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A lone ticket has clinched the entire $980 million Mega Millions jackpot, and thanks to state regulations, the fortunate winner can choose to remain completely anonymous.
In an exciting turn of events, someone in Georgia has become an overnight multimillionaire, yet their identity might forever remain a mystery.
The winning ticket, purchased in Georgia, successfully matched all six numbers during Friday’s Mega Millions draw, securing the colossal jackpot valued at approximately $980 million or a cash option of $452.2 million. This monumental win not only marks the largest Mega Millions payout ever in Georgia but also ranks as the eighth-largest jackpot awarded in the history of the game, according to Mega Millions officials.
Since June 27, the jackpot has been steadily climbing, rolling over through 40 consecutive draws, and setting a new record for the longest streak without a winner in Mega Millions history.
Throughout this period of anticipation, players across the nation have claimed nearly 14.3 million prizes, amassing over $343 million in non-jackpot winnings. Among these were 21 significant second-tier prizes, each worth $2 million or more.
Georgia’s last Mega Millions jackpot win was in 2016, and the jackpot drawing now leaves us in the first year since 2020 without a $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot.
The winning numbers for the Nov. 14 drawing were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57 and Mega Ball 7. But we may never know who will be taking home the big prize.
Can lottery winners stay anonymous in Georgia?
Yes, if they want to. Georgia law allows lottery winners to keep their identities private for any prize of $250,000 or more as long as they make a written request to the Georgia Lottery.
That means the Mega Millions winner is under no obligation to come forward publicly. If they request confidentiality, the state will not release their name, address or any identifying information.
Where was the winning ticket sold?
Mega Millions officials confirmed the winning ticket was sold at a Publix in Newnan, Georgia, about 40 miles southwest of Atlanta.
“We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said in a statement. “With every Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia supporting HOPE and Pre-K, Georgia’s students and families are also big winners. We appreciate our players and retailers for their support of our mission.”
Top 10 Mega Millions jackpots of all time
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$1.602 billion — Aug. 8, 2023 (Florida)
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$1.537 billion — Oct. 23, 2018 (South Carolina)
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$1.348 billion — Jan. 13, 2023 (Maine)
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$1.337 billion — July 29, 2022 (Illinois)
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$1.269 billion — Dec. 27, 2024 (California)
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$1.128 billion — March 26, 2024 (New Jersey)
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$1.050 billion — Jan. 22, 2021 (Michigan)
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$980 million — Nov. 14, 2025 (Georgia)
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$810 million — Sept. 10, 2024 (Texas)
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$656 million — March 30, 2012 (Illinois, Kansas, Maryland)
