finally ended, not with one winner, but a hive of them. errol barnett says they've been dubbed the octo-champs. >> i-l-l-e-a. >> you are correct. >> reporter: one by one, eight young champions earned their way into scripps spelling bee history, showing confidence. >> erysipelas, can i have the definition, please, i beg of you. >> reporter: wit. >> would you happen to know what time it is? >> reporter: and grit. >> still having fun? >> reporter: surprising these superior spellers was the unprecedented decision to award the cup and $50,000 prize money to whoever cleared round 20. >> so far, you are showing this dictionary who is boss. >> reporter: the competition itself is a particular point of pride for immigrant families. out of eight co-champions, seven have indian heritage, a detail not lost on the u.s. embassy in new delhi.