Winner Opts for Cash Payout
The jackpot winner chose the lump-sum cash option of US $453.6 million before taxes, rather than annual payments over decades. Under Georgia law, the winner’s identity remains anonymous.
The winning ticket was sold at a Publix Super Market in Newnan, Georgia. The retailer will receive a US $50,000 bonus from the Georgia Lottery for selling the jackpot ticket.
A Long Road to the Jackpot
The Mega Millions jackpot had climbed steadily for months before finally being won. During this run, 39 consecutive drawings passed without a jackpot winner, the longest such streak in the game’s history, according to lottery officials.
The winning numbers were 1-8-11-12-57 with Mega Ball 7.
Plans and Reflections
Though keeping their name private, the winner shared that they are a regular lottery player and were motivated to buy the ticket after seeing the jackpot amount on a billboard. They indicated plans to use the winnings for long-term family security and charitable contributions.
Officials also noted that proceeds from Mega Millions tickets help fund education programs, including the HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K programs in Georgia — making the jackpot run impactful beyond this single win.
State and National Context
This historic jackpot surpasses Georgia’s previous record — a US $478.2 million Powerball prize won in 2024 — and ranks among the top jackpots in U.S. Mega Millions history.
As the lottery resets and jackpots begin to grow again, players nationwide are reminded of the chances — however slim — that the next life-changing win could be just one ticket away.