2026 California State Spelling Bee Results

Spelling champions from counties across the state came to San Joaquin County to compete in the California State Spelling Bee championships on Saturday, April 25. Competing for the state elementary championship were 49 fourth- through sixth-grade students. There were 50 seventh- through ninth-grade students competing in the junior high championship. All competitors from both divisions had been certified county champions by their home county's superintendent of schools. 

The winner for each division received a championship trophy; each division runner-up also received a trophy. Hosted by the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), the event was held at the Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca.

Elementary Division (fourth through sixth grade)

The 2026 California State Elementary Spelling Bee champion is Ryan Sekera, sixth grade student from Ridgeview Elementary School in Placer County. Ryan is a two-time champion, having also won the 2025 California State Elementary Division Spelling Bee. 

The runner-up is Warren Li, sixth grade student from Fugman Elementary School in Fresno County.

Winning word: slantindicular. Final round spelling words included: malodorous, beguiling, and trichotomy.

Junior High Division (seventh through ninth grade)

The 2026 California State Junior High Spelling Bee champion is Praneet Aditya Kumaravel, ninth grade student from Millennium High School in San Joaquin County. Praneet is a returning spelling bee competitor, earning runner-up honors in the 2025 California State Junior Division Spelling Bee.

The runner-up is Aiden Meng, seventh grade student from Orinda Intermediate in Contra Costa County.
 
Winning word: xylotomous. Final round spelling words included: epiphysis, palimpsest, and croquembouche.

Photos from each event can be found on the San Joaquin County Office of Education Facebook page.