Eighth-Largest Mega Millions Jackpot Goes to Georgian Player
A Mega Millions player from Georgia has smashed the record for winning the largest lottery prize in the Peach State’s history, after landing $980 million in Friday night’s draw.
It was the eighth-biggest jackpot to have ever been seen in Mega Millions, having been climbing ever since the last win in late June. One more roll would have seen it go beyond $1 billion, but instead one lucky ticket holder matched all the numbers to bank $980 million.
The winning numbers for November 14 were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57, with a Mega Ball of 7. Among the 1.1 million tickets that picked up prizes across the U.S., was one worth $3 million and belonged to a player from Michigan who matched five numbers with a 3X multiplier, but it was the Georgian record-breaker who stole the show.
"$980 million is the largest jackpot that's been won since the Mega Millions game changed back in April," said Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium, in a press release. "Congratulations to our big winner from Georgia and to all our players who are winning more than ever with this new version of the game."
The Georgia Lottery revealed that the winning ticket was sold at Publix #1816, located at 4000 N. Highway 29 in Newnan. It was a Quik Pik ticket, with the numbers randomly generated at the point of purchase
The winner can now decide whether to take the $980 million jackpot as an annuity, or go for the lump-sum option of around $452.2 million. After taxes, those amounts would be reduced to $567.8 million or $261.5 million respectively. The winner will also be allowed to remain anonymous.
It is a moment of good fortune that will be celebrated widely across Georgia. Publix #1816 is in line to receive a bonus payment of $50,000 for selling the winning ticket, while the lottery-funded HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) Scholarship Program also stands to benefit.
“We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” said Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin. “With every Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia supporting HOPE and Pre-K, Georgia’s students and families are also big winners. We appreciate our players and retailers for their support of our mission.”
The winner now has 180 days from the draw date to come forward and claim their prize.
Powerball Jackpot Hits $570 Million
While the Mega Millions jackpot will now drop down to its starting figure of $50 million, fellow multi-state lottery Powerball is still flying high. The top prize has reached $570 million ahead of the next draw on Monday night, having not been won since $1.787 billion was split between two ticket holders on September 6.
You can buy tickets for Powerball or Mega Millions from authorized retailers in participating states, or even play online from some locations. Make sure to take part to give yourself a chance of becoming the next big winner.
Published: Monday, November 17, 2025Updated: Monday, November 17, 2025
