DC Man is Powerball First Millionaire of the Year
2021 has gotten off to a one-of-a-kind start for a lucky DC Powerball player, who became the game's First Millionaire of the Year live on the Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest TV broadcast.
The First Millionaire of the Year promotion was back for the second time to create a surprise life-changing win for one of five finalists from across the country:
- Sara Bosch from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
- Shawn Cantrell from Lincoln, Nebraska
- Steven Everage from Seymour, Indiana
- Laveral King Jr. from Winter Haven, Florida
- Carlos Mabry from Washington, DC
Shortly after midnight, hosts Ryan Seacrest and country music star Jessie James Decker announced the $1 million top prize winner: Carlos Mabry.
The Northwest DC resident, who was at home with his family during the virtual event, could barely speak after hearing the amazing news. The lucky winner reacted excitedly as he punched the air and hugged his wife and two daughters.
It was an exciting night for all the finalists, who each received $12,500 in cash, a 70-inch LED TV, karaoke system, a $500 Party City gift card, and more.
The finalists, whose names were revealed this week, were chosen at random via a second-chance drawing. This year's competition launched in September and 26 lotteries participated. Players first entered their non-winning tickets into a local drawing that determined the semi-finalists. A second nationwide drawing was then held to find the five finalists who had the chance to win $1 million.
As the finalists, who were live from their homes, waited patiently, Seacrest and Decker watched in the New York studio as the balls were set in motion.
"This is going to be incredible," Seacrest commented. "One of these lives is about to change."
"The suspense is killing me!" Decker said as the winning ball was randomly selected. "Oh my gosh, I'm nervous," Seacrest said.
When the number five was revealed, Decker announced Carlos Mabry as the $1 million winner and the family broke into cheers.
"Tell me what is flowing through your body and blood right now," Seacrest said. Mabry was almost speechless and repeated "Oh my," before exclaiming "All glory to God!"
After having some time to digest the good news, Mabry said that he plans to donate part of his winnings to several good causes, including his church and a local food bank.
The First Millionaire of the Year promotion kicked off last year, with Blaine Marston of Passadumkeag, Maine taking home the top prize in 2020.
Huge Weekend Jackpots
There are some incredible prizes to be won this weekend, with Powerball and Mega Millions offering a combined $785 million!
2021 could be your best year ever if you take home the incredible $401 million Mega Millions jackpot tonight, Friday, January 1.
And you'll also want to try your luck tomorrow, Saturday, January 2, when there's a $384 million Powerball top prize to be won.
Don't miss out - get your tickets for both draws now.
Published: Friday, January 1, 2021Updated: Friday, January 1, 2021
