UPDATE: An Arkansas player has just become a billionaire, winning an astonishing $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot in the drawing held on December 24, 2025. This monumental victory marks the largest Powerball prize of the year and the second-largest ever in U.S. lottery history.
The winning numbers, which transformed one lucky individual’s life, are 04, 25, 31, 52, 59, with the Powerball number being 19. This jackpot surged beyond expectations due to a significant increase in final ticket sales, and winners can opt for a lump sum cash payout of $834.9 million.
“This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO, in a statement to FOX San Antonio. He congratulated the winner and acknowledged the countless players who contributed to the prize pool during the three-month period without a jackpot winner.
The path to this massive jackpot was paved by an astonishing 46 consecutive drawings without a winner. The last grand prize was claimed on September 6, when a shared jackpot of $1.787 billion was awarded to players in Missouri and Texas.
In a rare turn of events, this is only the second time a jackpot-winning ticket has been sold in Arkansas, with the first instance occurring in 2010. The holiday season appears to be a lucky time for lottery players, as this win on Christmas Eve is reminiscent of previous substantial wins during the holidays, with the last Christmas Eve jackpot win occurring in 2011.
Lottery enthusiasts are reminded that while the odds of winning the jackpot are daunting at 1 in 292.2 million, smaller prizes offer a more attainable chance. Powerball tickets, priced at just $2, continue to entice players across 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This life-altering jackpot serves as a reminder of the sheer potential of fortune—just a $2 ticket away from changing lives forever. As excitement builds, many are eager to see how the winner will spend their newfound wealth. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!
