An online lottery player in Arkansas just won the $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve, securing the second-largest prize in American lottery history. The ticket was purchased at a Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, just northeast of Little Rock. This massive win marks a historic moment for December 2025 and offers a glimpse into what could be the most dramatic lottery victory in recent years.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Jackpot amount: $1.817 billion, second only to the 2022 Altadena, California winner
- Winning numbers: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 with Powerball 19, drawn December 24, 2025
- Cash option available: $834.9 million before federal taxes and withholding
- Ticket location: Murphy USA gas station in Cabot, Arkansas, northeast of Little Rock
The Winning Ticket That Changed Everything
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A single Powerball ticket holder in Arkansas matched all six numbers in Wednesday night’s Christmas Eve drawing to claim the extraordinary $1.817 billion jackpot. The winning numbers 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 with the red Powerball 19 were drawn at 10:59 PM ET on December 24, 2025. This victory marks only the second time in Powerball history where back-to-back winning jackpots exceeded $1 billion.
The odds of winning this jackpot stand at approximately 1 in 292 million, making this winner extraordinarily fortunate. Powerball officials confirmed that the Murphy USA location in Cabot sold the winning ticket, though lottery personnel have been unable to reach anyone at the store for comment. The discovery of this winning ticket has set off excitement throughout Arkansas and across the nation.
| Jackpot Category | Amount |
| Annuity (30 payments) | $1.817 billion |
| Cash Lump Sum | $834.9 million |
| Federal Tax Withholding | 24% of prizes over $600 |
| State Taxes | Varies by state if claimed |
Historic Ranking in Lottery History
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This $1.817 billion Powerball win claims the second position in the ranking of all American lottery jackpots ever won. The largest prize remains the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won on November 7, 2022 by actor Edwin Castro in Altadena, California. That record-breaking ticket was purchased at Joe’s Service Center and represents the pinnacle of lottery history.
The Arkansas victory represents a remarkable achievement for Powerball players nationwide. This is the largest Powerball prize claimed in 2025 and one of only a handful ever to exceed $1.7 billion. The fact that it arrived on Christmas Eve makes this win particularly noteworthy, as few major lottery victories align with significant holidays.
Where the Winning Ticket Was Sold and What Comes Next
The winning ticket was purchased at a Murphy USA convenience store located in Cabot, Arkansas, a town northeast of Little Rock. Murphy USA operates thousands of gas station locations across the United States selling Powerball tickets. The retailer who sold this ticket will receive a bonus for selling the winning ticket, as authorized lottery retailers receive commissions based on prize amounts sold.
The Powerball winner has 180 days from the drawing date to claim the prize officially. The winner will then have 60 additional days to decide whether to accept the annuity option (30 annual payments) or take the lump sum cash option of $834.9 million. Under Arkansas law, lottery winners may claim prizes anonymously through trusts or legal entities, potentially allowing this winner to remain unidentified indefinitely.
Understanding Powerball Prize Options and Tax Implications
Winners of jackpots exceeding $600 face immediate federal income tax withholding of 24%, with additional state taxes varying by residence. The announced $1.817 billion represents the annuitized amount paid over 30 annual increasing payments. The $834.9 million cash option represents the lump sum value before taxes, allowing immediate access to funds for those who choose it.
Federal taxes will reduce the actual payout significantly, potentially leaving the winner with around 37% of the advertised amount after all withholdings. Many winners consult with financial advisors and tax professionals before claiming to develop comprehensive wealth management strategies. The Arkansas location offers the advantage of potential anonymity, which some lottery experts suggest may provide privacy benefits compared to public winner disclosure in other states.
What Makes This Christmas Eve Powerball Win Truly Special?
This December 24, 2025 drawing represents a rare occurrence of an extraordinarily large Powerball jackpot coinciding with a major holiday. The $1.817 billion prize arrived exactly when Americans were celebrating Christmas Eve, making this perhaps the most surprising holiday gift anyone could receive. The odds of winning any Powerball jackpot remain astronomical at approximately one in 292 million, making every winner a statistical miracle.
The anonymity allowed under Arkansas law adds an intriguing element to this story, as the winner may never be publicly identified. This contrasts sharply with other major lottery wins where winners become household names. The mystery surrounding who purchased this ticket at the Cabot Murphy USA location creates endless speculation about the identity and life changes awaiting the fortunate ticket holder. Will this winner step forward and claim fame, or remain forever anonymous? Only time will tell.
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.