The final jackpot was worth $1.05 billion ($776.6 million cash) following a run of 37 draws without a winner and then strong sales in the last couple of days.
The winning numbers for Friday 22nd January were 4, 26, 42, 50 and 60, with a Mega Ball of 24. A single ticket matched all the numbers and it was revealed straight away that the entry was sold in Michigan.
The Michigan Lottery later announced that the ticket had been sold at a Kroger store in the Detroit suburb of Novi. Rachel Hurst, a regional spokeswoman for the grocery chain, said: “Someone in Michigan woke up to life-changing news this morning, and Kroger Michigan congratulates the newest Michigan multimillionaire.
Michigan Lottery spokesman Jake Harris urged everyone in the state to check their tickets. The winner has one year to come forward and claim their prize, and Harris is not necessarily expecting to hear from the lucky player too soon.
“I wouldn't be surprised if the winning ticket holder held onto that ticket for a little bit, got their affairs in order, put together a financial plan and then reached out to contact us,” he said, reminding the winner to sign their ticket and keep it safe.
The winner will be able to choose between taking the jackpot as an annuity or receiving a lump sum worth $776.6 million. After taxes, this cash option will work out at $557 million.
It is the largest lottery jackpot ever to have been won in Michigan, and the second-biggest Mega Millions jackpot of all time. The highest payout in the history of the game came back in October 2018, when a player from South Carolina landed more than $1.5 billion.
Unlike the South Carolina winner, who opted to stay anonymous, the identity of the Michigan player will be disclosed. The Michigan Lottery does not allow winners of multi-state games to remain private.
The big Mega Millions win came just a couple of days after a Powerball jackpot of $731 million was won in Maryland. Go to the World Lottery Tickets page to see the jackpots currently up for grabs and choose your numbers.
