An Arkansas Powerball jackpot winner hit history on Christmas Eve with a $1.817 billion prize, the second-largest lottery prize ever awarded in the United States. The single winning ticket ended a 46-drawing drought that lasted more than three months. One lucky player from Arkansas will now decide between the annuity option or the $834.9 million cash payout.
🔥 Quick Facts
- $1.817 billion jackpot won on December 24, 2025 in Arkansas makes it the second-largest U.S. lottery prize ever
- Winning numbers were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 with Powerball 19, with Power Play multiplier 2x
- The retailer selling the ticket will receive a $100,000 bonus for their big sale
- The 46-drawing losing streak before this win lasted more than three months without a jackpot winner
Arkansas Ticket Breaks Historic Jackpot Drought
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The Arkansas winner claimed the prize during Christmas Eve’s drawing, ending the longest stretch without a Powerball jackpot winner in recent months. The ticket matched all five white balls plus the red Powerball to win the grand prize. Before the Arkansas win, no player had hit all six numbers for 46 consecutive drawings, making this one of the longest jackpot runs in recent Powerball history.
This Christmas Eve celebration delivered one of the biggest financial surprises possible for a single ticket holder. The winner can choose between annual payments over approximately 30 years or take the immediate lump sum cash option of $834.9 million before taxes. Arkansas law allows lottery winners with prizes over $500,000 to remain completely anonymous.
Second-Largest Prize in U.S. Lottery History
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Only one player has ever won a larger lottery jackpot in American history. Edwin Castro won the record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball prize on November 7, 2022. Castro claimed the lump sum option of $997.6 million, just shy of hitting $1 billion. The Arkansas prize of $1.817 billion now ranks as the second-highest jackpot ever awarded to a single ticket holder.
The cash value of $834.9 million represents the pre-tax lump sum available to the Arkansas winner. Major lottery prizes of this magnitude face significant federal taxation, with the IRS withholding substantial portions before the winner receives their final amount. State taxes may also apply depending on the winner’s circumstances and filing status.
Christmas Eve Powerball Win Details and Numbers
| Prize Details | Information |
| Annuity Payout | $1.817 billion over ~30 years |
| Lump Sum Cash Option | $834.9 million (before taxes) |
| Winning Numbers | 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 + Powerball 19 |
| Power Play Multiplier | 2x |
| Drawing Date | Wednesday, December 24, 2025 |
| Shortest Jackpot Run | 46 drawings without a winner |
| Retailer Bonus | $100,000 bonus for selling ticket |
Additional Prize Winners Across the Country
While the Arkansas player claimed the massive jackpot, other lottery participants across the nation also won significant prizes on Christmas Eve. Eight additional players matched all five white balls without the red Powerball, meaning they each won $1 million before any applicable taxes. These secondary winners demonstrated that Powerball offers multiple prize tiers across different matching combinations.
The $100,000 bonus awarded to the Arkansas retailer recognizes their role in selling the winning ticket. Lottery retailers nationwide celebrate when their locations sell jackpot-winning tickets, as these bonuses provide financial recognition for their business. Powerball drawings occur three times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings.
What Makes This Arkansas Win So Historic?
The $1.817 billion prize represents the culmination of 46 consecutive drawings without a single jackpot winner. This drought caused the prize amount to compound with each drawing, accumulating to become the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. The Christmas Eve timing made this win particularly special for one very fortunate Arkansas resident preparing to celebrate the holiday season.
The anonymity protections in Arkansas law mean the public may never learn the identity of this life-changing winner. Many major lottery winners across the country prefer remaining anonymous to protect their privacy and avoid unwanted attention. The focus now shifts to what this Arkansas player will do with their $834.9 million lump sum or monthly annuity payments spread across decades.
Sources
- Associated Press (AP News) – Powerball jackpot winner verification and drawing details
- NPR – Second-largest U.S. lottery history analysis and prize comparisons
- CBS News – Winning numbers and payout options
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.