Georgia Lottery Player Claims $983 Million Jackpot 2 Months After Winning Historic Prize

One lucky ticket holder in Georgia is starting 2026 with a life-changing win.

Georgia Lottery Corp. President and CEO Gretchen Corbin announced on Tuesday, Jan. 6, that the winner of the $983 million Mega Millions jackpot from the Nov. 14 drawing has officially claimed the prize. The ticket holder came forward on Friday, Jan. 2.

The winner chose to remain anonymous, as allowed under Georgia law, and selected the cash option, which totals $453.6 million before taxes, according to a Georgia Lottery press release.

The winning numbers for the Nov. 14, 2025, Mega Millions drawing were 1, 8, 11, 12, and 57, with a Mega Ball of 7. The Georgia Lottery notes on its website that all draw game tickets — including Mega Millions, Powerball, and Fantasy 5 — are valid for 180 days following the draw date.

This payout surpasses Georgia’s previous lottery record. That mark was set in October 2024, when a Powerball ticket sold in Buford, Ga., won a $478.2 million jackpot. Two winners split that prize and opted for a combined cash payout of $230.6 million.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Georgia’s record-breaking jackpot winner and their life-changing start to the new year,” Corbin said. “This historic jackpot was also significant for Georgia’s students, families, and communities who benefit from HOPE and Pre-K. We congratulate our winner and appreciate the support of our players and retail partners during this exciting jackpot run.”

While remaining anonymous, the winner shared that they are a Georgia resident with family members who have benefited from the HOPE Scholarship, which is funded by lottery proceeds. A regular lottery player, the winner said seeing a large jackpot advertised on a Georgia Lottery billboard prompted them to purchase the ticket.

The winner plans to use the money with a long-term vision in mind, describing the prize as “generational” and expressing a desire to give back to meaningful causes.

The winning ticket was sold at Publix #1816, located at 4000 N. Highway 29 in Newnan, Ga. The retailer will receive a $50,000 incentive bonus for selling the winning ticket.