While the $1.58 billion was split three ways, worth $528.8 million each, the latest jackpot was claimed on a single ticket. The playslip was purchased at Pride Station & Store in Chicopee, north of Springfield.
The lucky ticket successfully matched the numbers 6, 7, 16, 23 and 26, with Powerball 4, making it the largest jackpot ever won by a single player. Florida octogenarian Gloria MacKenzie previously held the record for the biggest single winner, having pocketed $590.5 million back in May 2013.
On a special night for Powerball players everywhere, there were over 9 million prizes given away in total. An impressive 40 ticket holders, including six who added the Power Play option, matched five main numbers without the Powerball to become millionaires. Take a look at the World Lottery Results page for more information.
The lucky winner now has one year to come forward, and will be faced with a choice of taking the full jackpot amount in 30 annual instalments or a cash lump sum estimated to be worth $480.5 million.
The Powerball jackpot will now reset to $40 million for the next draw on Saturday, and fans of the game can try to keep the feelgood factor going by visiting authorised retailers in participating states or choosing numbers online.
