New York: It started like any other Friday. Maybe someone stopped for gas, picked up a snack, and grabbed a Mega Millions ticket without thinking twice. Just another quick decision in a busy day. What they didn’t know was that it would turn into the biggest moment of their life.
That ticket, sold somewhere in Virginia, matched all six numbers drawn in the June 28 Mega Millions game. And just like that, someone became $348 million richer overnight. It’s the kind of twist no rom-com could write better. A life-changing jackpot, waiting quietly in a wallet, pocket, or glove compartment.
While the winner hasn’t come forward publicly yet, this record-breaking moment is already setting the internet on fire—and reigniting America’s favorite fantasy: what would you do if you suddenly won hundreds of millions?
The Winning Mega Millions Numbers
Friday night’s winning combination was:
18 – 21 – 29 – 42 – 50, and Mega Ball: 2
With these six numbers, a single ticket in Virginia hit the entire jackpot, instantly becoming one of the biggest winners in the history of the game. And while Mega Millions is played in 45 states, this win officially makes Virginia one of the luckiest spots in America this year.
Why This Jackpot Is So Special
This $348 million haul is the largest Mega Millions win ever recorded in Virginia. It also broke a multi-week jackpot dry spell across the country, reigniting enthusiasm and dreams for everyday players. Many had watched the prize pool grow steadily for weeks, waiting for the streak to end. Now, it has—loudly.
Under the new $5 game format introduced this year, more high-value prizes and second-tier winners have been showing up. This win is proof that the revamped system is delivering on its promise of bigger, bolder outcomes.
What Happens Now for the Winner?
The winner hasn’t been identified or gone public yet—but here’s what likely comes next:
- They have a choice between taking the full $348 million paid out over 30 years (annuity) or a lump sum payout, which will be lower due to taxes and immediate cash value.
- Most big winners take the lump sum—which in this case would be approximately $155 million after federal taxes.
- They’ll need to contact the Virginia Lottery to claim the prize, ideally with a team of legal and financial advisors in place.
- Some states allow lottery winners to remain anonymous—so we may never know who it is unless they choose to come forward.
For now, one thing is certain: someone is living a completely different life today.
Odds, Format & What You Need to Know About Mega Millions
- Odds of winning the jackpot: 1 in 302,575,350
- Ticket cost: $5 in the updated format (includes Megaplier)
- Drawings: Every Tuesday and Friday night at 11 PM ET
- How to play: Match 5 numbers from 1–70, plus 1 Mega Ball from 1–25
The Megaplier (included in most $5 tickets) can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to 5x—so even if you don’t hit the jackpot, there are serious payouts to be won.
What We Know—and What We’re Waiting For
Here’s what’s confirmed:
- One ticket matched all six numbers
- It was sold in Virginia
- It’s worth $348 million
What we’re still waiting on:
- The location of the sale (specific city/store)
- Whether the winner has come forward
- What payout option they choose
These details typically emerge within a few days to weeks after the draw, depending on how quickly the winner claims the prize.
What This Means for Future Drawings
Because the jackpot has been won, the next Mega Millions drawing resets to $50 million—still an exciting pot for any hopeful player. This win will likely spike ticket sales nationwide for upcoming draws, as players are reminded that yes, people do actually win big.
If You’re Dreaming About Your Own Win…
- Keep your ticket in a safe place.
- Sign the back of your ticket to prove ownership.
- Consider joining an office pool or friend group for more chances.
- Play for fun—not out of desperation.
Always remember: the odds are long, but the thrill? It’s real.
Next Steps & Timeline to Watch
Winner claim: Could be announced any day—or kept private, depending on Virginia law.
Next draw: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 – starting at $50 million.
Player buzz: Expect a social media frenzy, news cycles, and renewed interest in Mega Millions across the US.