Second Powerball Win in a Month?! North Carolina Player Hits the Jackpot

In late December 2025, a single Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas won an $1.817 billion jackpot — the second-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. This Christmas Eve win came after a months-long jackpot buildup and reset the jackpot back to its minimum.

With a win of this caliber happening so recently, it’s hard to believe that another jackpot win would come so soon, but when the first leaf falls many more follow. This autumnal metaphor doesn’t fit in too well, as the North Carolina winner is no doubt heading for an endless summer now that they have won this gargantuan amount of money. 

Powerball Jackpot Details

The Powerball jackpot was at an estimated $209 million (cash value $95.2 million) for the most recent drawing on Wednesday January 21st. The Tarheel State winner matched all numbers — 11, 27, 55, 53, 26, Powerball 12. The Power Play of this draw was X2, and has led to many lower prize winners doubling their standard Powerball prizes. Nobody won the Match 5 prize, which as a standard Powerball prize of $1 million would have been $2 million with the Power Play.

Claiming the Prize

The winner must make a claim with North Carolina Lottery officials within 180 days, making July 20 2026 the deadline. 

The winner can accept the prize in two ways: in a lump sum cash prize, or in lifetime annuity payments. The lump sum option, if chosen, offers less money than the annuity payments but banks the winner more now. The annuity option pays the jackpot out in yearly installments, but offers more money over time.

Perhaps the winner is not yet aware of what they’ve won. Or maybe they’re still catatonic with disbelief on their sofa with food half-chewed. Either way, here’s a quick reminder to all lottery aficionados to check your tickets carefully in case you have won a prize.

Nothing is known about the winner. But in North Carolina, winner details are considered a matter of public record unless the player can provide a protective order or an Address Confidentiality Program authorization card. So watch this space…

Enter the Next Powerball Draw

After a win, the Powerball jackpot is reset at its minimum, typically $20 million for the next drawing. The next scheduled Powerball drawing after January 21 is Saturday, January 24th.

If nobody wins that drawing, the jackpot increases again until it is claimed. You can purchase tickets at licensed retailers or online in participating states.

Good luck, and always check your numbers!