CHICAGO — A single lucky lottery ticket holder in Illinois has hit the ultimate grand prize, matching all six numbers in the August 12 drawing to capture a massive $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot. The historic win represents the largest lottery jackpot awarded so far this year and stands as the eighth-largest prize in Powerball history.
The winning numbers drawn on Wednesday night were white balls 4, 26, 66, 67, and 69, along with the red Powerball 9. Additionally, Wednesday’s drawing featured a 2x Power Play multiplier.
A Life-Changing Payout Choice
The fortunate ticket holder now faces a monumental decision regarding how to collect the grand prize. The winner can choose an annuitized jackpot worth an estimated $1.04 billion, distributed in 30 graduated payments across 29 years, or opt for a immediate lump-sum cash payout valued at $450.5 million before federal and state taxes.
Lottery officials revealed that stronger-than-anticipated nationwide ticket sales pushed the final prize pool past the billion-dollar mark, snapping a 44-drawing rollover streak that had built up since the jackpot was last won in early May.
Secondary Winners Across the Country
While the Illinois ticket secured the grand prize, millions of other players also claimed substantial cash rewards. Over 3 million tickets won various cash prizes in the drawing.
Four tickets sold in Arizona, California, Florida, and North Carolina matched all five white balls to secure $1 million Match 5 prizes. Meanwhile, a fifth player in Massachusetts added the $1 Power Play option to their ticket, doubling their Match 5 winnings to $2 million.
What Comes Next?
Under Illinois lottery regulations, winners have up to one year from the draw date to claim their prize. Following Wednesday’s huge win, the Powerball grand prize will officially reset to $20 million for the upcoming Saturday drawing.
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