$80M Lotto Max winner retires at 35, plans to watch LeBron

Surrey resident Justin Simporios, 35, wept with joy when he realized he could now spend more time with his wife and daughter after winning the largest single lottery prize in Canadian history. He claimed the entire $80 million Lotto Max jackpot from the May 9 draw, the biggest lottery win by an individual in Canada.

Simporios, a Filipino-Canadian father and health and safety officer, bought the winning ticket during a quick trip to Walmart in Surrey Central. He was picking up burger buns and cheese for dinner with his wife and daughter when he decided to spend $12 on a Quick Pick ticket.

Later that night, while his daughter was asleep, Simporios checked the ticket using a flashlight. As he matched each number, he realized he had won. He shouted, cried, and woke his wife, who initially thought he was joking. "We don’t have to work anymore," he told her.


The next morning, Simporios resigned from his job. He plans to use the winnings to help his family and community. He also wants his mother to retire, pay off his sister’s medical school debt, and support his wife’s family. He also aims to give back to the Surrey community, saying, "Even if I can give an ounce of happiness, I want to help where we can."

Simporios dreams of buying a home in Metro Vancouver and traveling. As a fan of the L.A. Lakers, he hopes to see LeBron James play before retirement. He also plans to visit the Philippines with his wife and daughter for a family reunion.

Reflecting on his journey, Simporios said, "I’ve been struggling. I’m a father. I work full time. I have a daughter. With this amount of money, I’ll be able to spend more time with my daughter, wife, and family. It’s awesome, man. Just thank you. I’m just feeling blessed right now."

This historic win has transformed Simporios's life, allowing him to retire at just 35.