Friday, January 9, 2026, marked a night of high anticipation across the United Kingdom and Europe as the EuroMillions lottery dangled a staggering £46 million jackpot before eager ticket holders. The draw, which followed Tuesday’s rollover, was the second EuroMillions event of the week and promised not only the life-changing main prize but also a host of secondary rewards, including the ever-popular Millionaire Maker and the Thunderball game.
As reported by multiple outlets, including The National Lottery and euro-millions.com, the EuroMillions draw took place at 8:45 pm, preceded by the Thunderball draw at 8 pm. Thousands tuned in, tickets in hand, hoping to see their numbers called and their fortunes transformed.
When the moment arrived, the winning EuroMillions numbers were revealed: 1, 7, 10, 26, 34, with the Lucky Stars 2 and 4. For the Thunderball, the numbers drawn were 3, 8, 15, 32, 36, with the Thunderball itself being 5. These draws, as always, were watched closely by millions, each dreaming of what a win could mean—be it a new home, a luxury car, or the chance to help family and friends.
But as the dust settled, it became clear that no one had managed to match all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars to claim the EuroMillions jackpot. According to euro-millions.com, "Nobody won the jackpot this week." The £46 million prize, therefore, rolled over once again, setting the stage for even greater excitement in the next draw.
Still, it wasn’t a night without winners. Two UK ticket holders came tantalizingly close, matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star. Each walked away with £78,591.50—a sum that, while not in the tens of millions, is certainly nothing to sneeze at. The Millionaire Maker, a staple of the UK EuroMillions experience, also delivered its promise. Ten new UK millionaires were created thanks to the code ZNNH87879, which was drawn on the night. As The National Lottery explained, "Ten UK millionaires have been created using tonight's Millionaire Maker code, which is: ZNNH87879."
The Thunderball game, running alongside EuroMillions, offered its own top prize of £500,000. Matching five numbers from one to 39 plus the Thunderball from one to 14 was the key to winning. The winning combination—3, 8, 15, 32, 36, and Thunderball 5—was announced just after 8 pm, giving players another chance at a significant windfall.
For those who missed out this time, there’s always another opportunity. EuroMillions tickets cost £2.50 and can be purchased at over 40,000 retail locations, on the National Lottery website, or through mobile apps. Sales close two hours before the draw, so planning ahead is essential for anyone hoping to participate. As The National Lottery reminded players, "Tickets for tonight's EuroMillions and Thunderball draws are no longer on sale."
Interestingly, the night’s excitement was also tinged with a reminder of the importance of checking old tickets. There are currently four unclaimed EuroMillions prizes in the UK, totaling £3,112,091. Some of these date back several months, with deadlines to claim ranging from February to June 2026. For instance, a Millionaire Maker prize worth £1 million remains unclaimed from the August 15, 2025 draw, purchased in the Birmingham area. The clock is ticking, with just over a month left to claim. Other unclaimed prizes are tied to tickets bought in Broxbourne, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and Powys. As euro-millions.com reported, "There is an unclaimed UK Millionaire Maker code worth £1m from the draw on August 15 2025. The ticket was purchased in the Birmingham area and time is running out to claim, with the last date being just over a month away on February 11."
The EuroMillions game itself is straightforward but thrilling. Players select five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12. Matching all seven numbers secures the jackpot, but smaller prizes are awarded for matching fewer numbers. The odds may be long, but the allure of a multimillion-pound payday keeps players coming back week after week. The Thunderball, meanwhile, offers a simpler format—and the top prize isn’t split between multiple winners, making it especially attractive for those who prefer slightly better odds and a guaranteed payout.
For those who missed the January 9 draw, there’s always another shot. EuroMillions draws take place every Tuesday and Friday, while Thunderball is held four times a week—Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. And for the truly dedicated, there’s Lotto on Saturdays and Wednesdays, plus Set For Life every Monday and Thursday. The next Lotto jackpot, for example, stands at £7.6 million after a double rollover.
Of course, with such huge sums at stake, the question always arises: what would you do if you won? As euro-millions.com mused, "You could leave your job, pay off your debts, and travel to pretty much anywhere you wanted. You could also give generously to friends, family, and some deserving causes close to your heart." The possibilities are endless, and it’s this dream that fuels the enduring popularity of the lottery.
Statistics fans might be interested to know which numbers are most frequently drawn. According to euro-millions.com, the numbers 41, 22, and 20 are the most common EuroMillions balls. While every draw is random, some players like to tip the odds in their favor—however slightly—by choosing these often-recurring numbers.
For now, the £46 million jackpot remains unclaimed, adding even more suspense to the next draw. With ten new millionaires celebrating their windfall and thousands more pocketing smaller prizes, the EuroMillions continues to capture the imagination of the nation. For everyone else, there's always next time—and the chance, however slim, that the next big winner could be you.
As the week draws to a close, the anticipation only builds. For those with tickets still tucked away in pockets or drawers, it’s worth checking—your life might just be about to change.
