by Los Angeles, California — The Powerball jackpot has surged to an astonishing $820 million for Saturday night’s drawing after no ticket matched all winning numbers on Wednesday. The midweek drawing featured the numbers 1, 14, 20, 46, 51, with the red Powerball: 26, yet no one secured the grand prize, allowing the jackpot to balloon once again.
While the top-tier prize went unclaimed, several players still walked away with notable winnings. A lucky ticket holder in Kentucky snagged a remarkable $2 million by hitting the Match 5 + Power Play, and two additional winners—one in California and one in Florida—each won $1 million with the standard Match 5.
Jackpot Rises to $820 Million—One of the Largest in Recent Memory
Following Wednesday’s rollover, the jackpot jumped from an estimated $779 million to a staggering $820 million, carrying a cash value of $383.5 million. Powerball jackpots grow rapidly due to nationwide ticket sales, and interest continues to surge as the prize climbs closer to historic levels.
Players who strike the winning numbers on Saturday will face the common but crucial choice between the annuity and lump-sum payout options.
The advertised $820 million reflects the annuity option, paid out over 30 annual payments, increasing each year. The cash value, a one-time lump sum, currently stands at $383.5 million before federal and potential state taxes.
This sharp difference means winners must balance long-term financial planning with immediate liquidity.
Recent Big Wins Highlight Powerball’s Massive Payout Potential
This upcoming jackpot follows a series of major Powerball victories in the past year. In September, two ticket holders—one in Missouri and another in Texas—shared a near-record $1.8 billion prize. The Missouri winner, who remained unnamed, said humorously in a statement, “I’m going to just do me for a year.” Describing himself as a “homebody,” he joked that his wife planned to “drag me out of town now” after the stunning win.
Powerball jackpots have a long history of producing eye-popping payouts. The largest jackpot ever, valued at $2.04 billion, was won in November 2022 by Edwin Castro of California. That landmark drawing didn’t just make one man extraordinarily wealthy—it also generated $156 million for California public schools, funded directly through ticket sales.
A Jackpot That Impacts More Than Just the Winner
Beyond individual winners, Powerball plays a significant role in supporting state programs. Since 1985, the California Lottery alone has contributed more than $48 billion to the state’s public education system. Castro acknowledged this impact when he claimed his historic win, saying: “As much as I am shocked and ecstatic to have won the Powerball drawing, the real winner is the California public school system.”
As this weekend’s drawing approaches, millions of Americans will test their luck, and excitement is building across the country. Whether the jackpot is claimed Saturday or grows even larger, the nationwide frenzy shows no signs of slowing.
What Do You Think?
Will someone finally hit the $820 million prize on Saturday, or will the jackpot continue climbing toward another billion-dollar milestone? Share your thoughts, predictions, and lucky number theories in the comments!
