Maya Shivashankar of Wichita , Kansas , wins in fourth trip to national competition . The 13-year - old eighth - grader will receive $ 40,000 in cash and prizes . Focus on task keeps cameras and people from distracting her , Kavya says . This year 's bee -- an event that has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to exposure on television and in movies -- started Tuesday in Washington with a record 293 spellers . She may return to competition if younger sister does well in future competitions .
Maya Shivashankar of Wichita , Kansas , wins in fourth trip to national competition . The 13-year - old eighth - grader will receive $ 40,000 in cash and prizes . Focus on task keeps cameras and people from distracting her , Kavya says . She may return to competition if younger sister does well in future competitions .