According to the contest 's Web site , 117 of the spellers speak languages other than English , and English was not the first language of 33 of the spellers . Eighth - grader Maya Shivashankar wins $ 5000 in cash and prizes . 82nd annual Scripps National Spelling Bee : 15 rounds . Record 293 contestants compete ; ages range from 9 to 15 . Event has skyrocketed in popularity , thanks to appearances on television and in movies .
Eighth - grader Maya Shivashankar wins $ 5000 in cash and prizes . 82nd annual Scripps National Spelling Bee : 15 rounds . Record 293 contestants compete ; ages range from 9 to 15 . Event has skyrocketed in popularity , thanks to appearances on television and in movies .