Mujumdar from Florida stood second, while California's Tuvya Bergson-Michelson finished third.

Elaborating on his preparations for the contest, Rekulapelli said that he kept a strict long-distance study regimen with a coach in Florida.

"My coach gives me tips and tricks, like about what questions they'll ask and how to respond," National Geographic quoted Rekulapelli as saying.

"Then I really try to get a good outlook on very big countries, like Canada and Spain. I also have to make sure I stay on top of the news, like by watching CNN and other channels, to make sure I know about changes," he added.

Rekulapelli wants to pursue a career in pre-med or study biology with his eyes set on Stanford and University of Virginia.

The 10 finalists this year will vie for spots on a three-person team that will represent the United States in Stockholm next year.

The National Geographic Bee is an annual geography contest sponsored by the National Geographic Society. The bee, held every year since 1989, is open to students in the fourth through eighth grade in participating American schools.
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