Georgian Man Wins Historic $980m Mega Jackpot

A man in Georgia, United States, has won an estimated $980 million Mega Millions jackpot, making it the largest lottery prize in the state’s history.

The winning ticket was sold at a supermarket in Newnan, Georgia, after the drawing on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Mega Millions is a popular multi-state lottery in the US, played in 45 states. Players pick five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. Jackpots start at $20 million and increase with each drawing that has no winner.

According to reports, the winner matched all five numbers plus the Mega Ball, an extremely rare feat that only happens once in hundreds of millions of attempts.

The jackpot is listed as $980 million in annuity payments over 30 years, which means the winner would receive the money in smaller yearly instalments for 30 years. If the winner prefers, he can take the lump-sum cash option of about $452.2 million, paid all at once. The winner’s identity has not been revealed.

Georgia’s previous biggest jackpot was a $478.2 million Powerball prize in October 2024, shared by two winners.

Also, the retailer that sold the winning ticket is expected to earn a $50,000 incentive bonus.