The winning EuroMillions numbers were 5, 7, 8, 16 and 20, plus Lucky Stars 2 and 12. There were over 1.2 million prizes given away across all nine participating countries, but only one entry matched the full winning line.
It was quickly announced that the lucky ticket was sold in the UK, and the National Lottery was quick to offer its congratulations. Andy Carter, the lottery’s Senior Winners’ Advisor, said: “It’s a brilliant result for a UK ticket holder who has scooped tonight’s massive £57 million jackpot. Players are urged to check their tickets to see if their wildest dreams have come true.”
The UK has now had more jackpot winners than any other country, overtaking France. Following seven big wins last year, including a record £170 million giveaway, the latest triumph makes it 105 jackpot winners since the game launched in 2004.
Spain is the third-most successful country with 102 jackpot winners. However, there were far fewer tickets sold in Spain for the latest draw after ticket sales were suspended over the weekend. With the nation locked down due to the coronavirus, lottery operator Loterías y Apuestas del Estado has decided not to sell entries until the state of emergency is over. EuroMillions draws are held in France and will continue as scheduled.
Unclaimed Jackpot Finally Claimed
The latest win for the UK follows on from the news that a £40 million jackpot won before Christmas has finally just been claimed more than three months later.
There seemed to be a real danger that the lucky ticket holder, who matched all the numbers on Tuesday 3rd December, might not come forward before the prize expired at the end of May.
However, they have now picked up their winnings with more than two months still to go before the deadline. “We’re delighted that the winner of this amazing prize has now come forward and that they can now start to enjoy their huge win,” said Carter.
It was revealed two weeks after the draw that the winning ticket had been sold in Dorset, but no more information has been disclosed about the winner since they came forward. All winners have the right to stay anonymous if they do not wish for their identity to be made public.