Texas Powerball Soars to Historic $1.25 Billion Holiday Jackpot

A massive Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to $1.25 billion. The prize was announced after no one won the grand prize in Wednesday‘s drawing. The winning numbers from that draw were 25, 33, 53, 62, 66, and the red Powerball 17.

This marks the sixth-largest prize in the game’s history. The huge sum is creating a frenzy as the holiday season reaches its peak.

Record-Breaking Prize Details and Cash Option

The jackpot is an estimated $1.25 billion if winners choose the annuity option. That amount is paid over 29 years. The cash lump-sum option is valued at approximately $572.1 million.

According to CBS News, this is the second billion-dollar jackpot of 2025. The drawing on December 17 was the 44th consecutive draw without a grand prize winner.

The odds of winning the jackpot remain extremely long. Players have a 1 in 292.2 million chance of matching all six numbers.

How This Jackpot Stacks Up Against Powerball History

This $1.25 billion prize now sits among the largest lottery prizes ever offered. The all-time record was a $2.04 billion Powerball won in November 2022 in California. The second-largest was a $1.787 billion prize split by winners in Missouri and Texas this past September.

Only five other Powerball jackpots have ever topped the $1.25 billion mark. This current run highlights how rare these monumental prizes are for players across the country.

The timing could not be more dramatic. Lottery ticket sales typically surge when jackpots reach these heights, especially near major holidays.

Dropping this nugget your way

What were the winning Powerball numbers for December 17?

The numbers drawn were 25, 33, 53, 62, 66, and the Powerball was 17. The Power Play multiplier for the draw was 4X.

When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025. Tickets must be purchased before the draw time, which is 10:12 PM Eastern Time.

How does the annuity payment work for a jackpot this large?

The annuity option pays the $1.25 billion over 29 years. The winner gets an initial payment followed by 29 annual installments that increase by 5% each year.

Has anyone claimed the $1.25 billion jackpot yet?

No. The jackpot rolled over because no ticket matched all six numbers on Wednesday night. The prize will continue to grow until the next drawing if there is no winner.

Where was the last Powerball jackpot won?

The last grand prize was won on September 6, 2025. Two tickets, one from Missouri and one from Texas, split a $1.787 billion jackpot.

What is the cash value of the $1.25 billion Powerball?

The cash value option for the current jackpot is approximately $572.1 million. This is the amount a winner would receive before taxes if they choose a lump-sum payment.

The chase for this historic $1.25 billion Powerball jackpot adds a dramatic twist to the holiday season, offering a life-changing opportunity just days before Christmas.