EuroMillions Jackpot Sparks Wins Across UK And Ireland

It was a night of anticipation across Europe as the EuroMillions draw for January 23, 2026, promised a staggering €100 million jackpot, captivating hopeful players from Ireland to the UK and beyond. As the clock struck 8:45 pm, eyes turned to the screens and ticket stubs, hearts pounding with the possibility of a life-changing win. The anticipation was justified—the numbers drawn were 4, 5, 13, 21, 42, with lucky stars 3 and 10, setting the stage for an evening of excitement, near-misses, and stories of both modest and monumental wins.

According to the Irish Mirror, while the astronomical top prize went unclaimed, the night was far from a disappointment for many. Over 64,000 players in Ireland alone walked away with prizes from the EuroMillions and its supplementary Plus draw. Among the most fortunate was an Irish participant who matched all five main numbers—just missing the two lucky stars—and secured a five-figure windfall of €31,075. "There was no winner of the EuroMillions jackpot. In total, over 64,000 players in Ireland won prizes in the EuroMillions and Plus games," a National Lottery spokesperson confirmed, underscoring the widespread impact of the draw.

But the luck didn’t stop with individual players. In Devon, a workplace syndicate comprising 25 current and former colleagues struck gold, winning £123,000 by matching five main numbers and a lucky star. As reported by the National Lottery, the group had been playing together for a decade, their persistence finally rewarded. The syndicate leader captured the sentiment perfectly: “This is the vindication of every email from the group at Christmas asking when we are going to win big, this is fantastic!”

Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn—the operator of the National Lottery—offered his congratulations to the Devon group, saying, “What wonderful news for our syndicate winners - 10 years of playing has really paid off! We hope they enjoy their holidays.” The group’s plans for their winnings were as varied as their backgrounds: holidays, home improvements, and, in one case, the purchase of a long-dreamed-of caravan. Their story is a testament to the enduring appeal of syndicate play, where the thrill of the chase is shared and the joy of winning multiplied.

For Irish players, the night held even more opportunities. In addition to the main EuroMillions draw, tickets automatically entered the Ireland Only Raffle, where ten lucky holders pocketed €5,000 each. The winning raffle codes, ranging from I-TDR-78328 to I-TFB-44191, were announced alongside the main results, offering another layer of excitement for those who missed out on the bigger prizes. As detailed by the Irish Mirror, 63 players in the EuroMillions Plus draw also enjoyed a payday, each receiving €2,000 for matching four out of five numbers (10, 12, 14, 15, and 38).

Meanwhile, across the Irish Sea, the UK’s Millionaire Maker Selection crowned another winner, with the code MSPP05803 turning one ticket holder into a newly minted millionaire. The National Lottery’s Thunderball draw added to the festivities, with numbers 07, 15, 18, 26, 32, and the Thunderball 03, giving players even more chances to win. It was, as the Irish Mirror put it, a “very happy Friday for one Lotto player tonight.”

For those new to the game, EuroMillions remains one of Europe’s most popular lotteries, drawing players with the allure of massive jackpots and a multitude of secondary prizes. To play, participants select five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two lucky stars from 1 to 12. The jackpot is won by matching all seven numbers, but substantial prizes are available for those who come close. Each ticket purchased before the 7:30 pm cut-off enters the draw, with results revealed at 8:45 pm every Tuesday and Friday. Irish players, in particular, enjoy the added benefit of the Ireland Only Raffle, with a guaranteed ten €5,000 prizes per draw.

Technology has also transformed the lottery experience. As highlighted by the National Lottery, players can buy and check their tickets online via the National Lottery app or website, ensuring convenience and peace of mind. Winners are notified automatically, and tickets purchased in retail stores can be scanned using the app for instant results. This digital shift has made participation easier than ever, ensuring that no prize goes unclaimed due to a misplaced or forgotten ticket.

Beyond the thrill of individual wins, the EuroMillions and associated National Lottery games play a significant role in supporting communities across the UK and Ireland. Every week, National Lottery players contribute around £32 million to projects ranging from the arts and sports to local community initiatives and the preservation of iconic landmarks. Since its inception, the National Lottery has raised over £52 billion for good causes, a testament to the power of collective participation. As operators frequently remind players, "your participation makes a difference every single day."

The impact of these contributions is visible in every postcode area, from funding youth sports teams to restoring historic buildings. The excitement of a big win is matched by the knowledge that every ticket purchased helps sustain vital community programs and cultural institutions. For many, this dual benefit—personal hope and public good—is a key part of the lottery’s enduring appeal.

For those who came close but didn’t hit the jackpot, the stories of near-misses are both tantalizing and inspiring. The Irish player who won €31,075 by matching all five main numbers but not the lucky stars joins a long tradition of those who almost made it, their experience a reminder of both the challenge and the possibility inherent in every draw. And for the thousands of smaller winners—whether in the main draw, Plus game, Thunderball, or the Ireland Only Raffle—the excitement of a prize, large or small, is a moment to remember.

Those lucky enough to win significant sums are encouraged to contact the National Lottery Claims Department to arrange for prize collection, with support available Monday to Friday, 9:15 am to 5:30 pm. For many, this call marks the beginning of a new chapter, filled with dreams realized and plans set in motion.

As the dust settles on another dramatic EuroMillions draw, the stories of winners and the hope of future jackpots continue to capture the imagination. Whether it’s a workplace syndicate celebrating a long-awaited payday, an individual savoring a five-figure prize, or a community benefiting from lottery-funded projects, the ripple effects of the game are felt far and wide. And with every ticket purchased, the dream of striking it rich lives on, promising that the next big winner could be just a draw away.