The Minnesota raffle created two brand-new millionaires on January 1, 2026, as the beloved New Year’s Day drawing sparked record-breaking excitement across the state. Two lucky players from Coon Rapids and International Falls each claimed the coveted $1 million jackpot in what marks the raffle’s fastest sellout ever.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Two $1 million winners announced on January 1, 2026 during the official drawing
- Tickets sold out in a record-breaking 14 days, the fastest in the game’s 20-year history
- 20,000 total cash prizes awarded ranging from $50 to $1 million across Minnesota
- Winning tickets purchased at Holiday Stationstore in Coon Rapids and Forestland Sales in International Falls
Record-Breaking Ticket Sales Highlight New Year’s Excitement
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The 2026 Minnesota Millionaire Raffle broke its own sales record when all 1 million tickets sold out on November 3, 2025 in just 14 days. This represented the fastest sellout since the game launched 20 years ago. The previous record held at 15 days, making this year’s surge in ticket purchases a milestone moment for the state lottery.
Ticket sales began on October 21, 2025, and players across Minnesota couldn’t resist the excitement of the upcoming January 1 drawing. Each $10 ticket offered a chance at extraordinary prizes, but the record-breaking sales volume demonstrated just how popular this annual tradition has become.
Two New Millionaires Emerge from Coon Rapids and International Falls
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The first $1 million-winning ticket was purchased at Holiday Stationstore on Northwest Round Lake Boulevard in Coon Rapids. The second $1 million ticket came from Forestland Sales near 3rd Street in International Falls, located in the northeastern corner of Minnesota. Both outlets became the lucky retailers who sold the state’s newest millionaires.
These two winners join thousands of other Minnesotans celebrating across the state this morning. The lottery released the official winning numbers at 5:00 a.m. on January 1, and ticket holders immediately began checking their seven-digit numbers against the announced results.
Prize Distribution and Game Details for 2026
Beyond the two millionaires, the 2026 drawing created additional winners at multiple prize tiers. Five players won $100,000 each, five others claimed $50,000 prizes, and five more earned $25,000.
| Prize Amount | Number of Winners | Odds |
| $1,000,000 | 2 | 1 in 500,000 |
| $100,000 | 5 | 1 in 200,000 |
| $50,000 | 5 | 1 in 200,000 |
| $25,000 | 5 | 1 in 200,000 |
| $20,000 (NEW) | 40 | 1 in 25,000 |
To commemorate the raffle’s 20th anniversary, the Minnesota Lottery introduced a brand-new $20,000 prize tier with 40 winners throughout the state. The innovation expanded the overall prize pool and created more winning opportunities for players.
Celebrating Twenty Years of Minnesota Millionaire Traditions
The Minnesota Millionaire Raffle has been a beloved New Year’s Day tradition since 2007, and the 2026 edition proved that enthusiasm for the game continues to grow. The record-breaking sellout reflects not only the appeal of winning life-changing prizes but also the cultural significance this annual event holds across the state.
To mark this milestone, lottery organizers enhanced the game with better odds and new prize options. Players enjoyed overall odds of 1 in 50 to win any cash prize, making it one of the more approachable lottery games available. The variety of prize amounts means that even non-jackpot winners can still experience meaningful payouts.
How Minnesotans Can Check Winning Tickets and Claim Prizes?
Players have until the end of 2026 to claim their prizes. The Minnesota Lottery made it easy to verify tickets through multiple methods. Winners can visit mnlottery.com to check their seven-digit number, download an Excel file containing all winning numbers, or use the official Minnesota Lottery mobile app to scan their tickets.
Retail locations like Holiday Stationstore and other Minnesota Lottery retailers can also verify tickets for players. For those who won significant amounts, the lottery provides guidance on claiming procedures and payout options through their official website.
Sources
- Minnesota Lottery – Official 2026 Raffle winners announcement and prize details
- WDIO News – Reporting on the two $1 million winners from Coon Rapids and International Falls
- WJON News – Coverage of the New Year’s Day drawing and winning retailer locations
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.