A Belgian EuroMillions winner has shared the surprising first thing he plans to buy after winning a massive €52 million (about £44 million). Rather than splashing out on an extravagant holiday or a new home, the long-time player, who chose a lucky dip ticket, has decided to buy a few new shirts.
Although his first purchase is modest, the winner has plans for more substantial spending in the future. He intends to retire later in life, invest his winnings, support family and friends, and take a trip to the Canary Islands. However, his wardrobe upgrade will come first before any extravagant purchases.
The winning ticket was bought at Veerle De Block, a local bookshop in Sint-Pauwels. The shop owner, Veerle, expressed her excitement, saying, “As a newsagent, you always dream of seeing one of your customers win such a sum one day, but it’s unreal.”
Belgium’s National Lottery spokesperson, Patricia Pen, shared that the winner, who chose to remain anonymous, was in shock when he found out about his massive win. “He has spent some sleepless nights, but remains calm and modest. He is the typical winner profile: discreet, dreamy, and down-to-earth,” Pen said.
The Belgian millionaire’s choice of modest first spending isn’t unique. Previous EuroMillions winners have also made surprising decisions after their big wins. In 2012, Adrian Bayford, who won £148 million, chose to move in with his 80-year-old mother, abandoning his luxurious seven-bedroom estate for a more humble four-bedroom cottage nearby.
