US PowerBall: Anonymous winner claims R16.95 billion jackpot

An anonymous winner has officially claimed a $1.04 billion (R16.95 billion) Powerball jackpot in the United States.

This comes nearly a month after the draw took place.

The Illinois Lottery confirmed on 15 September 2026 that the winner came forward to claim the prize.

It’s the second-largest lottery win in Illinois history – and the eighth-largest Powerball jackpot ever recorded.

HOW THE WINNER FOUND OUT

The winner bought the winning ticket for the 12 August draw.

It was purchased at a Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh store in Quincy, Illinois.

The winner paid just $2, using a Quick Pick, which randomly generated the winning numbers rather than the winner personally choosing them.

The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, described the disbelief that followed.

“I initially didn’t believe I had won, so I called a family member to confirm it,” they said.

“I never could have imagined that a $2 purchase would lead to a $1.04 billion jackpot. This is truly a blessing.”

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR THE WINNER

The winner spent several weeks working with legal and financial advisors before formally claiming the prize.

They ultimately chose a lump-sum payout rather than the annuity option. 

Illinois Lottery Chicago Prize Center manager Amanda Crosas, who assisted with the claim, said a billion-dollar jackpot remains a genuinely extraordinary event, even after years of processing winners’ claims.

Under Illinois law, winners of prizes over $250 000 are permitted to remain anonymous, which explains why no identity has been disclosed.

The winner also had 12 months from the date of the drawing to claim the prize, and just 60 days to elect the lump-sum payment option specifically.

The retailer that sold the winning ticket, Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, received a $500 000 bonus for selling it.

During the jackpot run, which began back in May, Illinois players spent over $53.8 million on Powerball tickets.

That spending generated $26 million for the state’s Common School Fund, supporting K-12 public education across Illinois.

I always find these stories genuinely fascinating. A single $2 Quick Pick, and an entire life gets rewritten overnight.

It’s a good reminder of just how enormous some of these international jackpots can get compared to what we’re used to seeing here at home.

Would a jackpot this size feel more thrilling – or more overwhelming – to you?