A lottery group from Nordhessen has made headlines by winning an astonishing €87,949,627.70, marking the second largest lottery win ever recorded in Hesse. This life-altering jackpot was won on February 11, 2025, during the Eurojackpot drawing, with the winning ticket submitted at the last possible moment.
The details surrounding this remarkable victory came to light only recently, as the group of winners presented their ticket to Lotto Hessen, confirming their extraordinary gain. The winning numbers, chosen randomly from a Quick Tip at a lottery terminal, included 3, 12, 22, 28, 47, as well as the additional Euro numbers 1 and 12, drawn during the event held on the same night in Helsinki, Finland.
Although the precise size of the group remains undisclosed for privacy reasons, one member exclaimed, “We are all still struggling to believe this; it’s so much money. Just thinking about finally being free from all our financial worries is overwhelming!” This sentiment encapsulates the collective relief shared by the winners, who have been loyally participating in lottery draws for years.
Martin Blach, spokesperson for Lotto Hessen, congratulated the winners on their significant achievement, stating, “When €28 turns to nearly €88 million, it can truly be termed as a successful investment. It’s fantastic to see your long-term commitment to lottery playing rewarded so magnificently.” Indeed, the group’s consistent participation is said to have stemmed from the belief, often shared among many lottery players, “We knew we would win eventually.”
On the night of the draw, the urgency escalated. One winner shared, “We had so much on our plates; another week without winning left us anxious. We decided to make our choices quickly just before the submission deadline.” Fortunately, their choice of numbers turned out to be fortuitous—one of the 14 fields on their ticket emerged victorious.
This windfall will not only provide immediate financial relief but is also set to alter the participants’ lives significantly. While one winner reflected, “This win won’t change us much personally, but it will definitely change our lives overall,” the group's immediate plans involve celebrating with family, followed by careful consideration of financial advice.
Historically, this jackpot is noteworthy as it is the second-largest ever awarded in Hesse, with the top prize of €90 million won by a man from the Rhein-Main area back in May 2021. That victory remains unmatched, but the impact of this recent win is momentous. Another significant win of €84.8 million was awarded to another Nordhessen winner in July 2016, showcasing the region's luck with lottery games.
One of the ticket holders emphasized the collaborative nature of their success: “We enjoy playing together. It builds community, and this is just the outcome of our shared hopes!” Meanwhile, the winners reported their excitement to utilize the newfound wealth for both personal joy and philanthropic opportunities, hinting at interests beyond mere financial gain.
The Eurojackpot winnings remain tax-free, as the tax applies to the stake rather than the winnings themselves. This aspect makes the windfall even sweeter for the fortunate group, who had invested €28 for their entries—a mere drop compared to the pot they won.
Looking forward, the group plans to prioritize family experiences and enjoyable moments. “We want to take this time to settle down and consult with good finance experts to make informed decisions for our futures,” remarked another group member.
With their luck finally paying off, the Nordhessen lottery group stands as new symbols of hope for many who dream of similar financial success. Their message resonates with all lottery players: patience and dedication can pay off when least expected.