An Carolina bettor from Norte matched all six numbers in the Powerball draw held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and won the main prize estimated at US$209 million. The numbers drawn were 11, 26, 27, 53 and 55, with Powerball 12 and Power Play multiplier of 2x. The winning ticket was the only one to match the complete sequence.
The drawing took place at 10:59 pm ET from the Loteria studio at Flórida in Tallahassee. The jackpot attracted millions of bets in 45 US states, as well as Washington DC, Porto Rico and Ilhas Virgens. The cash payment option was valued at approximately US$95.3 million.
The jackpot had grown over several rounds with no top prize winners. The winning sequence ended the accumulation cycle and reset the value for the next contest.
Drawn numbers and contest details
The white numbers drawn in the January 21 contest were 11, 26, 27, 53 and 55. The red Powerball was 12, while the Power Play multiplier was 2x. Essa combination resulted in the maximum prize for the ticket sold in Carolina of Norte.
Other bettors won smaller prizes in the same draw. A player of Nova Jersey matched all five white numbers and won $1 million. Nenhum ticket matched the five numbers with the Power Play to win $2 million.
Other prizes distributed in the draw
Several bettors received significant amounts in secondary categories. Prizes vary depending on the number of correct answers and the application of Power Play.
- Match five white numbers: US$1 million (or US$2 million with Power Play).
- Match four white numbers plus Powerball: US$50,000 (or US$200,000 with Power Play).
- Match four white numbers: US$100 (or US$400 with Power Play).
- Matching three white numbers plus Powerball: US$100 (or US$400 with Power Play).
These values demonstrate the tiered structure of the lottery. Milhares of smaller tickets also guaranteed prizes of US$4 to US$28, depending on the correct numbers.
How Powerball works
Powerball operates with draws on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, always at 10:59 pm ET. Players choose five white numbers from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball from 1 to 26.
The standard cost per bet is $2. The Power Play option, for an additional $1, multiplies non-jackpot prizes by 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x or 10x. The jackpot accumulates when there is no main prize winner.
Ticket sales close minutes before the draw, varying by state. In some locations, such as Michigan, the cutoff is 9:45 pm on the day of the contest.
The odds of hitting the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. Essa odds reflect the difficulty of matching all six numbers.
Biggest historical lottery prizes
Powerball has handed out record jackpots over the years. The largest prize recorded exceeded US$2 billion and was won by a bettor on Califórnia.
Another significant amount was US$842.4 million, achieved in Michigan in January 2024. Esse ticket was sold in a convenience store in Grand Blanc.
These cases illustrate the accumulation potential of the lottery. Jackpots grow quickly when there are no winners for several spins in a row.
Next draw and prospects
The next Powerball contest will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:59 pm ET. The estimated jackpot starts at at least $20 million after the top prize is claimed.
The cash payment option will be around US$9.1 million. Bettors can purchase tickets until the deadline in their respective states.
Participation rules and availability
The Powerball is available in 45 US states, in addition to the Washington DC, Porto Rico, and Ilhas Virgens Americanas. Cada jurisdiction follows local rules for sales and claiming prizes.
Winners have options for anonymity in some states. Na Carolina from Norte, for example, the identity may remain protected depending on the circumstances.
Prizes are subject to federal and state taxes. The net value varies depending on the choice between annuity and single payment.
Complete prize structure
The lottery offers nine categories of fixed and variable prizes. The table below details the default values and with Power Play enabled.
- Five whites + Powerball: jackpot (annual fee or cash).
- Five Whites: US$1 million ($2 million with Power Play).
- Four white people + Powerball: US$ 50 thousand (US$ 200 thousand with Power Play).
- Four whites: US$100 ($400 with Power Play).
- Three whites + Powerball: US$100 ($400 with Power Play).
- Three whites: US$7 ($28 with Power Play).
- Two whites + Powerball: US$7 ($28 with Power Play).
- One white + Powerball: US$4 ($16 with Power Play).
- Powerball only: $4 ($16 with Power Play).
This distribution guarantees prizes at multiple levels. Mesmo partial hits result in returns for participants.
Transmission and verification of results
The draws are broadcast live from Tallahassee, on Flórida. The numbers are also immediately available on the official Powerball website.
Players can check results on state lottery portals. Aplicativos and points of sale also publicize the winning sequences.
Verification takes place using physical or digital tickets. Smaller prizes are redeemed directly at authorized points of sale.
Payment options for big prizes
Jackpot winners choose between an annual payment in 30 annual installments or a single lump sum payment. The annual fee includes gradual increases over the years.
The cash value represents the discounted present amount. Impostos federal retains a significant portion of the claim.
States apply additional taxes according to local legislation. Carolina of Norte, for example, follows specific rules for retention.
Winners have a deadline to present themselves, generally 180 days. Após this period, unclaimed prizes go to educational or charitable purposes.
The January 21, 2026 draw marked the first jackpot of the year won. Powerball remains one of the most popular lotteries in Estados Unidos.
