The Scripps 2024 National Spelling Bee now joins the Black Sox Scandal, Danny Almonte's age controversy, and Pete Rose's betting scandal as one of the largest sports scandals in our nation's history. Bruhat Soma was able to correctly spell 29 out of 30 words in a 90-second spell-off this year to crown them as the new Scripps National Spelling Bee champion on Thursday night making him a controversial champion.

The Tampa seventh-grader displayed nerves of steel throughout the competition and was unfazed when, after two hours, it was announced there would be a "spell-off" for only the second time in 99 years. His competition, Faizan Zaki, was visibly shaken by the committee's decision and was only able to spell 20 of the 30 words correctly, making this an absolute rout.

The victory was a bit tainted, however, as spectators and even former champions were confused as to why a two-hour competition between only eight competitors (the smallest field since 2010) would need to come down to the dreaded "spell-off."

Former runner-up Charlotte Walsh had some stinging comments on the conclusion, calling it "forced and manufactured." Coaches shared that they felt Zaki should have been provided more opportunities to spell in a more conventional sense, especially given the small size of the field, the duration of the event, as the competition rules state that a spell-off is used in the interest of time.

But as the confetti rained down on Soma and his family, Zaki was left to stand stunned to the side, tears of anguish and regret falling to the floor. The drawn-out spelling bee and rapid conclusion have prompted many questions about the future of the sport and the legitimacy of the one-heralded Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion, and why anyone gives a shit.