A Texas lottery player has won the $1.25 billion Powerball jackpot drawn on December 17, 2025, claiming one of the sixth-largest prizes in the game’s entire history. The winning ticket was sold in Fort Worth, putting this historic jackpot moment firmly in the spotlight as 2025 draws to a close.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Jackpot amount: $1.25 billion annuitized, with a $572.1 million cash value option
- Drawing date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:59 p.m. EST
- Winning numbers: 25-33-53-62-66, Powerball 17, Power Play 4
- Historical ranking: Sixth-largest Powerball jackpot ever awarded since the game began
Fort Worth Ticket Takes Home Sixth-Largest Powerball Prize
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The Texas Lottery confirmed that a single winning ticket was purchased in Fort Worth, securing the entire $1.25 billion jackpot. This marks a significant moment for the Lone Star State, which has consistently produced major Powerball winners throughout 2025. The winner purchased their ticket through a retail location in Fort Worth, one of Texas’s largest metropolitan areas.
Winners can choose between two payout options. The annuitized option provides 30 annual graduated payments, with each payment increasing year over year. Alternatively, the cash value option delivers a one-time lump sum of $572.1 million, which many winners prefer for immediate access to funds. The choice between these options is permanent and cannot be changed after claiming.
About the Sixth-Largest Jackpot in Powerball History
| Rank | Jackpot Amount | Date Won | State/States |
| 1 | $2.04 billion | November 7, 2022 | California |
| 2 | $1.787 billion | September 6, 2025 | Missouri & Texas |
| 3 | $1.765 billion | October 11, 2023 | California |
| 4 | $1.586 billion | January 13, 2016 | California, Florida, Tennessee |
| 5 | $1.40 billion | September 3, 2025 | Not claimed |
| 6 | $1.25 billion | December 17, 2025 | Texas |
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The December 17 drawing continues Texas’s remarkable run in 2025. Earlier this year, a $1.787 billion Powerball jackpot was split between two winners in Missouri and Texas on September 6, 2025, with the Texas portion claimed by a Fredericksburg player. Beyond the massive jackpots, Texas retailers have consistently sold winning tickets for second and third-tier prizes throughout the year, generating excitement across the state.
The Fort Worth winner joins a distinguished group of Texas lottery players who have experienced life-changing moments at the Powerball drawing. Those holding large jackpots must claim their prizes within 180 days of the drawing date to remain eligible. The prize must also be validated against the Texas Lottery’s official verification requirements before payment is processed.
Understanding Your Powerball Winning Options
For winners of massive jackpots like this $1.25 billion prize, understanding the two payout choices is crucial. The annuitized option spreads payments over three decades, providing a guaranteed income stream and protection against overspending. The cash value option, while smaller after federal taxes, offers the advantage of immediate control over the full winnings. Federal tax withholding applies to both options, typically around 37% of the jackpot amount, though state taxes may apply depending on residency.
A ticket is not a valid winning ticket until it is presented for payment and meets the Texas Lottery’s validation requirements.
— Texas Lottery, Official Validation Standards
What’s Next for the Texas Powerball Winner?
The window for claiming this sixth-largest Powerball jackpot extends through June 13, 2026, giving the winner ample time to secure legal and financial counsel. Many major lottery winners consult with tax attorneys, financial advisors, and certified public accountants to develop a comprehensive wealth management strategy before claiming. The Texas Lottery maintains specific claim locations and procedures to guide winners through the process.
Whether the Fort Worth player has already come forward or plans to claim their prize before the June deadline remains to be seen. What is certain is that this $1.25 billion jackpot represents one of the most significant lottery moments of 2025, cementing Texas’s status as a powerhouse in the world of Powerball winners. As the holiday season winds down and 2026 approaches, the identity and plans of this historic winner may become one of the most watched lottery stories in the coming months.
Sources
- Texas Lottery Commission – Official confirmed drawing results and jackpot information
- Powerball.com – Official Powerball historical jackpot rankings and game statistics
- CBS News – Breaking coverage of the December 17, 2025 drawing announcement
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.