$983M Mega Millions Jackpot Finally Claimed after Three Months, Missing Ticket

The Georgia Lottery has nothing but good news to report this early on into the year, with the winner of a $938 million Mega Millions jackpot finally stepping forward to claim their prize.

Georgia’s Hunt for Biggest Winner on Record Is Finally Over

Commenting on the happy occasion was acknowledged by lottery officials and, specifically, Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin:

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

It has been a long wait, too, with the person winning back on November 14, 2025, but taking their sweet time to contact the lottery. In all likelihood, they have been studying their options and what they would do with their money.

Everything in Its Due Time 

The winning ticket had won with 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and a Mega Ball number of 7, and the holder, who exercised his right to stay anonymous, scooped the all-cash-out option.  The ticket was sold at a Publix store near North Highway 29 in Newnan

This resulted in a whopping $453.6 million. The ticket was, in fact, claimed a little after the New Year, on January 2, but the Georgia Lottery only released a statement on Tuesday. The amount is the highest single-jackpot prize money won from the game, and possibly from any other lottery.

Previously, a Powerball jackpot worth $478.2 million was scooped back in October 2024, when the person who won opted – again – for the cash option of $230.6 million.

In the meantime, a $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot in Arkansas remains unclaimed.