$1.04 Billion Powerball Jackpot Claimed in Illinois
Published
The winner of the $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot from the August 12, 2026 draw has come forward. The Illinois Lottery confirmed on September 15, 2026 that the prize, the second largest lottery prize ever won in Illinois, had been claimed by the sole winner, nearly a month after the draw.
A $2 Quick Pick
According to the Illinois Lottery, the winner bought a single line with a Quick Pick for $2. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh in Quincy, Illinois, which receives a $500,000 bonus for selling the jackpot ticket. The winner told lottery officials that they first did not believe the result and asked a family member to check it.
Lump sum and anonymity
The winner spent several weeks preparing the claim with legal and financial advisers and chose the lump sum payment instead of the annuity. Illinois law allows winners of prizes of $250,000 or more to ask to stay anonymous, and the winner chose to do so.
The jackpot run
The jackpot run began on May 4 and ended with the August 12 draw. The Illinois Lottery says the $1.04 billion prize ranks as the eighth largest jackpot in Powerball history. During the run, Illinois players bought more than $53.8 million in Powerball tickets, generating $26 million for the state's Common School Fund.
What it means for players
Powerball jackpots change with every draw: they grow when nobody wins and reset after a win. If you play, check the current jackpot before you buy, keep your ticket safe and know the claim deadlines, which in Illinois are 12 months from the draw for the prize and 60 days for choosing the lump sum.