At a Glance
- An Ohio man found a winning Powerball ticket in his wallet in the last week of the year.
- The ticket, bought on Sept. 23, won a $50,000 prize when checked on Dec. 23.
- The Sept. 24 drawing had a $127 million jackpot that grew to a record $1.8 billion before being won on Dec. 24.
Why it matters: It shows how a forgotten ticket can turn into a life-changing win and highlights the dramatic growth of Powerball jackpots.
An Ohio man discovered a winning Powerball ticket in his wallet during the final week of 2025, turning an ordinary day into a celebration. The ticket was originally purchased on Sept. 23, just before the next drawing, but was forgotten until December. When he finally checked the numbers at a local store, he learned he had won $50,000.
The Ticket’s Journey
John of Powhatan Point bought the ticket on Sept. 23, a day before the scheduled drawing on Sept. 24. After placing it in his pocket, he never remembered it. Only in the last week of the year did he find the ticket and decide to verify his luck.
- Purchase date: Sept. 23
- Drawing date: Sept. 24
- Discovery date: Dec. 23
John visited Tom’s Carry Out in Powhatan Point, where a clerk scanned the ticket while he bought ice. The scan confirmed the ticket matched four of the five white balls and the Powerball, earning the $50,000 prize.
The Jackpot’s Story
The Sept. 24 drawing did not have a winner. Its $127 million jackpot remained unclaimed, allowing the prize to grow over the next three months. By Dec. 24, the jackpot had risen to an estimated $1.8 billion, the second largest in Powerball history. That day, a single ticket purchased in Arkansas won the jackpot, and the winner chose to remain anonymous.
| Date | Event | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 23 | Ticket purchased | $2 |
| Sept. 24 | Drawing (no winner) | $127 million |
| Dec. 24 | Jackpot won | $1.8 billion |
Official Comments
Sharon Strong, executive director of ASL, commented on the Arkansas winner’s decision to seek legal counsel and financial advice before coming forward. She said, “We’re proud to celebrate this moment, not only for our Arkansas winner and for Murphy USA, the Arkansas-based company that sold the winning ticket, but also for the positive impact this historic jackpot will have on our state and our mission to raise funds for in-state scholarships.”
How Powerball Works
Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. Tickets cost $2 each. Players match five white balls and one red Powerball to win the jackpot.
Resources for Those Affected by Gambling
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or visit gamtalk.org.
Takeaway
John’s story reminds us that a forgotten ticket can become a life-changing prize, and it highlights the massive potential of Powerball jackpots when they go unclaimed. While the jackpot grew to $1.8 billion, John’s own win of $50,000 shows that even smaller prizes can bring significant joy.
