Abhijay Kodali, speller 407, finished third last year.
The Texas sixth grader said said there's more pressure on him this year, but he's just trying to focus on his word. He's excited, he said, and a little bit less nervous than he was last year.
"I'm just really glad to make it to finals," he said.
When the word comes up, he said, "I just try to relax when I can. Just breathe."
He spelled "cestui," one who receives something : a beneficiary.