The Big Win
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, two fortunate players—one from Missouri and one from Texas—matched all the numbers in the Powerball drawing and won the jackpot, marking the second-largest in U.S. lottery history. The jackpot was estimated at $1.787–$1.8 billion.
Winning Numbers
The winning combination drawn was:
- White balls: 11, 23, 44, 61, 62
- Powerball (red ball): 17
Prize Breakdown: Lump Sum vs. Annuity
The winners face a monumental decision:
- Annuity Option: Approximately $893.5 million paid over 29 years, with annual payments increasing ~5% each year
Lump-Sum Option: A one-time payout of roughly $410.3 million before taxes
Another source cited a lump sum of $826.4 million, but this figure refers to the overall jackpot cash value pool, not what each winner receives individually
A Record-Breaking Streak Ends
This win finally broke a record 42-drawing streak without a jackpot winner, dating back to May 31, 2025, when a California ticket had last won—$204.5 million
Not Just the Jackpot—Millions Won
Beyond the grand prize:
- Over 9.9 million tickets won smaller prizes across the U.S.
- 18 tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million (some with Power Play doubled to $2 million).
- Additional notable winners include $50,000 and $100,000 prizes at various prize tiers.
Where the Winning Tickets Were Sold
- Texas: One ticket was sold at Big’s 103 gas station in Fredericksburg
- Missouri: The exact location of the winning ticket has not been disclosed..
Powerball at a Glance
- Introduced in 1992; operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL).
- Drawings: Held three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.
- Game Format: Players pick 5 numbers (1–69) plus a Powerball (1–26). The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
- Offerings like Power Play and Double Play can multiply winnings at additional costs.
Where This Win Ranks in Powerball History
According to Powerball data:
- $2.04 billion – Nov 7, 2022 (CA)
- $1.787 billion – Sept 6, 2025 (MO/TX) ← This win
- $1.765 billion – Oct 11, 2023 (CA)
- $1.586 billion – Jan 2016 (CA/FL/TN)
- $1.326 billion – Apr 6, 2024 (OR)
What It All Means
- Life-changing potential: Whether winners choose annuity or lump sum, the impact will be transformative.
- State benefits: Proceeds support education and public services.
- Entertainment vs. odds: Despite the tiny 1 in 292 million chance, the dream of winning keeps players engaged.
- Important caution: Winners should seek financial and legal advice to navigate tax, investment, and lifestyle implications.
Looking Ahead
The jackpot resets to a base of $20 million for the next drawing—scheduled for Monday, likely with 10X Power Play available since the jackpot is below $150 million.