The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee commenced with 247 participants and has now narrowed down to nine finalists. These spellers represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three U.S. territories, and five countries: The Bahamas, Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates. The finals are scheduled to be broadcast on Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. on ION, with additional streaming options available on various Scripps channels. Among the finalists is Sarv Dharavane from Dunwoody, Georgia, who was a top finisher in the previous year, and Shrey Parikh from Rancho Cucamonga, California, who also has a notable past performance. The nine finalists include Aiden Meng, Oliver Halkett, Zwe Spacetime, Ishaan Gupta, Kushi Gottimukkala, Avishka Dudala, and Logan Bailey. The champion will receive a custom trophy and a prize package totaling over $50,000, which includes cash and reference works.