Historic Lottery Win Creates Virginia’s First Mega Millions Billionaire
A single ticket sold in Virginia has matched all six numbers to win the staggering $1.3 billion Mega Millions jackpot from Friday night’s drawing – the third-largest prize in the game’s history and the first Mega Millions jackpot won in Virginia since 2021. The life-changing numbers drawn were 8, 10, 17, 55, 66 with Mega Ball 3, ending a 30-drawing jackpot run that began after the April 12 win in New Jersey.
Details Emerge About the Monumental Win
The winning ticket was purchased at a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 3427 Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke, Virginia. Lottery officials confirmed the retailer will receive a $100,000 bonus for selling the jackpot-winning ticket. The winner, whose identity remains unknown, has 180 days to claim their prize and must choose between the $1.3 billion annuity paid over 29 years or a lump sum cash option estimated at $621.4 million before taxes.
Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kelly Gee expressed excitement about the historic win, stating: “This is a transformative moment not just for the winner, but for Virginia. A portion of these proceeds will benefit K-12 public education across the Commonwealth.” The store owner, Raj Patel, told reporters he was “shocked and thrilled” to learn his establishment sold the winning ticket.
Financial and Tax Implications of the Win
Financial experts are already weighing in on what the winner should consider:
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Tax Burden: The lump sum would face an immediate 24% federal withholding ($149.1 million) plus Virginia’s 4% state tax ($24.9 million), with additional taxes likely due at filing
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Annuity Considerations: While the annuity offers the full $1.3 billion, it comes with inflation risk over three decades
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Wealth Management: Most advisors recommend assembling a team including attorneys, accountants, and financial planners before claiming
“Even after taxes, this winner will have more money than they could spend in multiple lifetimes,” said financial planner Mark Henry. “The challenge becomes preservation and smart allocation.”
How the Jackpot Grew to Historic Levels
The jackpot had been rolling since April 12, growing through 30 consecutive drawings without a top prize winner. This marks:
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The 3rd largest Mega Millions jackpot ever
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The 6th largest lottery prize in U.S. history
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Virginia’s first Mega Millions jackpot win since 2021
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The 8th Mega Millions jackpot won in 2025
Notably, this continues a trend of massive lottery prizes, coming just three months after a $1.1 billion Powerball was won in New Jersey.
Advice for the Lucky Winner
Lottery officials and financial experts offered these recommendations:
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Sign the ticket immediately and store it securely
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Consult professionals before making any claims
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Consider privacy options – Virginia allows winners to remain anonymous
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Prepare mentally for the life-changing impact
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Take time before making major financial decisions
The Virginia Lottery has established a special team to help guide the winner through the claiming process. Meanwhile, the Mega Millions jackpot resets to $20 million for Tuesday’s drawing, giving new players a chance at the next life-changing prize.
