The $983 Million Newnan Quick Pick

On January 2, 2026, the winner of the $983 million Mega Millions jackpot from the November 14, 2025 drawing came forward to claim the largest lottery prize in Georgia history. The anonymous winner chose the cash option of $453.6 million before taxes; Georgia law permits winners to remain anonymous. The lucky Quick Pick was sold at Publix #1816 in Newnan, Georgia, and the winner said they play regularly to support the HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K programs, planning to make the money generational and give back to good causes.

The lesson: Anonymity is a financial asset — the winner stayed unknown and named their plan (generational money plus giving back) before the fortune could be spent for them.

Source: original reporting · How we source stories