Powerball awards first millionaire of 2024 as jackpot hits $20 million

In a surprising turn of events, the Powerball lottery has crowned its first millionaire of 2024 as the new year kicks off. The jackpot, standing at a minimum of $20 million for the next drawing on January 3, comes after a series of 35 drawings without a winner. The odds of clinching this grand prize remain staggeringly low at 1 in 292,201,338.

Recent announcements revealed four individual tickets from California, Connecticut, Florida, and Maryland that matched all five white numbers, granting each a $1 million prize. Michigan, with its history in the game, now celebrates its seventh Powerball winner.

The anticipation for a victor grew since an unidentified person secured a hefty $1.76 million jackpot back in October. Notably, Cristy Davis claimed a $70 million prize in February 2020, though she received approximately $36 million after taxes, as reported by the Detroit News.


The dawn of 2024 heralded the initial millionaire of the year: Pamela Bradshaw of North Carolina. Amidst Dick Clark’s "New Year’s Rockin’ Eve," Ryan Seacrest announced Bradshaw’s winning number, leading to an overwhelming moment as she collapsed upon hearing her number called. Bradshaw was among five randomly chosen finalists vying for the million-dollar jackpot.

The Powerball frenzy continues as eyes turn towards the upcoming drawing, where the excitement and anticipation of a new millionaire persist in the minds of hopeful participants.