What is the Largest Powerball Jackpot in History?
Written by Jackpot Staff
February 29, 2024
The Powerball lottery game has been synonymous with life-changing fortunes, capturing the imaginations of millions with its staggering jackpots. Among these, the record-setting winnings of $2.04 billion, stands as the current highest jackpot for the Powerball lottery game. This unparalleled prize highlights the sheer magnitude of what's possible in the realm of lottery jackpots, setting a benchmark for future draws. Take a chance to make history today with Jackpot.com!
What was the largest Powerball jackpot?
The record for the largest Powerball jackpot ever won was a staggering $2.04 billion, claimed in California by Edwin Castro on November 7, 2022. This monumental prize not only set the record for Powerball jackpots but also for US lottery jackpots as a whole.
Top 10 Powerball jackpots
Looking at the top 10 Powerball jackpots of all time unveils the staggering heights of lottery winnings, spotlighting the lucky draws that have turned ordinary tickets into extraordinary fortunes.
1 - $2.04 Billion - November 7, 2022, in California
2 - $1.73 Billion - Estimated on October 11, 2023
3 - $1.586 Billion - January 13, 2016, shared by winners in California, Florida, and Tennessee
4 - $1.08 Billion - July 19, 2023, in California
5 - $768.4 Million - March 27, 2019, in Wisconsin
6 - $758.7 Million - August 23, 2017, in Massachusetts
7 - $754.6 Million - February 6, 2023, in Washington
8 - $731.1 Million - January 20, 2021, in Maryland
9 - $699.8 Million - October 4, 2021, in California
10 - $687.8 Million - October 27, 2018, shared by winners in Iowa and New York.
What are the largest lottery jackpots overall?
In the world of lottery jackpots, Powerball and Mega Millions dominate the leaderboard with some of the largest prizes ever awarded:
- $2.04 Billion Powerball - November 7, 2022: The highest lottery jackpot in current history was won by Edwin Castro in California.
- $1.586 Billion Powerball - January 13, 2016: Split among three tickets in California, Florida, and Tennessee.
- $1.537 Billion Mega Millions - October 23, 2018: Won by an anonymous woman in South Carolina.
- $1.350 Billion Mega Millions - January 13, 2023: The first jackpot win in Maine, marking the second-highest in Mega Millions history.
- $1.337 Billion Mega Millions - July 29, 2022: Won at a Café Speedway gas station in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Who won the largest Powerball jackpots?
The largest Powerball jackpots have created some remarkable stories of fortune and life change. Here are a few of the most notable winners:
$1.586 Billion (January 13, 2016) - CA, FL, TN: This record-breaking jackpot was split among three tickets. In Tennessee, the winner from a small town outside of Memphis chose to stay in his one-story home despite the massive win. A California couple became part of numerous conspiracy theories due to their delayed jackpot claim, a significant six months after the draw. And, finally, a Florida couple shared their story on popular talk shows, expressing gratitude for their opportunity to receive a slice of the pie.
$758.7 Million (August 23, 2017) - MA: Mavis Wanczyk from Chicopee, Massachusetts, became the sole winner of this massive prize, deciding to retire from her job at Mercy Medical Center after 32 years.
$687.8 Million (October 27, 2018) - IA, NY: The jackpot was split between Lerynne West from Iowa, who found her winning ticket in her sister's car, and Robert Bailey from New York, a retired federal employee who played the same numbers for 25 years. Both winners expressed desire to help their families and communities with their winnings.
$699.8 Million (October 4, 2021) - CA: Scott Godfrey of California was the lucky winner of nearly $700 million. Opting for the lump sum payment, Godfrey aimed to use his winnings to continue charitable efforts, expressing happiness that the jackpot also raised significant funds for public education in California.
$590.5 Million (May 18, 2013) - FL: Gloria Mackenzie, an 84-year-old from Florida, became the largest sole lottery jackpot winner at the time. Her win was attributed to a kind gesture, as another player let her go ahead in line to purchase what would become the winning ticket. Mackenzie chose to share her fortune with her son and contribute to educational projects through her foundation.
The Power of Luck
The allure of the Powerball lottery game and its record-setting jackpots continues to captivate the imagination of millions, serving as a reminder of the sheer unpredictability and excitement that comes with the game. While the odds are slim, the history of these remarkable wins shows that anything is possible. Whether for the thrill of the game or the dream of life-changing wealth, Powerball remains a staple of American lottery games and a symbol of boundless possibilities.
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