Consistency and sheer stubbornness have finally yielded a monumental payoff for one dedicated Ohio Lottery player, who secured a $3.5 million Classic Lotto jackpot after faithfully playing the same set of numbers for an astonishing 22 years.
A Two-Decade Journey to Fortune
The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, triumphed in the drawing held on February 4, according to an official news release from the Ohio Lottery. He candidly admitted to lottery officials that his unwavering commitment stemmed from being "stubborn," persisting through years of mostly minor wins.
Remarkably, even after becoming a snowbird and spending portions of each year in warmer climates, the man never abandoned his routine. He meticulously budgeted approximately $10 monthly for tickets and relied on his best friend to maintain the streak whenever he was out of town. This trusted ally would purchase the tickets on his behalf, ensuring not a single drawing was missed.
The Moment of Realisation
The winning ticket was sold at MAPCO #1929, a gas station located at 997 Brown Street in Akron, which was formerly a Circle K. When the winning numbers were announced, the longtime player instantly recognised the combination—6-8-16-20-26-45—despite not having the physical ticket with him at the time.
Having memorised the numbers over more than two decades of play, he realised almost immediately that he had finally hit the jackpot. Overwhelmed with emotion, he shouted the news to his wife and celebrated by affirming a long-standing promise.
"We're going to get a really big pool!" he recalled exclaiming in the heat of the moment.
Securing the Prize
Still without the ticket in hand, the winner swiftly made travel arrangements, flying back to his Ohio home where the winning slip awaited him. He opted for the cash payout of $1.7 million, and after mandatory state and federal taxes, he will take home a substantial $1,281,875.
Following this windfall, the man has officially retired. His plans include purchasing a new house, constructing a home gym, and, true to his word, adding a large pool for his wife.
Odds and Ongoing Questions
The odds of matching all six numbers to win the Classic Lotto jackpot are a staggering 1 in 13,983,816, as confirmed by the Ohio Lottery. Drawings are held at 7:05 p.m., with the jackpot starting at $1 million and increasing by at least $100,000 each time there is no winner.
The Independent has inquired with the Ohio Lottery regarding whether the man's longtime friend, who assisted in purchasing tickets, will receive any share of the jackpot. This question highlights the collaborative effort behind this remarkable story of persistence and loyalty.
