Arkansas Winner Claims $1.8B Powerball Jackpot in Christmas Eve Drawing

A Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas won a $1.817 billion jackpot on December 24, 2025. This historic Christmas Eve win is the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. The drawing also produced multiple $1 million winners across the country, including one in California.

The win ends a massive three-month jackpot drought. It provides a stunning holiday surprise for one lucky Arkansas resident.

Historic Jackpot Lands in Natural State

The winning numbers were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the Powerball was 19. The single winning ticket was sold in Arkansas. According to Associated Press reports, this is only the second time the state has produced a Powerball jackpot winner.

The prize has a cash value option of approximately $834.9 million. The winner can choose between the annuity paid over 29 years or the lump sum. Arkansas law allows winners of this size to remain anonymous for three years.

Lottery officials estimate final ticket sales pushed the jackpot past its initial $1.7 billion estimate. The previous record-holder was a $2.04 billion Mega Millions prize.

California and National Players Share $1 Million Prizes

While Arkansas took the grand prize, eight other players matched all five white balls to win $1 million each. One of those winning tickets was sold in California at Wright’s Market in Nyeland Acres, Ventura County. The store will receive a bonus for selling the prize-winning ticket.

The other $1 million winners were spread across Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. This distribution shows the wide reach of the popular multi-state lottery game. Each winner missed only the red Powerball number to narrowly miss the historic jackpot.

End of a Record Jackpot Drought

The Christmas Eve drawing concluded a 94-day period without a jackpot winner. The last Powerball jackpot was hit in September 2025. That prize was split between winners in Texas and Missouri.

The long rollover period allowed the prize pool to swell to its record-breaking size. Holiday ticket sales traditionally see a spike, which contributed to the final enormous figure. This timing created a true “Christmas miracle” narrative for lottery enthusiasts.

The $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot will now trigger a complex claiming process for the Arkansas winner, involving significant financial and legal planning before their new life can truly begin.

Dropping this nugget your way

What were the winning Powerball numbers for December 24, 2025?

The winning numbers were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the Powerball was 19. The Power Play multiplier for the drawing was 2x.

Where was the winning Powerball jackpot ticket sold?

The sole jackpot-winning ticket was sold in the state of Arkansas. The exact retailer location has not yet been publicly announced by state lottery officials.

How much was the Powerball jackpot won on Christmas Eve?

The advertised annuity jackpot was $1.817 billion. The cash lump sum option available to the winner is approximately $834.9 million before taxes.

Were there any other big winners in the Christmas Eve Powerball?

Yes. Eight other tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes each. These were sold in California, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

How long was the Powerball jackpot rolling over before it was won?

The jackpot had been rolling for 94 consecutive drawings without a winner. This period lasted approximately three months since the previous jackpot was hit in September.

What is the second-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history now?

This $1.817 billion Powerball prize now holds the title of second-largest. The all-time record remains a $2.04 billion Mega Millions jackpot won in 2022.