Arkansas Winner Claims Second-Largest $1.8 Billion Powerball Jackpot in History

A single lottery ticket sold in Arkansas has won the colossal $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot. The winning numbers were drawn on Wednesday, December 24th. This prize is the second-largest in U.S. lottery history.

It is also the biggest Powerball win of 2025. The lucky ticket holder now faces a life-altering choice between annuity payments or a massive lump sum.

Record-Breaking Win and Prize Details

According to the Associated Press, the winning numbers were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the red Powerball 19. The Power Play multiplier was 2. The jackpot had rolled over for a record 47 consecutive drawings.

The winner can choose between a $1.817 billion annuity paid over 29 years or an $834.9 million lump-sum cash payment. Both amounts are before federal and state taxes are applied. The winner’s identity has not yet been released.

This is only the second time a Powerball jackpot has been won in Arkansas. The first was in 2010. Lottery officials celebrated the historic win.

Broader Impact and Other Winners

Beyond the jackpot, the drawing created many other winners. Eight tickets across the country matched five numbers to win $1 million each. Over 100 tickets won prizes of $50,000 or $100,000.

Two tickets in Colorado and South Carolina won $500,000 each in the separate Double Play drawing. Proceeds from ticket sales fund various public programs in participating states. This benefits education and other community projects nationwide.

The jackpot will now reset to $20 million for the next drawing. The giant win brings renewed public attention to the lottery. It also sparks the common dream of a sudden financial windfall.

This historic $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot win has forever changed one Arkansas player’s life. It also reinforces the lottery’s role in generating significant funds for public benefits while capturing the nation’s imagination.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Where was the winning Powerball ticket sold?

The sole jackpot-winning ticket was sold in Arkansas. The exact retail location has not been publicly disclosed by lottery officials at this time.

What was the cash option for the jackpot?

The winner could choose a lump-sum cash payment of approximately $834.9 million. This is the amount before any taxes are withheld from the prize.

How does this jackpot rank historically?

This $1.817 billion prize is the second-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. It is the largest Powerball prize won in 2025.

What happens to the jackpot now?

The Powerball jackpot resets to a guaranteed $20 million for the next drawing. The Power Play multiplier for that draw will be 10X.

Were there other big winners?

Yes. Eight tickets won $1 million prizes by matching five white balls. Many other players won smaller tier prizes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.

What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?

The odds are extremely long, at 1 in 292.2 million. The overall odds of winning any Powerball prize are much better, at 1 in 24.9.