As the dust settles from one of the most electrifying moments in U.S. lottery history, Virginians are still abuzz with excitement following the September 6, 2025, Powerball drawing. The jackpot soared to an eye-watering $1.787 billion, making it the second-largest Powerball prize ever awarded in the United States, according to multiple outlets including USA TODAY and the Virginia Lottery. The historic sum ultimately found its way to two lucky ticket holders in Missouri and Texas, who matched all six numbers and will split the colossal windfall. Yet, the ripple effects of this record-setting drawing were felt far beyond the two states, with Virginia emerging as one of the big winners in its own right.
In Farmville, a small community more accustomed to quiet evenings than lottery headlines, one ticket holder’s life was changed forever. As reported by the Farmville Herald, a $100,000 winning Powerball ticket was sold at JW’s Express on East Third Street. This ticket was one of five $100,000 winners in Virginia, with the others purchased in Barren Springs, Richmond, Stafford, and Winchester. Virginia Lottery spokesman John Hagerty shared, “It was great to see all the winning tickets in Virginia, particularly the five $100,000 winning tickets bought in Farmville, Barren Springs, Richmond, Stafford and Winchester.”
Remarkably, as of Monday afternoon following the Saturday drawing, the Farmville winner had yet to come forward. By law, winners have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. Hagerty offered some practical advice for the soon-to-be wealthy, saying, “We strongly suggest that, before doing anything else, the winner sign the back of the ticket to establish ownership.” This simple step is crucial, as lottery tickets are bearer instruments—meaning whoever holds a signed ticket is the rightful claimant.
For those lucky enough to win, the process of claiming a Powerball prize in Virginia is clear but thorough. Winners must sign their ticket, provide government-issued photo identification, and show proof of their Social Security number. The Patch detailed the requirements, noting that for prizes over $100, documentation is mandatory, and non-U.S. citizens must present a green card. To streamline the process, the Virginia Lottery recommends printing and completing a claim form before arriving at one of the state’s eight customer service centers. The number of people allowed inside at one time is limited, so patience is a virtue for those waiting to claim their windfall.
Of course, winning big comes with its own set of responsibilities. In Virginia, lottery prizes are subject to a 24% federal tax withholding and an additional 4% state tax. Hagerty emphasized, “We always recommend to big winners that they consult with a tax professional.” After taxes, the $100,000 prize shrinks, but it’s still a life-changing sum for most. And it’s not just the winners who benefit: JW’s Express, the Farmville retailer that sold the winning ticket, receives a $750 bonus, on top of the regular 5% commission for ticket sales and a 1% cashing bonus for redeemed winning tickets.
While the jackpot-winning tickets were sold outside Virginia, the Commonwealth was far from left empty-handed. During the 42-drawing run that culminated in the $1.787 billion jackpot, Powerball ticket sales in Virginia generated an estimated $29.6 million in profit, all of which, by law, is earmarked for K-12 public education. In fact, according to the Virginia Lottery, the lottery contributed more than $901 million to K-12 education in Fiscal Year 2025, accounting for about 10% of the state’s total school budget. That’s a remarkable impact, turning the dreams of a few into tangible benefits for thousands of students across the state.
The September 6 drawing wasn’t the only opportunity for Virginians to strike it rich. In the same drawing, four additional players in the state won $50,000 each by matching four numbers. These tickets were sold in Fairfax, Henrico, Manassas, and via the Virginia Lottery app. Just days earlier, on September 3, a $1 million ticket was sold at a Wawa in Manassas, and two $150,000 winners emerged from online play. In total, twelve Virginia residents claimed prizes ranging from $50,000 to $1 million during this extraordinary jackpot run, as highlighted by Patch.
For those keeping score, Saturday’s winning numbers were 11, 23, 44, 61, and 62, with the Powerball 17 and a 2x Power Play multiplier. The drawing set a new record for the longest run—42 consecutive drawings—without a jackpot winner since May 31, 2025. The odds of matching all six numbers to win the jackpot? A staggering 1 in 292,201,338. The odds of winning any prize, however, are a much more approachable 1 in 25. Powerball tickets cost $2 per play, with options to add Power Play or Double Play for a bit more, giving players a shot at multiplying their winnings or getting a second chance at a $10 million prize.
Powerball drawings are held three times a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—at 10:59 p.m. ET, and are broadcast live on the Powerball website as well as some local TV stations. Tickets are available for purchase in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, at gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and even select airport terminals. In some states, such as Virginia, tickets can also be purchased online through official lottery apps. Deadlines for ticket purchases vary by state, with New Jersey’s cutoff at 9:59 p.m. and New York’s at 10 p.m. on the day of the drawing.
For those dreaming of joining the ranks of Powerball millionaires, it’s important to remember that winners in some states can remain anonymous, while in others their names and hometowns become public record. In Virginia, winners’ identities are part of the public record, adding a dash of intrigue—and sometimes a bit of caution—to the lottery experience.
Although the $1.787 billion jackpot has now reset, with the next drawing offering a comparatively modest $20 million (and a $9.2 million cash option), the excitement in Virginia and across the nation shows no signs of fading. As the Powerball continues to capture imaginations, it’s clear that even those who don’t hit the jackpot can still walk away with life-changing prizes—and, perhaps just as importantly, help fund the dreams of the next generation along the way.
