The 2010 Scripps National Spelling Bee brings out the most talented spellers in the nation. INSIDE EDITION has the latest news as the bee gets underway.
It's a dead-serious competition to find the kid who's the best speller in the nation.
One female contestant correctly spelled "cachepot" and raised a victorious fist in the air!
But, there were also plenty of laughs at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
One contestant said, "It's my birthday, so could I please have, like, a gift?"
The contest has always had its funny moments, with the pressure sometimes getting to the young contestants.
ESPN's Erin Andrews said, "This baby right here, this is what the kids want to hoist up!" pointing to the trophy.
Andrews of Dancing with the Stars was on hand, as was Chris Harrison of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.
"These kids are extraordinary! The hours and hours of studying," Harrison said.
Andrews told INSIDE EDITION she never was much of a speller. "I was supposed to participate in a spelling bee, I told my mom. She said, 'it's not happening!'"
And even these whiz kids need a trick or two to make it through, like writing out the words on their hands!
There's more at stake here than pride. The top prize is $30,000!
