In a stunning Christmas Eve windfall, a single lottery ticket sold in Arkansas has clinched a monumental $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot. This prize stands as the second-largest in United States lottery history and the biggest Powerball win recorded in the year 2025.
A Historic Win for The Natural State
The life-changing numbers drawn on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, and the red Powerball 19. The Power Play multiplier for the draw was 2. While the identity of the fortunate winner remains a mystery, the location of the win has sent waves of excitement through Arkansas.
This marks a historic moment for the state, as it is only the second time an Arkansas ticket has secured the Powerball jackpot. The first win occurred back in 2010. Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO, extended his congratulations, stating, "This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize." He also highlighted that lottery proceeds benefit public programs nationwide.
Annuity or Cash: A Billion-Dollar Choice
The jackpot winner now faces a monumental decision. They can opt for the full $1.817 billion annuity, paid out as an immediate payment followed by 29 annual installments that increase by 5% each year. Alternatively, they can choose a lump-sum cash payment of $834.9 million. Both amounts are quoted before applicable federal and state taxes are deducted.
The Christmas Eve drawing was the 47th consecutive draw in this jackpot run, setting a new game record for the number of draws. The jackpot had been rolling since it was last won on September 6, 2025, by tickets in Missouri and Texas, sharing a $1.787 billion prize.
Nationwide Celebration of Other Major Wins
While one ticket hit the grand prize, thousands of other players across the United States also had reason to celebrate. The draw produced a cascade of significant secondary prizes:
- Eight tickets matched the five white balls to win $1 million each.
- 114 tickets secured prizes of $50,000.
- 31 tickets won $100,000 prizes.
In the separate Double Play drawing, which allows players a second chance with the same numbers, two tickets sold in Colorado and South Carolina each won $500,000.
With this historic win, the Powerball jackpot has reset to its starting amount of $20 million for the next drawing on Saturday, December 27. This upcoming draw will also feature the special 10X Power Play multiplier, offering enhanced non-jackpot prizes. Powerball tickets cost $2 per play and are available in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
