On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the National Lottery delivered a thrilling night for players across the UK, with a life-changing £8.4 million jackpot up for grabs in the Lotto draw. This triple rollover jackpot had been building after several draws without a winner, creating a tantalizing prize pot that promised to transform the life of one lucky ticket holder. And transform it did—one fortunate player matched all six main numbers, securing the full £8,434,748 jackpot.
The winning Lotto numbers for the evening were 4, 11, 34, 51, 54, and 55, with the bonus ball drawn as 57. The excitement didn’t stop there, as the Thunderball draw also took place, offering a top prize of £500,000. The winning Thunderball numbers were 6, 9, 12, 20, and 35, with the Thunderball itself being 14. Although no one matched all five numbers plus the Thunderball to claim the £500,000 top prize, one ticket holder matched all five regular numbers, winning a respectable £5,000.
Andy Carter, senior winners’ advisor at Allwyn, the operator of the National Lottery, confirmed the jackpot win, saying, “What wonderful news for a lucky Lotto player, as one ticket-holder has won tonight’s £8.4 million jackpot. What an incredible way to start the month!” He also teased the upcoming Saturday draw, which promises an even bigger £15 million “Must Be Won” jackpot, alongside a chance to win one of 15 luxury holidays to Italy for up to 10 people for those buying two or more lines online.
The Lotto draw, held twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, requires players to select six numbers from 1 to 59 or opt for a lucky dip. Each ticket costs £2, and draws take place at 8 PM, with Thunderball numbers drawn shortly after at 8:15 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The Thunderball game offers a different way to win, with a top prize of £500,000, providing multiple chances for players to strike it lucky.
Beyond the thrill of the jackpot, playing the Lotto also contributes significantly to UK good causes, raising approximately £30 million each week. This aspect adds a meaningful dimension to the game, as every ticket purchased helps fund a variety of community projects and charitable initiatives across the country.
Winning the National Lottery can be a life-altering event, and Allwyn emphasizes a secure, supportive, and confidential process for winners. From the moment a ticket is confirmed as a winner, a dedicated team of winners’ advisors steps in to guide recipients through the emotional and practical challenges that come with sudden wealth. This includes access to expert financial advice and emotional support, ensuring winners can enjoy their newfound fortune with confidence and care.
The history of the National Lottery is rich with remarkable wins and heartwarming stories. The first draw was held on November 19, 1994, with seven winners sharing a jackpot of nearly £5.9 million. The largest single-ticket jackpot ever won in the UK was £42 million in 1996. More recently, Gareth Bull, a 49-year-old builder, won £41 million in November 2020 and famously demolished his bungalow to build a luxury manor house with a pool.
Other notable winners include Sue Davies, who claimed £500,000 after buying a ticket to celebrate ending five months of shielding during the pandemic, and Sandra Devine, who accidentally won £300,000 after intending to buy a £100 scratchcard. The biggest jackpot ever offered was £66 million in January 2024, which was won by two lucky ticket holders. Karl, a young winner at just 23 years old, took home £11 million in 1996, demonstrating that big wins can come at any age.
Despite the allure of these massive jackpots, the odds of winning the lottery are famously steep—estimated at about one in 14 million. Yet, as the saying goes, “you’ve got to be in it to win it,” and the recent £8.4 million win is a testament to that hopeful spirit.
For those eager to try their luck, tickets can be purchased up until 7:30 PM on draw days. In addition to Lotto and Thunderball, players can also participate in EuroMillions every Tuesday and Friday, and Set for Life on Mondays and Thursdays, offering a variety of chances to win big.
As the UK’s National Lottery continues to captivate millions, the July 2 draw stands out as a night of dreams realized and new possibilities. The fortunate jackpot winner now faces the thrilling prospect of reshaping their future, while others look ahead to the next big draw, hopeful that they too might one day hear the life-changing words: “You’re a winner.”
