Missouri and Texas Players Split $1.787B Powerball Jackpot

A massive Powerball jackpot has just made history. Two lucky players — one in Missouri and one in Texas — are now sharing a mind-blowing $1.787 billion prize, the second-largest in U.S. lottery history.

The Missouri ticket was sold at a QuikTrip in north St. Louis County, while the Texas winner purchased theirs at a Fredericksburg convenience store. The winning numbers? 11, 23, 44, 61, 62, and Powerball 17.

For context, this jackpot rolled over through 41 straight drawings without a winner before finally being cracked. The last time someone matched all six numbers was way back on May 31.

Each winner now faces a huge decision:

• $893.5 million if they take the annuity option

• $410.3 million if they go for the lump-sum cash payout
  (both before taxes, of course)

This Missouri win shatters the state’s previous record of $293.7 million set back in 2012 — by a mile.

As for the winners’ identities? Don’t expect to know them anytime soon. Thanks to state laws, both Missouri and Texas allow big winners to stay anonymous. Missouri passed its law in 2021, while Texas put its version into effect in 2018 (for prizes over $1 million).

So, while the rest of us can only dream, two people out there are suddenly navigating life as billionaires overnight — quietly, and very privately.