The wait is finally over, and the lucky winner of the staggering $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot has come forward to claim their prize.
The Oregon Lottery announced on Monday that the ticket matching all six numbers was purchased at a Plaid Pantry convenience store in northeast Portland, sending shockwaves through the state and the nation.
Oregon Lottery officials are now working closely with the winner to ensure a thorough security and vetting process before the prize money is awarded. This unprecedented win for the state has everyone on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the revelation of the lucky individual’s identity.
“This is an unprecedented jackpot win for Oregon Lottery,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells, emphasizing the importance of taking every precaution to verify the winner before handing over the life-changing sum.
The winner now faces a crucial decision: take the lump sum cash value of $621 million or opt for an annuity paid out over 30 years. Either way, the prize will be subject to both federal and Oregon state taxes, but the winner will still walk away with an astonishing fortune.
This Powerball jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in the game’s history and the eighth largest among all U.S. jackpot games. While it may not quite reach the record-breaking $2.04 billion won in California in 2022, it’s still an extraordinary win for Oregon and its residents.
Plaid Pantry, the convenience store chain where the winning ticket was sold, expressed their excitement at being a part of this historic moment. “Plaid Pantry is thrilled to learn that one of our 104 Oregon stores sold the $1.3 billion dollar Powerball ticket,” said President and CEO Jonathan Polonsky.
As news of the win spreads, lottery players across the state are flocking to the lucky store, hoping that some of the winner’s good fortune will rub off on them. Mimi Musser, a resident of Beaverton, shared her joy at Oregon finally winning a massive jackpot, stating, “Now that Oregon won it … there’s more hope for Oregon. Maybe we’ll win it again.”
The anticipation is palpable as the state waits for the winner to be revealed. Will this be the start of a lucky streak for Oregon lottery players? Only time will tell, but for now, the focus remains on the incredible $1.3 billion prize and the lucky ticket holder whose life has been forever changed.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.