Key Takeaways

1. Record-setting payout: Two tickets won the massive $1.8B annuity vs. $826M cash option jackpot—the second-highest Powerball prize on record.
2. Jackpot built through many rollovers: Over 41 draws without a winner boosted sales, public attention, and expectations across the U.S.
3. Balance of opportunity & risk: While this win generated excitement and millions of smaller wins, it also underscores concerns about gambling behavior and calls for vigilance and responsible gaming

On September 6, 2025, the long-running Powerball jackpot—estimated at $1.8 billion annuity (about $826.4 million cash option)—was claimed by two ticket holders, one in Texas and the other in Missouri, making this the second-largest Powerball prize in U.S. history, behind only the $2.04 billion jackpot in 2022.

The winning numbers were 11, 23, 44, 61, 62, with Powerball 17; Power Play was 2X. The annuity option will be paid out over 30 years (29 increasing annual payments after the first), while the lump sum is about $410–$420 million per winner before taxes.

This enormous jackpot had built up over 41+ rollovers since the previous winner on May 31, 2025, following several consecutive drawings without a winner. Over this period, ticket sales surged across the U.S., driven by growing excitement around record-setting numbers. More than 9.9 million tickets won smaller cash prizes nationwide during this draw.

One of the winning tickets in Texas was sold at Big’s Convenience Store in Fredericksburg, a rural location. The Missouri retailer will be revealed later, in accordance with state law.

Context & Concerns

• This jackpot falls among the top Powerball records; history shows that massive jackpots usually lead to spikes in ticket purchases, often driven by media publicity and cross-state promotional efforts.
• While large wins excite the public, experts and regulators continue to watch for side effects, such as problem gambling, especially among populations more likely to chase improbable prizes.