Who won the $1.817B Powerball jackpot? What officials confirmed

A single ticket matched all six numbers in the December 24, 2025 Powerball drawing to claim the $1.817 billion jackpot. Lottery officials confirmed the winning ticket was sold in the United States during the Christmas Eve drawing.

The drawing produced one jackpot winner, ending a historic run that pushed Powerball to its second-largest prize ever awarded. The result was confirmed by Powerball officials and multiple state lottery authorities.

Who won the $1.817B Powerball jackpot and how it was confirmed

Officials confirmed that one Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas matched all five white balls and the red Powerball in the Wednesday, December 24 drawing. That ticket secured the full advertised jackpot of $1.817 billion before taxes.

The winning numbers drawn were 4, 25, 31, 52, and 59, with the Powerball number 19. The Power Play multiplier for the drawing was 2x. Only one ticket nationwide matched all six numbers.

The jackpot climbed higher than earlier estimates due to strong last-minute ticket sales ahead of the Christmas Eve cutoff. Powerball officials said the final jackpot total made it the largest prize ever won in the game during 2025.

The Arkansas winner now faces a choice between two payout options. The annuity option provides one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by five percent each year. The lump-sum option allows the winner to take a single payment of $834.9 million before taxes.

Lottery leaders emphasized the broader impact of the drawing. Powerball Product Group Chair Matt Strawn said ticket sales during large jackpot runs help fund public programs supported by state lotteries across the country.

The identity of the winner has not been released. Disclosure rules vary by state, and officials said additional details will be shared once the ticket is validated and the claim process begins.

What the Christmas Eve Powerball win means going forward

The December 24 drawing marked the second time in 2025 that a Powerball jackpot crossed the one-billion-dollar threshold. The earlier billion-dollar prize was shared between winners in Missouri and Texas in September.

This win resets the Powerball jackpot to its base level for the next drawing. Lottery officials confirmed the next Powerball drawing will take place on Saturday, December 27, at approximately 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

While the jackpot has been claimed, millions of players nationwide won smaller prizes during the Christmas Eve drawing. Powerball officials said overall participation remained strong throughout the jackpot streak.

The Arkansas win also places the state among a small group that has produced a Powerball jackpot winner exceeding one billion dollars. Officials noted that such outcomes remain extremely rare.

As officials finalize validation steps, the answer to who won the $1.817B Powerball jackpot is now clear, with Arkansas holding the winning ticket from a historic Christmas Eve drawing.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who won the $1.817B Powerball jackpot?

A single Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers on December 24, 2025. Officials confirmed there was only one jackpot-winning ticket.

Q2: What were the winning Powerball numbers on December 24, 2025?

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

Q3: Is the $1.817B Powerball jackpot the largest ever?

No. It is the second-largest Powerball jackpot ever won, behind the $2.04 billion prize won in California in 2022.

Q4: What payout options does the winner have?

The winner can choose between a $1.817 billion annuity paid over 30 years or a lump-sum payment of $834.9 million before taxes.

Q5: When is the next Powerball drawing?

The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025, at about 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Financial Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Lottery prize amounts are stated before taxes, and actual take-home amounts depend on individual tax circumstances and state regulations.