The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, marking its 101st edition, will take place at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., featuring 247 contestants. The event will determine the nation's top speller, with the champion receiving a prize of $50,000, a commemorative medal, and a trophy. Other significant payouts include $25,000 for second place, $15,000 for third, and $10,000 for fourth place. All participants are guaranteed a prize package that includes a certificate and subscriptions from Merriam-Webster and Encyclopedia Britannica. Additional prizes for the champion include $2,500 from Merriam-Webster, $400 from Encyclopedia Britannica, and $1,000 in flight credits from Delta. The payout structure rewards spellers at various levels, with quarterfinalists earning $100 gift cards and semifinalists receiving $500 gift cards.