Meet the Indian American finalists of 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee

The final event is set to take place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

Scripps National Spelling Bee finalists, 2024 / Image - Scripps National Spelling Bee

The 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee final round is set to take place on May 30 with eight contestants, five of whom are Indian-Americans.

The Indian Americans set to battle it out at the finals of the 99^th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee are:

Rishabh Saha, 14, Merced, California, representing Herbert H. Cruickshank Middle School. Sponsored by SNSB Region One Bee, Saha is a multi-talented eighth-grader, who excels in chess, video games, and reading.

Musically inclined, he plays several instruments, including the piano and tuba. His passion for mathematics complements his love for words, often diving into dictionaries to expand his vocabulary. An outdoor enthusiast, Saha has visited 59 of the 63 U.S. National Parks with his father.

Rishabh Saha / Scripps National Spelling Bee

Shrey Parikh, 12, San Bernardino, California, a sixth-grader at Day Creek Intermediate School, is making his second appearance in the Bee, previously tying for 89th place in 2022.

Sponsored by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Parikh enjoys playing tennis, reading mystery and fiction books, solving math problems, and playing chess. He also plays various drums in his school’s band. When not studying, Parikh enjoys playing tennis and Spikeball with his brother.

Shrey Parikh / Scripps National Spelling Bee

Aditi Muthukumar, 13, Denver, Colorado, Hulstrom K-8’s, is an eighth-grader returning after tying for 74th place in 2023. An avid reader, Muthukumar enjoys Jane Austen novels and writes short stories.

She is trained in Indian classical dance and plays the flute. Muthukumar is heavily involved in her school community, serving as student council president and vice president of the National Junior Honor Society. She also volunteers at local food banks.

Aditi Muthukumar / Scripps National Spelling bee

Bruhat Soma, 12, St. Petersburg, Florida, representing Turner/Bartels K-8 School. He is sponsored by the Rays Baseball Foundation and Rowdies Soccer Fund.

Soma is an experienced competitor, having previously participated in 2022 and 2023, tying for 163rd and 74th places, respectively. A sports enthusiast, he enjoys basketball, badminton, and Ping-Pong. Soma is also a keen reader and musician, playing the snare drum in his school band.

Bruhat Soma / Scripps National Spelling Bee

Ananya Rao Prassanna, 13, Charlotte, North Carolina, sponsored by the Carolina Panthers. Prassanna attends Davis Drive Middle School.

She previously tied for 49th place in 2022 and 74th place in 2023. An avid reader, she enjoys poetry and literature, with a particular fondness for Rick Riordan’s work. Her interests include learning kathak, exploring new cuisines, and immersing herself in Marvel comics. Prassanna’s curiosity drives her love for science.

Ananya Rao Prassanna / Scripps National Spelling Bee

The competition will take place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland at 8 p.m. EST. Dev shah, an Indian American student won last year's Bee by correctly spelling "psammophile."