Indian-origin Jersey City speller Ishaan Gupta finished second at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee after a tense 90-second spell-off in Washington, D.C. The 12-year-old seventh-grader from Jersey City, New Jersey, earned national attention with a runner-up finish and a $25,000 prize.

Who Is Ishaan Gupta, the Indian-Origin Jersey City Speller?

Gupta represented Hudson County on the national stage after advancing through the 2026 Scripps competition. In the final, he faced Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, after both spellers survived 18 rounds without a misspelling on the final day.

Spell-Off Decides the 2026 Scripps Final

The championship was decided by a rapid-fire spell-off, a format used to avoid prolonged ties. Gupta correctly spelled 25 words in 90 seconds, while Parikh won the title with 32 correct words. Scripps later identified Parikh’s winning word as “bromocriptine.”

The result gave Gupta second place in one of the most closely watched academic competitions in the United States. His finish also brought recognition to Jersey City, Hudson County and New Jersey’s school community.

A Young Reader With STEM and Writing Interests

Gupta’s profile extends beyond spelling. He has been described as an avid reader with a home library of more than 650 books and previously co-authored the climate fiction book “The Martian Miracle: Ivaan and the Climate Crisis” with his father.

He has also shown interest in science and environmental themes, including recognition at the Hudson County STEM Showcase. Away from academics, Gupta plays piano and participates in soccer, tennis, swimming, running and biking.

For Indian-origin families in the United States and readers following student achievement stories, Gupta’s second-place finish is more than a spelling result. It highlights how preparation, language skills and broad academic curiosity can lift a local Jersey City student onto a national stage.