On the evening of September 12, 2025, hope was in the air across the United Kingdom and Europe as thousands of players checked their tickets, dreaming of a windfall that could change their lives forever. The EuroMillions draw, one of the continent’s most popular and lucrative lotteries, dangled a top prize of £26 million—enough to make anyone’s heart race. Alongside it, the Thunderball draw offered a tempting £500,000 jackpot, while the UK Millionaire Maker guaranteed at least one new millionaire before the night was through.
According to reports from The Sun, the winning EuroMillions numbers for Friday’s draw were 5, 10, 23, 31, and 37, with Lucky Stars 3 and 11. The Thunderball results, revealed earlier in the evening, were 5, 8, 9, 31, and 35, with the Thunderball itself being 13. For those who had the foresight—or perhaps just the luck—to pick those numbers, the night could have marked the start of a whole new chapter.
But what does it really mean to win such a life-changing sum? As Liverpool Echo pointed out, “It goes without saying if you won tonight’s EuroMillions prize, your life would forever be changed. Receiving that much tax-free cash is almost unimaginable.” For many, the possibilities are endless: quitting a job, paying off debts, traveling the world, or giving generously to loved ones and charities. The world, as the saying goes, would be your oyster.
The excitement of the EuroMillions draw is heightened by its frequency and accessibility. Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday at 8:45 pm, with tickets costing £2.50 each. Not only does that ticket grant a chance at the main jackpot, but it also includes automatic entry into the UK Millionaire Maker, which, as The Sun noted, “guarantees at least one player will pocket £1 million in every draw.” For those seeking additional opportunities, the Thunderball draw happens four times a week—on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays—with tickets priced at just £1 per line.
Friday’s draw wasn’t just about the numbers. It was about dreams, anticipation, and the thrill of possibility. As Liverpool Echo observed, “Everyone dreams of that huge win when they buy their National Lottery ticket.” The publication also highlighted the role of Allwyn, the operator of The National Lottery, in supporting winners through what can be an overwhelming experience. Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, explained, “Everyone dreams of that huge win when they buy their National Lottery ticket – and for those lucky enough to experience it, we’re here to make sure it’s a positive and secure journey. From financial advice to emotional support, our role is to help winners take control of their new future with confidence.”
Allwyn’s approach is comprehensive. From the moment a winning ticket is confirmed, a dedicated team of winners’ advisors steps in to provide guidance, emotional support, and access to professional financial advice. The process is designed to be “secure, supportive, and confidential,” ensuring that winners can start enjoying their good fortune as quickly and wisely as possible. This emphasis on support is crucial, given the transformative—and sometimes daunting—nature of a major lottery win.
Of course, not everyone can be a winner. The odds of claiming any EuroMillions prize are 1 in 13, according to The Sun. The odds of hitting the jackpot are considerably longer, making each winning ticket a true rarity. Yet, the allure of the game persists, fueled by stories of past winners whose lives have been irrevocably changed. The article from The Sun recounted some of the UK’s most memorable lottery triumphs: Colin and Chris Weir from Largs, Scotland, who netted £161,653,000 in July 2011; Adrian and Gillian Bayford from Suffolk, who scooped £148,656,000 in August 2012; and Jane Park, who became Britain’s youngest lottery winner at just 17, taking home £1 million in 2013.
Beyond the UK, the world’s biggest lottery wins are the stuff of legend. The largest ever was a staggering £1.308 billion Powerball prize in the United States on January 13, 2016, split between three winning tickets. Other landmark wins include a £1.267 billion Mega Millions jackpot in South Carolina in 2019, and several other Powerball prizes exceeding £600 million in the years since. These astronomical figures serve as a reminder of just how high the stakes can get—and why so many people continue to play, week after week.
EuroMillions itself has a storied history. The first draw took place on February 7, 2004, organized collaboratively by France’s Française des Jeux, Spain’s Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, and the UK’s Camelot Group. Since then, the game has grown in both scale and popularity, regularly offering jackpots that can reach—and sometimes exceed—£200 million. On December 4, 2020, for instance, a UK player won a jaw-dropping £175 million, making them richer than many celebrities overnight. Another anonymous UK winner walked away with £170,221,000 on October 8, 2019.
For those who missed out on Friday’s big draw, hope springs eternal. The next EuroMillions draw is just around the corner, with ticket sales open until 7:30 pm on draw days. The Thunderball and Lotto games offer additional chances to win, with the latter boasting a “Must Be Won” jackpot of £15 million for Saturday, September 13, 2025. Whether it’s the thrill of the chase, the camaraderie of playing with friends and family, or the simple act of dreaming big, the National Lottery continues to capture the imagination of millions.
As always, lottery organizers urge players to participate responsibly. The possibility of a life-changing win is undeniably exciting, but it’s important to remember that, for most, the experience will be one of anticipation rather than celebration. Yet, as the stories of past winners show, sometimes, against all odds, lightning does strike—and when it does, Allwyn and The National Lottery stand ready to help winners navigate their newfound fortune.
For now, the EuroMillions jackpot has found its new home, and the cycle of dreams, hopes, and lucky numbers begins anew. Whether tonight was your night or not, one thing is certain: the next draw is never far away, and with it, another chance at a life transformed.
