The Mega Millions lottery has been changing lives for decades, awarding massive jackpots to lucky winners across the United States. In 2021, several players struck it rich, winning enormous prizes that reached hundreds of millions—and even billions—of dollars. Below, we take a deep dive into the seven biggest Mega Millions jackpots of 2021, including their winning numbers, payout details, and the incredible impact these winnings had.
1. $1.05 Billion – January 22, 2021
The year started with a historic win when a lottery club in Michigan claimed an astounding $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot on January 22, 2021. This was the second-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history and the largest ever won in Michigan.
Details of the Win:
Winning Numbers: 4, 26, 42, 50, 60, and Mega Ball 24
Location: A Kroger store in Novi, Michigan
Cash Option: $776.6 million (before taxes)
The winning ticket was purchased by a four-member lottery club known as the “Wolverine FLL Club.” Instead of opting for the annuity option, they chose the lump sum, making their immediate payout nearly $776.6 million. This win also benefited Michigan, as Kroger received a $50,000 bonus for selling the ticket.
2. $516 Million – May 21, 2021
On May 21, 2021, a five-member trust from Pennsylvania claimed a massive $516 million Mega Millions jackpot. The trust, known as “The Peace of Mind Trust,” decided to stay anonymous while celebrating their life-changing win.
Details of the Win:
Winning Numbers: 6, 9, 17, 18, 48, and Mega Ball 8
Location: A 7-Eleven in Levittown, Pennsylvania
Cash Option: $348.6 million (before taxes)
This was the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won in Pennsylvania and one of the biggest in the game’s history. The winners took the cash lump sum, ensuring an immediate and substantial payout.
3. $431 Million – September 21, 2021
New York had another lucky Mega Millions winner on September 21, 2021, when a single ticket hit a $431 million jackpot. The ticket was purchased in Manhattan, making it one of the city’s largest wins.
Details of the Win:
Winning Numbers: 36, 41, 45, 51, 56, and Mega Ball 13
Location: Pronto Pizza, Manhattan, New York
Cash Option: $314.4 million (before taxes)
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, quickly claimed their prize as a lump sum payment. This win added to New York’s history of producing big lottery winners.
4. $108 Million – October 22, 2021
A family from Arizona became multi-millionaires on October 22, 2021, when they won a $108 million Mega Millions jackpot.
Details of the Win:
Winning Numbers: 9, 14, 26, 29, 66, and Mega Ball 22
Location: Desert Martini bar, Kingman, Arizona
Cash Option: $75.2 million (before taxes)
The winning family chose to receive their prize as a lump sum. This win marked only the second time an Arizona player had won a Mega Millions jackpot since the state began participating in the game in 2010.
5. $96 Million – February 16, 2021
On February 16, 2021, a lucky New York couple secured a $96 million Mega Millions jackpot. Their fortune came just as winter was ending, bringing a warm windfall to the couple’s lives.
Details of the Win:
Winning Numbers: 1, 36, 44, 54, 66, and Mega Ball 10
Location: Schaghticoke, New York
Cash Option: $68.5 million (before taxes)
New York has long been a hotspot for Mega Millions winners, and this win reinforced the state’s lucky streak.
6. $55 Million – June 8, 2021
A ticket sold in Illinois was the sole winner of the $55 million Mega Millions jackpot drawn on June 8, 2021.
Details of the Win:
Winning Numbers: 9, 22, 39, 41, 54, and Mega Ball 19
Location: Citgo gas station, Crestwood, Illinois
Cash Option: $38 million (before taxes)
The winner claimed their prize quietly, and little information was made public. This jackpot, while smaller than some of the others on this list, was still life-changing for the lucky recipient.
7. $22 Million – July 31, 2021
A California player won a $22 million Mega Millions jackpot on July 31, 2021. While this was the smallest jackpot on our list, it was still a significant win.
Details of the Win:
Winning Numbers: 2, 5, 17, 21, 29, and Mega Ball 22
Location: A Chevron gas station in Fresno, California
Cash Option: $16.5 million (before taxes)
California follows a unique system where Mega Millions prizes are awarded on a pari-mutuel basis, meaning the final payout may differ slightly from the advertised amount.
The Impact of Mega Millions Wins
Winning a Mega Millions jackpot can be a life-altering event, bringing financial security, opportunities, and sometimes unexpected challenges. Many winners choose to stay anonymous to maintain privacy and protect their newfound wealth. Others use their winnings to support charitable causes, invest in businesses, or secure a comfortable retirement.
These seven major jackpots in 2021 demonstrate the enormous appeal of Mega Millions, inspiring countless players to try their luck. Whether it’s a billion-dollar prize or a multi-million-dollar windfall, Mega Millions continues to make dreams come true.
Conclusion
Mega Millions remains one of the most exciting lottery games in the world, offering players the chance to win life-changing sums of money. The seven biggest jackpots of 2021 serve as reminders that luck can strike at any moment. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated lottery enthusiast, the next big win could be just one ticket away!
If you’re feeling lucky, remember to play responsibly, and who knows—you might be the next big Mega Millions winner!
