The mystery surrounding the winner of the $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot drawn on August 12, 2026, has finally been solved, as the Illinois Lottery announced that the winner has come forward to claim the prize while opting to remain anonymous.
The Powerball winner utilized Section 7.2 of the Illinois Lottery Law to keep their identity confidential, as the law allows winners of $250,000 or more to request anonymity while claiming their prize by completing the Illinois Lottery Winner Claim Form.
Although choosing to remain unnamed, the winner shared some insights into their fortuitous win.
“I opted for a Quick Pick and spent just $2 on a single Powerball line. I never imagined that a $2 purchase could lead to a $1.04 billion jackpot. This is truly a blessing, and I am immensely grateful for this unexpected and extraordinary opportunity,” said the winner.
The winner further explained, “Initially, I had doubts about my win, so I contacted a family member for confirmation. Even after claiming the prize, I am still processing the news and experiencing a wide range of emotions, from disbelief and shock to overwhelming elation.”
The winning numbers for the jackpot were 4, 26, 66, 67, 69, and Powerball 9.
Winner Chooses Cash Option
The Powerball winner decided on the one-time cash option instead of the annuity paid over 29 years. The lump sum payout of $450.5 million was reduced to around $261.5 million after deductions for federal and state taxes.
The $1.04 billion jackpot made history as the eighth largest in Powerball’s records and marked the 15th billion-dollar lottery prize in the US. It stood as the second-largest lottery prize in Illinois, following the $1.33 billion Mega Millions jackpot claimed by an Illinois resident in July 2022.
Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays expressed, “An event like this jackpot is extraordinary, and we are thrilled to witness the official claiming of the second-largest lottery prize ever won in Illinois. We celebrate this milestone with the lucky winner.”
The Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience store, where the winning ticket was sold at 310 N. 36th St. in Quincy, received a $500,000 retailer bonus.
Could You Be Next?
The upcoming Powerball draw on Saturday, September 19, offers an estimated jackpot of $298 million, with a cash option of $126.6 million.
For tonight, September 18, the Mega Millions jackpot stands at $244 million, with a cash equivalent of $103.5 million.
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, while the Mega Millions jackpot odds are 1 in 290.4 million.