The results of the 2024 Mega da Virada lottery, one of Brazil's biggest annual events, have finally been announced, and this year, history has been made.
A staggering prize pool of R$ 635.486.165,38 was divided among eight winners across various regions, making it not only the largest amount ever recorded for this lottery but also bringing joy to several families. According to the Caixa Econômica Federal, each winner will take home R$ 79.435.770,67.
This year, the winning numbers were 01 – 17 – 19 – 29 – 50 – 57, drawing the luck of players from multiple states. Two tickets were sold in Brasília, two more came from Curitiba, one from Nova Lima, one from Pinhais, one from Osasco, and the final ticket was purchased in Tupã.
The excitement surrounding the Mega da Virada is always immense, as it offers some of the highest lottery prizes available, but this year transcended previous records. The draw on December 31, 2024, was watched live by millions, and those lucky enough to match all six numbers were instant millionaires.
Beyond the jackpot winners, the night was also fruitful for others: 2.201 other tickets successfully matched five of the drawn numbers, each earning R$ 65.895,79. There were even 190.779 tickets matching four numbers, guaranteeing smaller but still significant winnings of R$ 1.086,04 each. These distributions highlight the broad reach of the lottery’s prizes and the entrepreneurial spirit of many players.
Even though the Mega da Virada is notorious for its challenging odds—each ticket has just about a 1 in 50 million chance of winning—the number of winners demonstrates how large numbers can create effortless winners as long as luck favors the determined.
Winners can claim their prizes at designated Caixa Econômica Federal branches, with some stipulations: for any winnings over R$ 1.903,98, individuals must be present at the bank to receive their rewards. Smaller wins can be collected via lottery outlets. This ensures proper verification of identities, matching the winners with the rightful owners of the winning tickets.
The thrill of this lottery goes beyond mere luck; many players engage with various strategies hoping to improve their odds of success. From pooling resources and participating in popular group bets or 'bolões'—which are joint bets made by multiple players splitting costs and pooling earnings—to employing patterns based on historically drawn numbers, strategies abound. Interestingly, lotteries like the Mega da Virada thrive on the juxtaposition of probability and dreams of financial security.
Since its inception, the Mega da Virada has continued to grow exponentially, drawing millions of players eager for their chance at wealth. Not only has this lottery altered lives, it has also contributed significantly to various social initiatives funded by the lottery revenue.
This year’s excitement only promises to increase participation for future draws. The next Mega-Sena lottery (numbered 2811) is slated for January 4, 2025, with estimates predicting a prize pool of R$ 3,5 million. Until then, hopeful players will be dreaming of the next big win.
The lottery has now become entrenched within Brazilian culture, celebrated for its ability to transform lives overnight and provide moments of pure joy and excitement. The Mega da Virada remains not just about the prize money but creating dreams and opportunities for countless individuals each year.