Powerball is already changing lives in 2025, including one Oregon resident who won big as the first of the year to score $328.5M.
Here’s a story that’s sure to spark your Powerball excitement! The very first Powerball jackpot of 2025 has been claimed, and it’s a massive one—$328.5 million! One lucky ticket sold in Oregon matched all six numbers in the January 18th drawing, instantly turning an ordinary day into a life-changing one. Let’s dive into the details of this incredible win and what it means for the lucky Powerball winner.
More About the First Powerball Win of 2025
The first big Powerball jackpot of the new year has officially been won, and Oregon is celebrating. The winning numbers from the Saturday, January 18th drawing were 14, 31, 35, 64, and 69, with the red Powerball 23.
The Oregon Lottery player who snagged this massive win now has a choice: take the full $328.5 million as an annuity over 30 years or go for the lump sum cash payout of $146.4 million before taxes. Either way, it’s a fortune that will change their life forever.
Before this win, the last Powerball jackpot was hit in New York on December 7th, 2024, with a ticket worth $256 million. But this latest Oregon win has already kicked off 2025 with a bang! And a second Powerball jackpot winner has already come forward for the March 29th, 2025 drawing, winning a whopping $527 million. This may just be a big year for Powerball players and winners!
Other Powerball Prize Winners in That Drawing
While the Oregon ticket took the grand prize, plenty of other Powerball players walked away with winnings in this drawing. Nationwide, a whopping 743,301 tickets won monetary prizes, proving that playing Powerball can pay off in more ways than one. Some of the biggest secondary winners included:
- 17 tickets that won $50,000 each.
- Three tickets (sold in Florida, Illinois, and Massachusetts) that won $100,000 each.
- One ticket in Michigan that matched all five white balls AND had the Power Play® feature, doubling their prize from $1 million to $2 million.
These wins are proof that every ticket has the potential to be a game-changer. And even the non-jackpot wins are thrilling.
A Look at Past Powerball Winners By State
Powerball has been making millionaires since 1992, and some states have been particularly lucky when it comes to jackpot wins. Here’s a look at a few of the top-winning states from last year:
- Indiana – The Hoosier State leads the pack with the most Powerball jackpot winners since the game began.
- Missouri – Consistently ranked as one of the luckiest states for Powerball players.
- Minnesota – Home to multiple jackpot winners over the years.
- California – With its massive population, it’s no surprise that California has had plenty of Powerball winners.
- Florida – The Sunshine State continues to shine with frequent big-ticket wins.
Want to know where your state stands? Check out Powerball’s interactive map to see past winners in your area.
What to Do If You Have a Winning Powerball Ticket
If you find yourself holding a winning Powerball ticket, past players and financial experts suggest you do the following:
- Safeguard the ticket.
- Limit who you tell about your windfall.
- Engage a lawyer or financial advisor.
- Plan for taxes.
- Set spending and investment goals wisely.
Could You Be the Next Powerball Winner?
The Powerball jackpot resets after each win, so the next big prize is already building. If this story has you feeling lucky, it might be time to grab a ticket and play Powerball for your shot at millions!
Who knows? The next Powerball jackpot story could be about you! The next drawing is just around the corner, so pick up your Powerball ticket from any authorized retailer. Good luck!