A single ticket sold in Georgia matched all six numbers in the latest Mega Millions drawing, resulting in an estimated jackpot of $980 million, or $452.2 million in cash. This historic win, which occurred on November 14, 2025, marks the largest Mega Millions payout ever recorded in Georgia and the eighth-largest in the game’s history.
The jackpot had been rolling since June 27, 2025, accumulating through 40 consecutive drawings, making it the longest stretch without a winner in Mega Millions history. During this period, players nationwide claimed nearly 14.3 million prizes, totaling over $343 million in non-jackpot winnings. Notably, 21 players won second-tier prizes of $2 million or more.
Identity of the Winner May Remain Unknown
While the winning ticket was sold at a Publix in Newnan, Georgia, approximately 40 miles southwest of Atlanta, the identity of the winner may never be disclosed. Under Georgia law, lottery winners can opt to remain anonymous for prizes exceeding $250,000 by submitting a written request to the Georgia Lottery. This means the individual who purchased the winning ticket has no obligation to go public, ensuring their name and any personal details remain confidential.
Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin expressed her excitement over the win, stating, “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history. With every Mega Millions ticket sold in Georgia supporting HOPE and Pre-K, Georgia’s students and families are also big winners.”
Historic Jackpot Milestones
The latest jackpot win comes at a time when Georgia has not seen a Mega Millions jackpot winner since 2016. This event also marks the first year since 2020 without a $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot, underscoring the significance of this particular draw.
The winning numbers for the draw were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and the Mega Ball 7.
This victory adds to the list of remarkable Mega Millions jackpots. The top ten largest jackpots in the game’s history are as follows:
1. $1.602 billion — August 8, 2023 (Florida)
2. $1.537 billion — October 23, 2018 (South Carolina)
3. $1.348 billion — January 13, 2023 (Maine)
4. $1.337 billion — July 29, 2022 (Illinois)
5. $1.269 billion — December 27, 2024 (California)
6. $1.128 billion — March 26, 2024 (New Jersey)
7. $1.050 billion — January 22, 2021 (Michigan)
8. $980 million — November 14, 2025 (Georgia)
9. $810 million — September 10, 2024 (Texas)
10. $656 million — March 30, 2012 (Illinois, Kansas, Maryland)
As the excitement surrounding this historic win continues, the focus remains on the potential impacts on the winner’s life and the benefits that the Georgia Lottery contributes to education and community programs.
