Record Powerball Winner ‘Shocked and Ecstatic’ After Claiming Jackpot

The winner of the largest Powerball jackpot ever has described himself as’ shocked and ecstatic’ after finally claiming the $2.04 billion jackpot that was won last November.

Edwin Castro was named as the record-breaking winner at a press conference held by the California Lottery on Tuesday, although he turned down the opportunity to appear and said he did not want to speak to the media.

While it is his wish to remain private, the California Lottery was compelled to reveal his identity due to state law, and read a statement that he had provided.

Castro did not share any plans for what he might do with his money, but he did make it clear that he was overjoyed to think that his success was already guaranteed to help others, with Californian schools set to receive $156.3 million as a result.

“As much as I am shocked and ecstatic to have won the Powerball drawing, the real winner is the California public school system,” said Castro in his statement.

“The mission of the California Lottery, which is to provide supplemental funding for California public education – both public schools and colleges – makes this a huge win for the state.

“As someone who received the rewards of being educated in the California public education system, it’s gratifying to hear that, as a result of my win, the California school system greatly benefits as well.”

Castro could have taken the advertised $2.04 billion jackpot as an annuity spread out over 29 years, but instead opted to receive the cash sum of $997.6 million.

He matched all the numbers in the draw on November 7 after a run of 40 draws without a win had propelled the jackpot to unprecedented levels.

It was the first time that any lottery jackpot, for Powerball, Mega Millions, or any other game anywhere in the world, had gone past the $2 billion mark.

More big Powerball jackpots have been won since Castro’s success, including a Washington payout worth $754 million earlier this month. Go to the Current Jackpot page to find out more about the grand prize that is up for grabs in the next draw, and pick your numbers to give yourself a chance of winning.

Published: Wednesday, February 15, 2023