A single ticket sold in Arkansas has claimed the $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot following the longest accumulation cycle in the history of the game on Christmas Eve. This massive prize marks the second-largest lottery win in USA history after 46 consecutive drawings failed to produce a grand prize winner. Matt Strawn congratulated the recipient who must now choose between an annuity or a lump-sum payment of approximately $834.9 million before taxes.Chris Winters was among millions of players who participated despite the odds of winning being only one in 292.2 million. The jackpot reached its historic height after no one had matched all numbers since September 2025.Strawn noted that ticket sales support public programs across the country as the winner prepares for a life-changing payout that could total $526 million after federal and state tax deductions.
Published: Wednesday | Updated: 31h