The winning numbers were 04, 25, 31, 52, and 59, with the Powerball number being 19.
Final ticket sales elevated the jackpot beyond previous forecasts, making it the second-largest in U.S. history and the largest Powerball prize for 2025, as stated on www.powerball.com. The jackpot offers a lump sum cash option of $834.9 million.
“Congratulations to the newest Powerball jackpot winner! This is a truly remarkable, life-altering prize,” stated Matt Strawn, Chair of the Powerball Product Group and CEO of the Iowa Lottery, as quoted by the website. “We also express our gratitude to all the players who participated in this jackpot streak—every ticket purchased helps support public programs and services nationwide.”
This prize comes after 46 consecutive drawings without anyone matching all six numbers.
The last jackpot winner was on Sept. 6, when players from Missouri and Texas shared a prize of $1.787 billion.
Organizers noted this is the second occasion a Powerball jackpot has been awarded to a ticket sold in Arkansas, the first being in 2010.
The last time a Powerball jackpot was won on Christmas Eve was in 2011, according to Powerball. The company also mentioned that the sweepstakes has been won on Christmas Day four times, with the latest instance occurring in 2013.
Powerball’s odds of winning, which stand at 1 in 292.2 million, are specifically designed to create substantial jackpots, with prizes increasing as they rollover without a winner. Lottery officials highlight that the odds are considerably better for the numerous smaller prizes available in the game.
“With the prize so high, I just bought one kind of impulsively. Why not?” said Chris Winters, an Indianapolis glass artist, on Wednesday.
Tickets are priced at $2, and the game is available in 45 states along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
(Edited by : Navneet Singh)
