A historic Powerball jackpot has been won in Arkansas, making Christmas Eve 2025 truly unforgettable for one lucky ticket holder. The winning ticket matched all numbers for the staggering $1.817 billion prize, the second-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. The winner now faces the choice of taking a lump sum of $834.9 million or an annuity that spreads the full prize over 30 years.
The winning numbers were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 with a red Powerball 19 and a 2X Power Play. In addition to the jackpot winner, dozens of other players claimed prizes ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. This historic win underscores the rare excitement and life-changing potential of the Powerball lottery.
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Winning Numbers and Prize Options
The winning numbers for Wednesday’s drawing were:
- White Balls: 4, 25, 31, 52, 59
- Red Powerball: 19
- Power Play: 2X
The jackpot winner now faces a choice between two payout options:
- Annuity: The full $1.817 billion, paid over 30 years, with each annual payment increasing by 5%.
- Lump Sum: A one-time cash payment of $834.9 million.
Matt Strawn, chair of the Powerball Product Group and CEO of the Iowa Lottery, praised the winner and all participants:
“Congratulations to the newest Powerball jackpot winner! This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize. We also want to thank all the players who joined in this jackpot streak – every ticket purchased helps support public programs and services across the country.”
Other Winners and Historical Context
In addition to the jackpot winner:
- Eight players won $1 million by matching all five white balls.
- 114 tickets won $50,000.
- 31 tickets won $100,000.
This marks only the second time a Powerball jackpot ticket has been sold in Arkansas, the first being in 2010. The previous jackpot was won on September 6, when tickets in Missouri and Texas split a $1.787 billion prize.
The Powerball jackpot will now reset to $20 million, with the next drawing scheduled for Saturday.
Odds and Final Notes
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot remain 1 in 292.2 million, highlighting the extraordinary luck required to claim such a life-changing prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is it to win the Powerball jackpot?
The odds of winning are 1 in 292.2 million, making it one of the most difficult lotteries to win.
How often have Arkansas residents won the Powerball jackpot?
This is only the second time a Powerball jackpot ticket has been sold in Arkansas. The first was in 2010.
What happens next for the jackpot?
The Powerball jackpot will reset to $20 million, with the next drawing scheduled for Saturday.
What impact do Powerball ticket sales have?
Every ticket purchased supports public programs and services across participating states, helping fund education, infrastructure, and other community projects.
How does the Power Play affect winnings?
The Power Play multiplier can increase non-jackpot prizes. In this drawing, the Power Play was 2X, doubling certain prizes like $50,000 or $100,000 prizes.
Who won the $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot?
The winning ticket was sold in Arkansas, but the winner has not yet been publicly identified.
Conclusion
The $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot won in Arkansas on Christmas Eve is a rare, life-changing event that captures the imagination of millions. With the choice between a massive lump-sum payout or an annuity stretching over 30 years, the winner now faces a remarkable decision. Beyond the individual fortune, this historic drawing highlights the excitement of Powerball and the significant support lottery ticket sales provide to public programs nationwide.
