A single winning Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers in the Christmas Eve drawing to claim the $1.817 billion jackpot, the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. The life-changing win ended the game’s three-month stretch without a grand prize winner. The mystery ticket holder has not yet come forward to claim their fortune.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Jackpot Amount: $1.817 billion (second-largest in U.S. lottery history)
- Winning Location: Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, Arkansas, outside Little Rock
- Winning Numbers: 04, 25, 31, 52, 59, with Powerball 19 and 2x Power Play
- Cash Option Available: $834.9 million lump sum or annuity over 29 years
Christmas Eve Miracle: The Third-Largest Jackpot Run Ends
Powerball winner scoops $1.817 billion on Christmas Eve, what happens next will change their life forever
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The winning ticket purchased on December 24, 2025, breaks a historic three-month drought. The last billion-dollar jackpot winner emerged on September 6, 2025, when two tickets from Texas and Missouri split a $1.787 billion prize. That three-month gap between major winners generated enormous anticipation among lottery players nationwide.
The $1.817 billion prize marks the second-largest Powerball jackpot ever awarded. Only the 2022 Powerball win of $2.04 billion in California surpasses it. This Christmas Eve victory represents the largest Powerball win of the entire 2025 calendar year.
Where the Winner Bought the Winning Ticket
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The Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, Arkansas, situated outside Little Rock, sold the historic winning ticket. Cabot, a small town with population near 26,000, suddenly finds itself the home of one of America’s richest lottery winners. The gas station’s location has made it a focal point for national lottery news coverage.
Lottery officials confirmed the ticket sale on Thursday, December 25, 2025, the day after the drawing. The winning numbers drawn Wednesday night were 04, 25, 31, 52, and 59, with the Powerball number being 19 and a 2x Power Play multiplier. Officials stated that claims centers remain closed for the holiday, so the winner cannot officially claim until at least Monday.
Historic Payout Options for the Mystery Winner
| Payout Option | Amount (Before Taxes) |
| Annuity (30 years) | $1.817 billion |
| Cash Option (Lump Sum) | $834.9 million |
The mystery winner faces a critical decision between an annuitized payout of $1.817 billion spread over 29 annual payments or a lump-sum cash option. The cash option provides $834.9 million upfront but before federal income taxes. Many lottery winners historically choose the lump-sum option for immediate access to funds, though the total amount decreases substantially after taxes.
Arkansas law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous when claiming prizes over $500,000, which means the public may never learn the winner’s identity. The lottery winner has one year from the drawing date to claim the prize.
How This Win Compares to Other Historic Powerball Jackpots
The $1.817 billion Christmas Eve victory ranks as a historic moment in American lottery history. The 2022 Powerball jackpot of $2.04 billion in California remains the largest U.S. lottery prize ever. However, the $1.787 billion split between Texas and Missouri winners on September 6 represented significant recent competition for the highest prize amounts.
This year’s Christmas Eve win demonstrates the momentum of soaring Powerball jackpots that reached unprecedented levels in 2025. Players spent months without a grand prize winner, allowing jackpots to accumulate to extraordinary amounts that capture national attention.
What Winning This Jackpot Means for the Mystery Winner?
The $1.817 billion prize would make the Arkansas winner among the wealthiest individuals from a single lottery event. Before taxes, the prize could provide generational wealth, though federal taxes typically claim a significant portion. Professional financial advisors often recommend lottery winners develop comprehensive wealth management strategies before claiming prizes of this magnitude.
For now, the mystery winner can remain anonymous under Arkansas law, keeping their identity and location confidential. The Murphy USA gas station in Cabot will receive a bonus for selling the winning ticket, though the station’s name remains its only public connection to this record-breaking win.
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.