The ultimate holiday gift arrived a day early for one lucky individual in Arkansas. On December 24, 2025, a single ticket matched all six numbers in the Powerball drawing, claiming a massive $1.817 billion jackpot (approximately ₹15,200 crore). The win marks the second-largest jackpot in the history of the game, trailing only the record-breaking $2.04 billion won in 2022.
The winning numbers for the Christmas Eve drawing were 04, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the Powerball was 19. The ticket was purchased for just $2 (roughly ₹180), illustrating the incredible "rags-to-riches" potential of the lottery. While the identity of the winner remains unknown, they now face a life-changing choice: an annuitized prize of $1.817 billion paid over 29 years, or a one-time lump-sum cash payment of approximately $834.9 million (₹7,000 crore) before taxes.
This historic win ended a 46-drawing drought that began back in September. "This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize," said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair. The jackpot reached such heights due to the long rollover period, generating worldwide excitement. Beyond the grand prize winner, several other tickets sold across the U.S. matched five white balls to win $1 million prizes, making it a lucrative night for many.
Under Arkansas state law, lottery winners have 180 days to claim their prize. While some states allow winners to remain anonymous, Arkansas requires the winner's name and city to be public record. As the news spreads, the local community is buzzing with anticipation to see who this new multi-billionaire might be. For now, the "Christmas Miracle" ticket remains the talk of the nation.
