Kansas Army National Guardsman Wins NASCAR Powerball Playoff

Erives was one of four finalists invited to Phoenix Raceway for NASCAR Championship Weekend, along with Daryle Fair of South Carolina, Patricia Hockaday of North Carolina and Todd Smith of Maine.

They all got to enjoy VIP trips for two, including roundtrip airfare, three nights of hotel accommodation, hospitality club passes and a number of other VIP experiences. A payout of $10,000 was also guaranteed to all four, with a ‘Championship drawing’ held to decide who would get the $1 million jackpot.

It was the culmination of a promotion that has been running for much of the year, starting off at state level and then progressing through a series of elimination drawings that took place alongside important dates on the NASCAR calendar. Go to the NASCAR Powerball Playoff page for full details.

Upon finding out that he was the winner, Erives said: “I feel a little numb. This is huge, enormous. My life is going to be completely different from now on.”

Erives, a Staff Sergeant in the Kansas Army National Guard, said he would use the prize money to help out his family. He was joined on stage by his 13-year-old nephew Aaron after being confirmed as the winner.

2026 Playoff Confirmed

Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO, hailed the success of the competition and confirmed that it would be returning for 2026.

He said: “This marks Powerball’s third consecutive year holding a $1 million drawing at NASCAR Championship Weekend. Year after year, our players tell us how much they love this experience, so we’re thrilled to bring the $1 million drawing to Homestead-Miami next year alongside NASCAR Championship Weekend.”

Erives became the first man to win the NASCAR Powerball Playoff, following victories for Stephanie Walker of Mississippi in 2023 and Meagan Lewis of Louisiana last year.

There will be another chance to land $1 million in 2026, so look out for details of your state’s individual promotion to take the first step on the road to success. In the meantime, Powerball draws will continue to take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday night.