.
2. A Tie That Shocked Everyone in 2019
U.S. Embassy Ghana on Wikimedia Commons
For the first time ever, eight kids were declared co-champions after exhausting the competition’s hardest words. It was dubbed the “Oco-champs” year, and they each walked away with the full prize.
3. Akash Vukoti Becomes a Fan Favorite at Age 6
Anuj Nagar on Wikimedia Commons
In 2016, a 6-year-old charmer named Akash stole the show, even though he didn’t win. His confidence, flair, and bow tie made him a media darling and crowd favorite.
4. The Word That Made the Audience Gasp: “Erythromycin”
Giorgiogp2 on Wikimedia Commons
This medical term stumped many, but one contestant nailed it with calm precision. The crowd’s reaction was instant, equal parts awe and relief.
5. Jody Anne Maxwell, the First Caribbean Winner
U.S. Embassy Ghana on Wikimedia Commons
In 1998, Jody Anne Maxwell from Jamaica became the first non-American to win the Bee. Her win was more than a personal victory; it was a cultural milestone.
6. Nihar Janga’s Dab Heard Around the World
Otterbein University Theatre & Dance from USA on Wikimedia Commons
When Nihar Janga won in 2016, he celebrated with a dab on live TV. The move became viral and gave the Bee a fresh, fun energy.
7. The Kid Who Got “Knaidel” Right, and the Drama That Followed
me on Wikimedia Commons
Arvind Mahankali won in 2013 by spelling “knaidel,” a Yiddish word. However, his win stirred debate among linguists who questioned the spelling. Talk about spelling stirring the pot.
8. Bee Week Becomes a Family Tradition
Wordle UK on Wikimedia Commons
For many families, Bee Week is more than a contest; it’s a ritual. Siblings often compete across years, with some even reaching the finals together.
9. The Return of the Bee After COVID
U.S. Army photo by Bryan Gatchell on Wikimedia Commons
The Bee made a powerful comeback in 2021 after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. It felt like more than a spelling contest; it was a sign of resilience.
10. The Emotional Goodbye of a Three-Time Finalist
Gerry Goertzen on Wikimedia Commons
After three years of trying, one contestant said farewell with grace after aging out. His emotional exit reminded everyone how much heart goes into this journey.
11. The Year No One Could Spell “Antidisestablishmentarianism”
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Antidisestablishmentarianism_(word)&action=history and https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Antidisestablishmentarianism&action=history for attribution on Wikimedia Commons
This famously long word wasn’t even in the competition, but kids still trained for it every year. It became a symbol of the Bee legend and endurance.
12. The First Time the Bee Was on TV
Tatsuo Yamashita on Wikimedia Commons
When the Bee hit national television in the 1940s, it brought spelling into homes across the country. It turned shy students into unexpected stars.
13. Zaila Avant-garde Makes History
Luis Quintero on Pexels
In 2021, Zaila became the first African American winner in Bee history. Her win was powerful, but her basketball tricks and interviews made her unforgettable.
14. The Year a Tie Wasn’t Allowed
U.S. Embassy Ghana on Wikimedia Commons
In response to past ties, 2023 introduced harder tie-breakers. It was one of the most intense years yet; every word felt like a buzzer-beater.
15. The Word That Sounded Made Up: “Smaragdine”
U.S. Army photo by Bryan Gatchell on Wikimedia Commons
This real word means “emerald green,” but it stumped viewers who thought it was fake. The contestant spelled it right and felt jaws on the floor.