The stars aligned on December 27, 2024, as one lucky lottery ticket sold in the quiet town of Cottonwood, California, struck gold—no, platinum—with a jaw-dropping $1.269 billion Mega Millions jackpot. The thrilling win marks the fifth billion-dollar-plus jackpot claimed in California, solidifying the Golden State’s reputation as a treasure trove for lottery dreamers.

Breaking Down the Historic Win

After 30 drawings without a jackpot winner, this monumental prize came in the 31st round, making it the 9th-largest lottery jackpot ever awarded globally and the 5th-largest in Mega Millions history. For the winner, the choices ahead are almost as dazzling as the prize itself:

• Annual Payments: A total payout of $1.269 billion spread over 29 years, increasing annually.
• Lump Sum: A one-time cash payment of $571.9 million.

And here’s the cherry on top: since California doesn’t tax lottery winnings, the lucky ticket holder will only face federal taxes, leaving them with either $800.7 million over three decades or $360.3 million in cash. Decisions, decisions!

The Winning Ticket

The life-changing ticket was purchased at Sunshine Food and Gas on Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, a small town nestled in Shasta County. The winning numbers? 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, with the Mega Ball 6 and a Megaplier of 3.

California’s lottery law mandates winners to step into the spotlight, as anonymity isn’t an option. The winner has 180 days from the drawing date to claim the prize. Could this be you? (Don’t forget to double-check those tickets!)

California’s Winning Legacy

California is no stranger to billion-dollar jackpots. In fact, this is the fifth time the state has produced such a colossal prize:

• October 2023: A $1.76 billion Powerball jackpot claimed by a group.
• November 2022: A record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot.

Clearly, fortune smiles brightly on the Golden State!

Not Just a Jackpot: Other Lucky Winners

The Friday drawing wasn’t just about the billion-dollar prize. Here’s a breakdown of other wins:

• $1 Million Second Prizes: Five winners, including two from California.
• $10,000 Tier: 157 tickets matched four numbers plus the Mega Ball.
• Lower Tiers: Nearly 5.7 million tickets across nine prize tiers won a combined $36.3 million.

Remember, even if you didn’t hit the jackpot, Mega Millions offers eight other ways to win. Why not check your ticket again? Luck might just be hiding in the details.

What Happens Next?

The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Tuesday, with the jackpot resetting to $20 million. If you’re ready to chase the dream, now’s the time to grab your ticket.

Top 25 United States Lottery Jackpots of All Time

The monumental $1.269 billion Mega Millions jackpot claimed on December 27, 2024, now stands proudly as the 9th-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history — and in the world. Here’s a look at the historic top-tier jackpots:

All-Time Top Lottery Jackpots (Annuity Values)

1. Powerball: $2.0401 billion – Nov. 7, 2022 (California)
2. Powerball: $1.7649 billion – Oct. 11, 2023 (California)
3. Mega Millions: $1.602 billion – Aug. 8, 2023 (Florida)
4. Powerball: $1.5864 billion – Jan. 13, 2016 (California, Florida, Tennessee)
5. Mega Millions: $1.537 billion – Oct. 23, 2018 (South Carolina)
6. Mega Millions: $1.348 billion – Jan. 13, 2023 (Maine)
7. Mega Millions: $1.337 billion – Jul. 29, 2022 (Illinois)
8. Powerball: $1.3259 billion – Apr. 6, 2024 (Oregon)
9. Mega Millions: $1.269 billion – Dec. 27, 2024 (California)
10. Mega Millions: $1.128 billion – Mar. 26, 2024 (New Jersey)

Top Lottery Jackpots by Cash Value

For those who opt for the upfront cash option, Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot also ranks as the 10th-largest cash prize in world history:

1. Powerball: $997.6 million – Nov. 7, 2022 ($2.0401 billion annuity)
2. Powerball: $983.5 million – Jan. 13, 2016 ($1.5864 billion annuity)
3. Mega Millions: $877.8 million – Oct. 23, 2018 ($1.537 billion annuity)
4. Mega Millions: $794.2 million – Aug. 8, 2023 ($1.602 billion annuity)
5. Mega Millions: $780.5 million – Jul. 29, 2022 ($1.337 billion annuity)
6. Mega Millions: $776.6 million – Jan. 22, 2021 ($1.05 billion annuity)
7. Powerball: $774.1 million – Oct. 11, 2023 ($1.7649 billion annuity)
8. Mega Millions: $723.5 million – Jan. 13, 2023 ($1.348 billion annuity)
9. Powerball: $621 million – Apr. 6, 2024 ($1.3259 billion annuity)
10. Mega Millions: $571.9 million – Dec. 27, 2024 ($1.269 billion annuity)

By the Numbers

• Powerball dominates** the top 25 annuity jackpots with 15 entries.
• Mega Millions holds its ground with 10 entries in both the annuity and cash-value rankings.

These staggering numbers remind us why the lottery remains a source of hope, excitement, and life-changing opportunities. For dreamers everywhere, each ticket holds the possibility of making it onto this legendary list.

What Would You Do With $1.269 Billion?

It’s a question every lottery player dreams of answering. Whether it’s funding your family’s future, exploring the world, or giving back to the community, the possibilities are endless.

At Lancellot’s Lottery Blog, we’ll keep you updated on the winner’s journey, the latest jackpot news, and tips for playing responsibly. Remember, fortune favors the bold, so stay hopeful and play wisely!