Overview

• The preliminary rounds on Tuesday required contestants to spell aloud, define vocabulary and tackle a written exam, trimming the roster from 243 to 99 spellers.
• Duaa Ouznali of San Diego correctly spelled “telegnosis” and defined “malfeasance” to secure her spot among quarterfinalists.
• Sydney Tran of Orange County advanced through two oral rounds but was eliminated after the written test.
• Quarterfinals begin Wednesday morning, leading to semifinal and final rounds on Thursday when the winner will be awarded $50,000 and reference libraries from Merriam-Webster and Britannica.
• Participants hail from all 50 U.S. states, territories and five other countries, highlighting the Bee’s global reach and celebration of linguistic diversity.