The Mega Millions drawing on September 26, 2024, brought incredible luck to one fortunate player in New York who successfully matched all six numbers to win the massive $300 million jackpot.
This win marks one of the most significant in recent history for the state, providing life-changing wealth to the ticket holder. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the winning numbers, prize tiers, and everything you need to know about this exciting event.
Winning Numbers for September 26, 2024
The winning numbers for the Mega Millions draw on September 26 were:
- Main Numbers: 1, 6, 10, 23, 27
- Mega Ball: 18
- Megaplier: 5x
This combination proved to be the golden ticket for the New York player, securing them the entire jackpot prize of $300 million. The Megaplier option in this draw was set at 5x, which significantly boosted the non-jackpot prizes for many other players across the country.
Prize Breakdown for the Draw
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the different prize categories, the number of winners, and the total prize amounts awarded:
| Match | Winners | Prize Amount | Total Prize Fund |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 + Mega Ball | 1 | $300,000,000 | $300,000,000 |
| 5 | 7 | $1,000,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 4 + Mega Ball | 18 | $10,000 | $180,000 |
| 4 | 540 | $500 | $270,000 |
| 3 + Mega Ball | 1,200 | $200 | $240,000 |
| 3 | 40,000 | $10 | $400,000 |
| 2 + Mega Ball | 95,000 | $10 | $950,000 |
| 1 + Mega Ball | 650,000 | $4 | $2,600,000 |
| Mega Ball | 1,300,000 | $2 | $2,600,000 |
| Total | 2,086,766 | Various | $314,240,000 |
The Megaplier was applied to all non-jackpot prizes, multiplying the winnings by 5x. This means players who matched five numbers without the Mega Ball and had the Megaplier option won $5 million each instead of the standard $1 million.
Details on the Jackpot Winner
The winning ticket was purchased in New York, and the lucky winner now faces the exciting decision of choosing between the lump sum cash option or the annuity payments. The cash option for this jackpot is estimated at approximately $157.2 million before taxes, while the annuity will be paid out over 30 years.
The winner has 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize. It is advisable for winners to immediately sign the back of their ticket, store it in a secure location, and consult with financial and legal advisors before coming forward to claim their winnings.
Other Significant Wins
Aside from the jackpot, seven other tickets matched the five main numbers, earning $1 million each. If any of these winners chose the Megaplier option, their winnings would have been boosted to $5 million. These winning tickets were sold in various states, adding to the excitement of the draw.
What’s Next for Mega Millions?
With the $300 million jackpot now claimed, the Mega Millions jackpot resets to its base level of $20 million for the next drawing, scheduled for Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Although the prize is significantly lower than the recent jackpot, it still offers an exciting opportunity for players to try their luck.
How to Claim Your Prize?
For winners in New York and other states, the claim process can vary:
- Prizes up to $600 can usually be claimed at any authorized lottery retailer.
- Prizes above $600 require winners to visit a lottery office or claim center, and identification is needed.
- Jackpot prizes must be claimed at the lottery headquarters, and winners are encouraged to seek financial and legal advice before claiming their prize.
Tips for Winners
If you’re one of the lucky winners, here are a few essential tips:
- Secure Your Ticket: Sign the back of the ticket and store it in a safe place.
- Consult Professionals: Speak with a financial advisor, tax professional, and attorney before making any decisions.
- Stay Private: Consider keeping your win private to avoid unwanted attention and solicitations.
Conclusion
The Mega Millions draw on September 26, 2024, was a life-changing event for the New York winner who walked away with the $300 million jackpot. As excitement builds for the next draw, players across the country will be hoping to be the next big winner. If you’ve purchased a ticket, be sure to check your numbers carefully—you might be holding the next winning ticket!
Good luck, and remember to play responsibly!