Mina Kimes shows off 2nd-grade champion photo after becoming Scripps National Spelling Bee host

Mina Kimes is letting fans know that she is new to spelling bees.

The sports journalist has been named the Scripps National Spelling Bee host and made sure — besides being a journalist for almost two decades — that fans knew that her love for the spelling bee goes way back. Kimes uploaded a throwback photo of herself on Bluesky holding up a trophy from when she won a spelling bee back in second grade.

2nd grade Mina Kimes would be GEEKED

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes.bsky.social) 2026-05-05T15:15:22.974Z

“My goal in this is to give it the big-game feel,” Kimes told The Associated Press in an interview ahead of the announcement. “Any event that requires skill and knowledge and preparation can have that feel if it’s presented with enough care and pride on television.”

Kimes, who is an ESPN senior NFL writer and analyst, compared the Scripps National Spelling Bee to watching sports.

“It honestly does feel a little bit like watching game tape because I really think these kids are elite competitors, not just in terms of being the best of the best, but you can see all of the work that they so clearly put in,” Kimes said. “The way they get to the right answer is fascinating to me and the more you watch, the more you see the way their brains work. I see a lot of similarities to what I do with football, and I’m so pumped to be a part of this.”

247 spellers will compete for more than $50,000 in cash and prizes — and of course the coveted trophy — starting May 26 and 28. While the spellers usually compete at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland this year they will be at a new venue, Constitution Hall in downtown Washington. Fans can watch the event live on ION and Bounce XL, available via cable, over-the-air, and streaming services.

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