Biggest Jackpot Winners and Their Stories

Every massive lottery jackpot brings with it a fascinating story of luck, timing, and life-changing fortune. Here are some of the most notable winners in history and how they stumbled into their windfalls.

1. The $2.04 Billion Powerball (2022)

A single ticket sold in Altadena, California, claimed the largest lottery prize in world history. The winner, Edwin Castro, bought the ticket at a local service station. He opted for the lump sum payment of $997.6 million and quickly made headlines by purchasing luxury real estate in the Hollywood Hills.

2. The Three-Way Split: $1.586 Billion (2016)

Before 2022, this was the world record. Three winning tickets were sold in California, Florida, and Tennessee. John and Lisa Robinson (TN) famously appeared on the Today show with their winning ticket before even turning it in to lottery officials. They used a simple Quick Pick.

3. The $1.537 Billion Mega Millions (2018)

A single ticket purchased in South Carolina won this massive jackpot. The winner managed to remain completely anonymous, a legal option in South Carolina. They waited several months before claiming the prize, sparking nationwide speculation.

How Do They Pick Their Numbers?

The vast majority of record-breaking jackpot winners have one thing in common: they used a Quick Pick. Because Quick Picks account for the majority of ticket sales, they naturally account for the majority of the wins.