TL;DR
A single ticket sold in Illinois matched all six numbers in the Aug. 12 Powerball drawing, winning a $1.04 billion jackpot. The winner has not been identified and has not publicly chosen between the annuity and the $450.5 million cash option.
A single ticket sold in Illinois matched all six numbers in Wednesday’s Powerball drawing to win a $1.04 billion jackpot, according to Powerball. The prize is the largest Powerball jackpot won in 2026 and the eighth-largest in the game’s history. For more details, check the lottery jackpot page.
The winning numbers drawn on Aug. 12 were 4, 26, 66, 67 and 69, with Powerball 9. The Power Play multiplier was 2X. Official results list one jackpot-winning ticket, confirming that the top prize will not be divided among multiple winners. You can view the Powerball drawing for more details.
The winner may select the $1.04 billion annuity, paid through 30 graduated payments over 29 years, or a $450.5 million lump sum. Both amounts are before federal and applicable state taxes. The ticket holder’s identity, the selling retailer and the preferred payment option had not been announced as of Aug. 13.
Four tickets sold in Arizona, California, Florida and North Carolina matched the five white balls. The set Match 5 prize is $1 million outside California, where payouts depend on sales and the number of winners. A Massachusetts ticket won $2 million after its Match 5 prize was increased by Power Play.
Illinois Claims 2026’s Biggest Prize
The result ends a 44-drawing jackpot run dating from the previous jackpot win on May 2. Final sales pushed the prize to $1.04 billion, above earlier estimates and into eighth place among Powerball jackpots.
The drawing also produced more than 3 million winning tickets across all prize levels, Powerball said. For ticket holders, the immediate issue is checking the official Aug. 12 results rather than relying on social-media posts, retailer displays or unofficial lottery websites.
A 44-Drawing Jackpot Run
The jackpot grew because no ticket matched all six numbers during the 43 drawings before Wednesday. Powerball’s top prize increases after each drawing without a jackpot winner, while the advertised total reflects an annuity paid over 29 years, not an immediate cash payment.
This run was also the first to include players from the United Kingdom, where Powerball ticket sales began on July 21, 2026. Powerball said the wider player base is expected to increase participation and support faster jackpot growth, though sales vary from drawing to drawing.
“Congratulations to our newest Powerball jackpot winner in Illinois.”
— Stephen Durrell, chair of the Powerball Product Group
Winner Identity and Claim Pending
Powerball has confirmed the winning ticket’s state, but not the winner’s identity or the retailer that sold it. It is also unknown whether the ticket was purchased by one person or a group.
No public claim has been announced, and the winner’s choice between the annuity and cash payment remains unknown. The final amount received will depend on that decision, tax obligations and the verified ownership of the ticket.
Illinois Verification Comes Next
The ticket holder must present the ticket through the Illinois Lottery’s claim process. Lottery officials are expected to authenticate the ticket before authorizing payment, while any public disclosure will be governed by Illinois rules.
Powerball’s next drawing is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15. The jackpot has reset to an estimated $20 million annuity, with a $8.7 million cash value.
Key Questions
Did anyone win the Aug. 12 Powerball jackpot?
Yes. One ticket sold in Illinois matched all six numbers and won the $1.04 billion jackpot.
What were the winning Powerball numbers?
The white-ball numbers were 4, 26, 66, 67 and 69. The red Powerball was 9.
How much can the winner take in cash?
The immediate cash option is $450.5 million before taxes. The alternative is a $1.04 billion annuity paid over 29 years.
Who bought the winning Illinois ticket?
The winner has not been identified. The selling retailer and whether the ticket belongs to an individual or group also remain unconfirmed.
When is the next Powerball drawing?
The next drawing is Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. The reset jackpot is an estimated $20 million.
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