3 Finalists Crowned at 68th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee

Two 8th graders and a 7th grader will represent North and East Texas at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The 68th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee was held by the Dallas Sports Commission on Saturday, where three finalists were crowned - two 8th graders and one 7th grader. The finalists, Avishka Dudala, Krish Manjunath, and Benjamin Pearson, will go on to represent North and East Texas at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

Why it matters

The Dallas Regional Spelling Bee is recognized as one of the strongest regional competitions in the country, producing top-tier spellers who often excel at the national level. This year's finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their linguistic talents on the national stage.

The details

The three finalists emerged from a field of 27 contestants representing 20 counties across North and East Texas. Eighth graders Avishka Dudala and Krish Manjunath were crowned co-champions, with Dudala correctly spelling "resveratrol" and Manjunath spelling "socius". Seventh grader Benjamin Pearson also advanced as a finalist.

  • The 68th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee was held on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • The Scripps National Spelling Bee will take place from May 26-28, 2026 in National Harbor, Maryland.

The players

Avishka Dudala

An 8th grader from Lorene Rogers Middle School who was crowned a co-champion of the 68th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee.

Krish Manjunath

An 8th grader from Coppell Middle School East who was crowned a co-champion of the 68th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee.

Benjamin Pearson

A 7th grader from Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet School who advanced as a finalist in the 68th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee.

Jacques Bailly

The head pronouncer of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, who presided over the Dallas Regional competition for the first time this year. Bailly won the 1980 National Spelling Bee and is an associate professor of classics at the University of Vermont.

Monica Paul

The Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission, which hosted the 68th Annual Dallas Regional Spelling Bee.

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What they’re saying

“It feels incredible. I have spent all year studying words, languages, and roots, so winning feels like all that effort finally paid off. I am really grateful for my family, teachers, and everyone who supported me along the way. Looking forward to the National Bee.”

— Krish Manjunath, Co-champion (wfaa.com)

What’s next

The three finalists will represent North and East Texas at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will take place from May 26-28, 2026 in National Harbor, Maryland.

The takeaway

The Dallas Regional Spelling Bee continues to be one of the most competitive regional competitions in the country, producing top-tier spellers who are poised to excel at the national level. This year's finalists have demonstrated exceptional linguistic skills and dedication, and will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage.