Minnesota lottery players had a shot at winning $1.7 billion on Christmas Eve as the Powerball drawing took place on Wednesday evening. The winning numbers have been drawn and the fourth-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history is now claimed.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Winning numbers: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 with Powerball 19 (Power Play 2x)
- Jackpot amount: $1.7 billion, the 4th largest in Powerball history
- Drawing time: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 10:59 PM ET
- Cash value: $781.3 million for lump sum payout option
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Wednesday’s Powerball drawing marked only the second time in lottery history that a jackpot reached $1.7 billion on Christmas Eve. The fourth-largest prize ever offered continues a tradition of major holiday drawings that capture national attention.
The 46-drawing jackpot run began after no winner emerged on September 6, 2025. Players across all participating states rushed to purchase tickets before stores closed for the holiday.
Minnesota’s Powerball Legacy and Player Opportunities
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Minnesota has produced significant Powerball winners throughout its lottery history. Thomas and Kathleen Morris from Burnsville won the state’s largest-ever jackpot of $228.9 million back in 2011. More recently, Paul White from Ham Lake shared a $448.4 million jackpot in August 2013.
Two Minnesota tickets claimed $50,000 prizes in recent draws at retailers in Farmington and Scanlon. The state maintains strong player participation with consistent mid-prize winners across Powerball options.
| Jackpot Rank | Amount | Year |
| 1st (Largest) | $2.04 billion | November 2022 |
| 2nd | $1.586 billion | January 2024 |
| 3rd | $1.76 billion | July 2023 |
| 4th | $1.7 billion | December 24, 2025 |
Understanding the Prize and Payout Options
Prize winners must act within one year from the December 24, 2025 drawing date to claim their winnings. Winners face a critical choice between two payout strategies with vastly different financial implications.
The annuity option provides an immediate payment followed by annual increasing payments over 29 years. The cash lump sum of $781.3 million offers immediate access but represents roughly 46 percent of the advertised amount. Most winners historically select the cash option for immediate liquidity.
“Winners have one year from the date of the drawing to claim prizes.”
— Minnesota Lottery, Official Rules
How Minnesota Winners Claim Their Prizes
Minnesota offers flexible claiming options for Powerball jackpot winners. Prizes exceeding $50,000 must be claimed in person at the Minnesota Lottery Headquarters in Roseville. Winners should call 1-888-568-8379 or 651-635-8273 to schedule an appointment before visiting.
The state requires all winners over $10,000 to officially claim their prize, though Minnesota law provides privacy protections. Winners can maintain relative anonymity unless they choose public disclosure, making it possible to claim tremendous prizes while protecting personal information.
What Should Minnesota Lottery Players Do Now?
Players holding tickets should verify their numbers against the official winning combination: 4-25-31-52-59-19. Match all five white balls plus the red Powerball to win the full jackpot amount. Multiple prize tiers exist for partial matches, with Match 5 winners receiving $1 million each (with Power Play multiplier applied).
Anyone believing they hold a winning ticket should sign the back of the ticket immediately. Gathering financial and legal advisors before claiming is highly recommended. Planning for taxes and large financial decisions prevents common mistakes that major lottery winners often experience.
Sources
- NBC News – Official Powerball drawing results and historic rankings
- Minnesota Lottery – Prize claiming procedures and state regulations
- FOX Business – Fourth-largest jackpot verification and details
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.