A Missouri resident who snagged half of the monumental $1.787 billion Powerball jackpot recently made an appearance at the state's Lottery headquarters in Jefferson City to claim their prize. While the winner's identity remains confidential, as permitted by Missouri law, they shared insights into their new life during an interview with the Missouri Lottery. Describing themselves as a homebody, the winner expressed intentions to take some time off and spend quality moments with their spouse, according to a press release from the Missouri Lottery.
"I'm going to take a year to just be myself," the winner stated upon receiving their prize. "The perfect day is just sitting at home, doing what I love: relaxing," they added. Joking about their spouse, they said, "Now she's going to take me out of town."
The winner expressed amazement at the vast sum, exclaiming, "I'm a millionaire, a billionaire, and last night I was doing laundry…" They recounted sleepless nights since discovering their ticket was the winner, remarking, "It's the best problem I've ever had."
The lucky ticket was purchased at a QuikTrip gas station in St. Louis, which received a $50,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Details regarding the winner’s profession or other personal information have not been disclosed, and they can remain anonymous indefinitely unless they choose otherwise.
How Did the Winner Claim Their Prize?
Opting for a lump sum payout, the winner will receive approximately $410.3 million before taxes, instead of the annualized plan of $893.5 million, which would be distributed over 30 payments. The winning numbers from September 6 were 11, 23, 44, 61, 62, and Powerball 17; Power Play x2.
The other winning ticket was validated at Big’s in Fredericksburg, Texas, but the holder has yet to come forward publicly, reports indicate.
A Historic Drawing Breaks the Streak
The cash windfall on September 6 ended a streak of 42 drawings without a jackpot winner, dating back to May, marking it as the second-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, trailing only a $2.040 billion prize won in California by a single participant on November 7, 2022.
In addition to the two major winners, over 9 million tickets claimed some prize on September 6:
- 18 matched five white balls (earning $1 million each).
- 2 winners doubled that amount to $2 million with the Power Play option.
- 232 tickets won $50,000 (4 numbers + Powerball), and 90 reached $100,000 (4 numbers + Powerball + Power Play).
What's Next for the Texas Winner?
As of the last available update, Texas has not publicly introduced their lucky winner. Like Missouri, state rules dictate how much can be disclosed about the winner. It is known, however, that they chose a cash payout; the net amount varies due to state tax obligations.
With the check in hand, long-term decisions loom: tax planning, asset protection, philanthropy, or investments. For now, the Missouri winner makes it clear that the first year will consist of low-key living and simple routines.
Powerball Jackpot FAQs
How did the Missouri winner claim their prize?
The Missouri winner opted for a lump sum payment of approximately $410.3 million before taxes, instead of the annualized plan.
Where was the winning ticket purchased?
The winning ticket was bought at a QuikTrip gas station in St. Louis, Missouri.
Has the Texas winner claimed their prize?
As of the latest reports, the Texas winner has not yet come forward publicly to claim their prize.