Mega Millions is one of the most popular lotteries in the United States, known for its massive jackpots and life-changing prizes. In 2024, the Mega Millions jackpot saw incredible growth, with some of the highest prizes ever recorded.
As the year unfolded, many lucky players hit the jackpot, creating unforgettable moments across the country. In this article, we will take a deep dive into 9 of the most significant Mega Millions wins in 2024. We’ll explore the winning numbers, jackpot amounts, and the states where these life-changing tickets were purchased. Whether you’re a seasoned lottery player or just curious about the big wins, this guide will give you all the details.
1. January 26, 2024 – A $311 Million Jackpot
The year kicked off with a bang on January 26, 2024, when the Mega Millions jackpot soared to an impressive $311 million. The winning numbers for this draw were 3, 5, 16, 58, 59, and the Mega Ball was 11. The fortunate ticket holder who matched all six numbers purchased their ticket in Illinois. This win marked an exciting start to the year and reminded players of the enormous prizes Mega Millions can offer.
Illinois has seen a fair share of large lottery wins, but this $311 million prize stood out as one of the biggest. The winner had the option to take the prize as a lump sum or spread it out in annual payments. Regardless of how the prize was claimed, this win was a game-changer for the winner, whose life would never be the same again.
2. March 22, 2024 – A $1.13 Billion Jackpot
The Mega Millions jackpot hit an extraordinary $1.13 billion on March 22, 2024. This was not only the largest jackpot of the year but also one of the top Mega Millions prizes of all time. The winning numbers for this colossal prize were 3, 8, 31, 35, 44, and the Mega Ball was 16. The ticket matching all six numbers was purchased in New Jersey, sparking excitement throughout the state.
A win of this magnitude immediately captured the public’s attention. The jackpot grew so large that it surpassed $1 billion, which is a rare and significant milestone in lottery history. The winner of this massive prize was able to choose between an annuity option that would pay out in installments or a one-time lump sum. Regardless of the payout method, this win forever changed the life of the lucky person in New Jersey.
3. April 19, 2024 – A $202 Million Jackpot
On April 19, 2024, the Mega Millions jackpot stood at an impressive $202 million, continuing the trend of substantial wins throughout the year. The winning numbers for this draw were 11, 17, 33, 39, 43, and the Mega Ball was 14. The winning ticket was purchased in Texas, adding another win to the state’s long history of successful Mega Millions players.
Texas has seen a number of Mega Millions winners, and this $202 million win was another reminder of the potential rewards the lottery offers. With this win, the lucky player had a life-changing sum to look forward to, and Texas residents were thrilled for their fellow lottery player.
4. June 14, 2024 – A $61 Million Jackpot
The June 14, 2024, Mega Millions drawing offered a jackpot of $61 million, a relatively smaller prize compared to others, but still substantial by any standard. The winning numbers for this drawing were 36, 43, 52, 58, 65, and the Mega Ball was 16. The ticket matching all six numbers was purchased in New York, adding to the state’s history of big wins.
Although $61 million might seem modest compared to the billion-dollar jackpots, it’s still a significant prize that could change someone’s life. The winner of this prize had the option of claiming a lump sum or an annuity, and either way, the prize would be a game-changer. New York residents were once again reminded of the wealth Mega Millions can bring.
5. August 30, 2024 – A $681 Million Jackpot
On August 30, 2024, the Mega Millions jackpot ballooned to $681 million. This was one of the most anticipated draws of the year. The winning numbers were 12, 41, 43, 52, 55, and the Mega Ball was 9. The winning ticket was purchased in California, making this one of the largest lottery wins in the state.
California has a long history of Mega Millions winners, and this win added to its reputation as a hotspot for large prizes. With a jackpot of $681 million, the winner had a life-altering amount of money, and the choice between a lump sum or annuity would be a difficult but rewarding decision. This win sparked excitement across the state and inspired many people to dream big.
6. October 25, 2024 – A $250 Million Jackpot
On October 25, 2024, the Mega Millions jackpot reached $250 million, a prize large enough to change anyone’s life. The winning numbers for this draw were 16, 22, 26, 36, 56, and the Mega Ball was 1. The winning ticket was purchased in Florida, adding another big win to the Sunshine State’s growing list of lottery successes.
Florida has become a common place for Mega Millions winners, and this $250 million win was another exciting moment for the state’s lottery players. With this amount of money, the winner had the luxury of choosing how they wanted to receive their prize, but either way, they were now set for life.
7. November 15, 2024 – A $420 Million Jackpot
On November 15, 2024, Mega Millions saw another large jackpot, this time totaling $420 million. The winning numbers for this draw were 5, 17, 35, 55, 69, and the Mega Ball was 19. The ticket matching all six numbers was purchased in Georgia, marking another significant win for the state.
Georgia residents were elated to learn that one of their own had won the $420 million jackpot. As with other large wins, the winner had the choice of an annuity or lump sum payout, and the winner’s decision would have a lasting impact on their future. The size of the jackpot only increased the excitement and anticipation for future drawings.
8. December 10, 2024 – A $695 Million Jackpot
The Mega Millions jackpot continued to climb toward the end of 2024, with a drawing on December 10 resulting in a prize of $695 million. The winning numbers for this draw were 12, 14, 26, 48, 52, and the Mega Ball was 21. The winning ticket was purchased in Illinois, once again proving that the state was home to some of the year’s biggest winners.
Illinois made headlines again with this enormous win, and the state’s residents were thrilled for the lucky winner. A jackpot of $695 million can completely transform someone’s life, and the winner had the option to take the prize as a lump sum or spread it out over time.
9. December 28, 2024 – A $1.22 Billion Jackpot
Ending the year with a bang, the Mega Millions drawing on December 28, 2024, saw the jackpot surge to an astonishing $1.22 billion. The winning numbers for this record-breaking draw were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the Mega Ball was 6. The ticket matching all six numbers was purchased in California, making it the second time in 2024 that the state was home to a billion-dollar Mega Millions winner.
This win not only made history as one of the largest jackpots in Mega Millions history, but it also cemented 2024 as a year of extraordinary wins. The lucky winner in California had the difficult but exciting choice between a lump sum or an annuity, and either way, they would walk away with one of the largest lottery prizes in history.
Conclusion
The year 2024 will go down in history as one of the most memorable years for Mega Millions. With multiple jackpots surpassing the $300 million mark, and two billion-dollar wins, the year proved that anything is possible when it comes to lottery winnings. From the $1.13 billion win in March to the record-setting $1.22 billion jackpot in December, 2024 showed the immense potential rewards that come with playing the Mega Millions lottery.
These life-changing jackpots weren’t just numbers on a ticket; they represented the hopes and dreams of countless players across the country. Whether purchased in Illinois, New Jersey, California, or Florida, each of these winning tickets turned an ordinary person into an instant millionaire (or billionaire), proving that Mega Millions remains one of the most thrilling lottery games in the world.
