CLEVELAND — A lucky ticket holder in Northeast Ohio is celebrating after winning a staggering $112 million Mega Millions jackpot in the drawing held on Friday, April 18, 2025. The winning ticket was sold at a Giant Eagle grocery store located at 4401 Mayfield Rd. in South Euclid, marking a significant win for the Ohio Lottery.
The winning numbers for this historic drawing were 5, 13, 15, 17, 28, with the Mega Ball being 1. This win is particularly notable as it represents the first jackpot-winning ticket sold since the Mega Millions game underwent a format change on April 5, 2025.
The fortunate winner has 180 days to claim their prize and can choose between receiving the full jackpot amount through an annuity paid over 30 years or opting for a cash payout of approximately $49.3 million. With the odds of winning the jackpot now at 1 in 290,472,336, this win is a remarkable achievement for the player.
Ohio has had a rich history with the Mega Millions, boasting a total of 21 jackpot winners and 65 second-tier winners of $1 million or more since the state joined the game. The last time a Mega Millions jackpot was won prior to this was on March 25, 2025, when a player from Illinois took home a whopping $349 million.
In addition to the jackpot winner, many others in Ohio also walked away with various prizes from the April 18 drawing. The Ohio Lottery reported that there were numerous smaller wins, with 229,771 tickets sold that won at least $10. In Michigan, where the Mega Millions is also popular, one ticket sold won $30,000 during the same drawing.
“Moments like this are exactly why we reimagined the game,” said Joshua Johnston, Lead Director of the Mega Millions Consortium. “This jackpot win – and the millions of dollars going to non-jackpot winners every drawing – is the result of years of planning, collaboration, and listening to what players want. We’re proud of what this game is already delivering for our players and beneficiaries and are looking forward to the future big wins to come.”
The recent changes to the Mega Millions game included a ticket price increase from $2 to $5, which took effect on April 8, 2025. Following this jackpot win, the Mega Millions jackpot will reset to $50 million for the next drawing scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, with a cash option estimated at $22.4 million.
Lottery players across the nation are eagerly anticipating the upcoming drawing, especially with the excitement generated by this recent win. The Mega Millions game is available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with drawings held every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. EST.
In light of this recent win, Ohio has seen a surge in lottery enthusiasm, with several notable winners in recent months. From scratch-off tickets to other lottery games, players in the Buckeye State have been lucky. Just this year, there have been winners from various games, including a $100,000 Powerball winner in Sciotoville and a $1 million winner in Warrensville Heights.
As the excitement continues, players are reminded to check their tickets carefully. A Powerball winner worth $250,000 sold in Bloomfield Hills in 2024 went unclaimed, and that money was directed to the state’s School Aid Fund. With so much at stake, it’s crucial for players to stay vigilant and ensure they don’t miss out on their winnings.
The Mega Millions game has become a staple of American culture, providing not just the thrill of winning but also contributing to various public initiatives through the funds generated. As the next drawing approaches, anticipation builds across the country, with many hoping to follow in the footsteps of the latest jackpot winner.
Are you feeling lucky? With the odds slightly improved and the jackpot reset, now is an exciting time for lottery players everywhere. As the next drawing date approaches, many will be dreaming about what they would do with a life-changing sum of money.
