Powerball is a household name in the USA and in fact across the planet, known for its massive jackpots and life-changing wins. With the prize money soaring, it’s natural to wonder how current jackpots measure up against the all-time greats. Take, for instance, the recent $213.8 million win in Pennsylvania on August 12, 2024—certainly an impressive haul, but still a long way from the largest American Powerball jackpot ever won. So, what does it take to claim the top spot? Let’s dive into the biggest Powerball jackpots in history.
What Is the Biggest American Powerball Jackpot Ever?
The largest Powerball jackpot on record was an astonishing $2.04 billion, claimed on November 7, 2022. This mind-blowing prize remains unmatched in the world of lotteries.
The Top 10 American Powerball Jackpots
Here’s how that record-breaking $2.04 billion stacks up against other monumental Powerball wins. Read on to learn more about the lucky winners who struck it rich!
1. $2.04 Billion – November 7, 2022
In 2022, Edwin Castro from Altadena, California, hit the jackpot of a lifetime, winning a staggering $2.04 billion. Opting for a lump sum of $997.6 million, Castro humbly noted that the true winner was California Public Schools, which benefited greatly from the state lottery.
2. $1.765 Billion – October 11, 2023
After 35 consecutive draws without a winner, a group led by Theodorus Struyck in Fraizer Park, California, clinched the $1.765 billion prize. This massive win came with a cash value of $774.1 million.
3. $1.586 Billion – January 13, 2016
Three tickets—sold in Tennessee, California, and Florida—shared the $1.586 billion jackpot, each winner walking away with over $520 million. From a small-town resident staying put to a mysterious six-month claim delay, these winners had unique stories to tell.
4. $1.326 Billion – April 6, 2024
In 2024, Portland, Oregon, saw a massive win when Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, along with their friend Laiza Chao, shared a $1.326 billion jackpot. Cheng, who had been battling cancer for eight years, said, “I’m happy for my family—they will have a good life.”
5. $1.08 Billion – July 19, 2023
Yanira Alvarez struck gold with a $1.08 billion win in July 2023, purchasing her ticket at Las Palmitas Mini Market in Downtown LA. She chose to take the lump sum of $558.1 million.
6. $842.2 Million – January 1, 2024
Kicking off the new year in style, “The Breakfast Club” from Grand Blanc, Michigan, won $842.2 million on New Year’s Day. This trio regularly played together, and their persistence finally paid off.
7. $768.4 Million – March 27, 2019
A Quick Pick ticket turned a Wisconsin man into an overnight millionaire. Despite his newfound wealth, he emphasized the importance of staying grounded and looking forward to a bright future.
8. $758.7 Million – August 23, 2017
In 2017, a woman from Chicopee, Massachusetts, won the then-largest U.S. lottery jackpot. She famously quit her job on the spot, saying she planned to “just hide in bed” after her big win.
9. $754.6 Million – February 6, 2023
Becky Bell from Auburn, Washington, won $754.6 million after being inspired to play by Boeing’s final 747 jumbo jet delivery. A former Boeing employee herself, Bell’s win was serendipitous, to say the least.
10. $731.1 Million – January 20, 2021
A group of anonymous winners, calling themselves “The Power Pack,” claimed Maryland’s largest lottery prize in history. They opted for a lump sum and planned to invest in their families and communities.
Honorable Mentions:
- $699.9 Million (California) – 2021: Scott Godfrey of Morro Bay didn’t realize he’d won until he saw the news on TV.
- $687.6 Million (New York and Iowa) – 2018: Two winners, one in Iowa and one in New York, split this enormous jackpot.
- $632.6 Million (California and Wisconsin) – 2022: Tammy and Cliff Webster of Wisconsin shared this prize with a California winner.
- $590.5 Million (Florida) – 2013: An 84-year-old woman claimed this jackpot after a kind stranger let her cut in line.
- $587.5 Million (Arizona and Missouri) – 2012: Two winners, one from Missouri and one from Arizona, shared this life-changing prize.
Where to Get Your American Powerball Tickets
Powerball tickets are available at most gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores in America. International enthusiasts can purchase tickets online at Lotto Express.
Playing the Lottery Responsibly
Winning big is a dream for many, but it’s essential to play responsibly. Remember, the odds are the same for everyone, so enjoy the excitement, but keep it fun and within your means.
Whether you’re dreaming of the next big win or just curious about the stories behind the largest jackpots, American Powerball continues to capture the imagination of millions. Will you be the next name on this list? Only time—and a little bit of luck—will tell!
