Shanghai hosts first-ever spelling bee world cup as global literacy body is launched

History was made in Shanghai, China, as young spellers from across the globe gathered for the inaugural Spelling Bee World Cup, an event that also saw the official launch of the World Spelling Bee Association (WSBA), signalling a new chapter for global literacy and academic competition.

The tournament brought together participants from China, South Africa, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore and the United States, reflecting the growing international popularity of competitive spelling.

Competitors from Grade 1 to Grade 12 first battled for age-category world titles before advancing to a series of increasingly challenging rounds. The competition combined traditional oral spelling with modern elements, including an AI-powered elimination round, highlighting the evolving nature of academic contests.

The tournament concluded with the Elite Mixed Division, where some of the world's top young spellers competed for the overall championship. Reigning 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Faizan Zaki of the United States emerged victorious after a closely contested final against China's Cheng Jianzhen, becoming the first-ever Spelling Bee World Cup champion.

The top five finishers were:

• Faizan Zaki (United States)

• Cheng Jianzhen (China)

• Su Xin (China)

• Reyanch Shitij Agrawaal (India)

• Ping Lefeng (China)

Alongside the competition, spelling organisations from Africa and Asia officially launched the World Spelling Bee Association. The new organisation aims to strengthen international collaboration, promote literacy and expand spelling education through global academic competition.

Head of the China Spelling Bee and World Spelling Bee co-founder Dean Zhang described the association's launch as "the beginning of a new era for global cooperation and the pursuit of educational excellence."

Representing the African Spelling Bee Federation, South Africa's Roger Dickinson highlighted the importance of international collaboration, saying the partnership demonstrates how literacy and cultural exchange can help create opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds.

The association also announced that its founding congress will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in January 2027, where member countries will adopt the organisation's constitution, elect its first leadership and determine its strategic direction.

Future editions of the Spelling Bee World Cup have already been confirmed, with Beijing set to host the 2027 tournament. South Africa will host the 2028 edition, further cementing the country's role in promoting literacy and international academic competition.

Organisers believe the inaugural event has laid the foundation for a global movement that celebrates educational excellence while inspiring millions of young learners through the power of language and literacy.