Winner comes forward to claim $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot

QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM/Gray News) - The $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot has officially been claimed.

Officials with the Illinois Lottery confirmed on Tuesday that the winner of the jackpot, from a ticket purchased in Quincy at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, came forward to claim their prize.

Officials said the winner chose to remain anonymous but told officials about the disbelief that came with discovering they had won.

“I initially didn’t believe I had won, so I called a family member to confirm it,” they said. “Even after claiming the prize, I’m still processing the news and experiencing the full range of emotions that come with winning a billion-dollar jackpot — from disbelief and shock to overwhelming elation.”

The winner said they just spent $2 to purchase a single line of Powerball numbers. They didn’t even select a set of lucky numbers. They just chose Quick Pick and let fate do the rest.

“I never could have imagined that a $2 purchase would lead to a $1.04 billion jackpot. This is truly a blessing, and I’m incredibly grateful for this unexpected and extraordinary opportunity,” they said.

Illinois Lottery officials said the winner spent several weeks working with professional legal and financial advisors to prepare the claim and chose to take the prize as a lump-sum payment rather than the annuity option.

The winner did not share how they were going to spend their jackpot.

The $1.04 billion prize ranked the eighth-largest jackpot in Powerball history and the second-largest lottery prize in Illinois history.

The Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh that sold the winning ticket also received a $500,000 retailer bonus, according to the Illinois Lottery.