California jackpot! Mega millions player wins $1.22 billion after three-month dry spell

After months of anticipation, the Mega Millions jackpot has finally been claimed. A lucky ticket sold in California matched all six numbers on Friday night, winning an estimated $1.22 billion—the third-largest prize in the lottery’s history. The winning numbers were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and the gold Mega Ball 6.

The identity of the winner remains a mystery, but their options are clear: take the prize as a 29-year annuity or a lump-sum cash payout of $549.7 million. Both choices represent a life-altering windfall, and speculation is already mounting about who the fortunate new billionaire might be.

This win ends a record-breaking dry spell that began on September 10, with 31 consecutive drawings failing to produce a jackpot winner. The growing pot drew millions of hopeful players, despite daunting odds of 1 in 302.6 million.

The timing couldn’t be more notable—just months after the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever, $1.6 billion, was won in Florida. Friday’s win brings Mega Millions back into the spotlight amid fierce competition with its sibling lottery, Powerball, which boasts two of the largest jackpots in US history.

Meanwhile, lottery enthusiasts are gearing up for a significant change: Mega Millions ticket prices will increase from $2 to $5 in April. Officials promise better odds and larger payouts as a result, though it remains to be seen how players will respond to the hike.

For now, however, the spotlight remains on California and its new mystery millionaire, whose incredible stroke of luck has captured national attention. The question on everyone’s mind: who is holding the golden ticket?