$1.817 Billion Powerball Jackpot Won in Arkansas: Historic Win

The $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot won in Arkansas has officially ended one of the longest and most dramatic jackpot runs in U.S. lottery history. A single ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers in Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing, instantly creating one of the biggest lottery winners the country has ever seen.

The winning numbers drawn on Wednesday, December 24 were 4, 25, 31, 52, 59, with the red Powerball 19. The Power Play multiplier was 2X.

This historic win marks the second-largest Powerball jackpot ever claimed and the largest Powerball prize of the year.

What Happened

A lone Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers to claim the $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot. The prize reached its final total after 47 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner, setting a new game record for the longest jackpot cycle in Powerball history.

The winner now faces a major decision:

• $1.817 billion annuity, paid over 30 years
• $834.9 million lump-sum cash option, before taxes

This is only the second time Arkansas has produced a Powerball jackpot winner, with the first win dating back to 2010.

Why It Matters

The $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot won in Arkansas reshapes the U.S. lottery record books.

• It becomes the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won
• It trails only the $2.04 billion Powerball prize won in California in 2022
• It highlights how sustained jackpot rollovers continue to drive national ticket sales

According to Powerball officials, millions of players nationwide contributed to this historic jackpot run. More than half of every ticket sold stays in the state where it was purchased, helping fund education, infrastructure, and public programs.

“This is a truly life-changing prize,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “Every ticket purchased during this run also supported public services across the country.”

Other Winners From the Drawing

While Arkansas claimed the jackpot, players across the U.S. also scored major wins.

• Eight tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million each
• Winning Match 5 tickets were sold in:
  • California
  • Indiana
  • Michigan
  • New York (2 tickets)
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Virginia

The drawing also produced:

• 114 tickets worth $50,000
• 31 tickets worth $100,000

In the Double Play drawing, tickets sold in Colorado and South Carolina won $500,000 each.

What Happens Next

After the $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot won in Arkansas, the game now resets.

• The next Powerball jackpot drops to $20 million
• The Power Play 10X multiplier returns for Saturday’s drawing
• Powerball drawings continue Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET

Lottery officials are urging players nationwide to check their tickets carefully, as unclaimed prizes often go unnoticed after massive jackpot wins.

Final Takeaway

The $1.817 billion Powerball jackpot won in Arkansas is more than just a headline. It reflects the growing scale of U.S. lottery jackpots, the power of nationwide participation, and the life-altering impact a single ticket can deliver.

As the spotlight turns to Arkansas’ newest billionaire, Powerball players across the country are already looking ahead to the next drawing—proof that the dream resets as quickly as the jackpot does.

A Look at Record U.S. Lottery Jackpots

The Arkansas win now ranks among the largest lottery prizes in history:

1. $2.04B – Powerball – Nov. 7, 2022 – California
2. $1.817B – Powerball – Dec. 24, 2025 – Arkansas
3. $1.787B – Powerball – Sept. 6, 2025 – Missouri & Texas
4. $1.765B – Powerball – Oct. 11, 2023 – California
5. $1.602B – Mega Millions – Aug. 8, 2023 – Florida

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