At a Glance
- An Arkansas resident has officially claimed the $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot drawn on Dec. 24, 2025.
- The winner chose the one-time $834.9 million pre-tax cash option.
- The draw set a record with 47 consecutive drawings before the prize was won.
- Why it matters: The win is the second-largest in Powerball history and will boost scholarship funds for Arkansas schools.
The December 24 Powerball drawing drew national attention when an Arkansas lottery player stepped forward to claim the massive jackpot. The ticket, sold by Murphy USA, matched all five white balls and the red Powerball, with the numbers 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 and red Powerball 19.
The Winning Ticket
The Arkansas winner’s numbers were confirmed by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL). The ticket matched the full set of winning numbers, securing the largest jackpot of 2025 and the second-largest in Powerball history.
Prize Details
- Total prize: $1.8 billion (post-tax)
- Cash option: $834.9 million pre-tax
- Choice: One-time lump sum
ASL officials noted that the winner opted for the cash option, which is a common choice among high-value winners.
Cash Option and Legal Steps
Sharon Strong, executive director of ASL, emphasized the importance of professional guidance.
> “The winner took the time to seek legal counsel and financial advice as recommended by lottery officials before officially claiming their prize,” Strong said.
Strong also highlighted the broader impact of the win:
> “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.”
Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO, extended congratulations in a press release the day after the drawing:
> “Congratulations to the newest Powerball jackpot winner! This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize,” Strawn said. “We also want to thank all the players who joined in this jackpot streak – every ticket purchased helps support public programs and services across the country.”
Impact on Arkansas
This is the second time an Arkansas ticket holder has taken home a Powerball jackpot. The first was in 2010, when a winner collected the grand prize.
The state’s lottery revenue will benefit public education, as the ASL uses proceeds to fund scholarships for Arkansas students.
Other Winners and Prize Distribution
Although the top prize was won by the Arkansas ticket, other players also walked away with substantial winnings:
| State | Prize | Tickets Won |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $1 million | 1 |
| Michigan | $1 million | 1 |
| New York | $1 million | 1 |
| Ohio | $1 million | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $1 million | 1 |
| Virginia | $1 million | 1 |
Additionally:
- 114 tickets won $50,000 prizes.
- 31 tickets won $100,000 prizes.
These secondary prizes are part of the Powerball payout structure, ensuring many players receive rewards even if they do not hit the jackpot.
Record-Breaking Draw History
The latest jackpot run lasted 47 drawings, a record for consecutive drawings in a single cycle. The previous record was set when the jackpot was won on Sept. 6, when two tickets in Missouri and Texas split a $1.787 billion prize.
The 2025 draw also followed a streak that began with a $1.787 billion jackpot in September 2023. The record for the largest Powerball jackpot was set on Nov. 7, 2022, when Edwin Castro of California won $2.04 billion.
Historical Context
- 2010: Arkansas winner first claimed a Powerball jackpot.
- 2022: Record $2.04 billion jackpot won.
- 2023: $1.787 billion jackpot split between Missouri and Texas.
- 2025: Current draw, $1.8 billion jackpot won by Arkansas.
These milestones illustrate the growing allure of the Powerball lottery and its significant financial impact on players and state programs.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, please contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or go to gamtalk.org.
