The Powerball jackpot starts at just over 200 million and increases with each draw that no one matches all six numbers. The chance of winning the jackpot is 1 in 292.2 million.
Over 40 draws later, Edwin Castro became a multi-billionaire when his six numbers came up at random – 10, 33, 41, 47 and 56 plus the additional number 10.
The previous record win was 16.5 billion from 2016, but it was crushed by the 21 billion jackpot that was now up to.
The record draw was last November, but it has taken until now for the winner to be announced.
Castro wants to keep a low profile and did not attend the announcement of the huge win, but sent a written statement saying he is “shocked and in awe”.
Winners can choose to receive the prize as a lump sum or divided into 30 annual payments. Castro chose the lump sum.
The winning ticket was sold in Altadena, California. Store owner Joe Chahayed received a bonus of ten million for selling the winning lottery ticket.
