Edwin Castro is Revealed As $2 Billion Powerball Winner

The identity of the $2.04 billion winner has been the subject of intense interest since it was revealed on November 7 that a single ticket had matched all the numbers in the record-breaking draw.

In California, lottery wins are regarded as a matter of public record so the lucky ticket holder had no choice but for their name to be brought out into the open.

Edwin Castro was not present for the announcement at California Lottery headquarters and ‘respectfully declined’ the opportunity to take part in any media interviews, but officials did confirm a few key facts.

One of the biggest decisions facing Edwin Castro was whether to take the jackpot as an annuity or accept the cash option, and he has opted for the lump-sum payment of $997.6 million.

The California Lottery also read out a statement from Castro: “As much as I am shocked and ecstatic to have won the Powerball drawing, the real winner is the California public school system.

“The mission of the California Lottery, which is to provide supplemental funding for California public education – both public schools and colleges – makes this a huge win for the state,”

“As someone who received the rewards of being educated in the California public education system, it’s gratifying to hear that, as a result of my win, the California school system greatly benefits as well.”

The winning ticket had been purchased at Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, which has also received a $1 million sellers’ bonus.

Record Powerball Winner

The Powerball record was created by a run of 41 drawings without a winner. As the jackpot approached and then exceeded $1 billion, the rate of ticket sales increased quickly.

It surpassed the previous record of $1.586 billion - which was divided three ways in 2016 - and then powered past the $2 billion mark for the first time in history.

The record-breaking draw itself was delayed by several hours as one state - later revealed to be Minnesota - was hit by technical issues that prevented the necessary security protocols being carried out in time.

More than 11.2 million prizes were paid out, but the jackpot did not have to be shared. Now, after more than three months, the winner has come forward and they can start to look forward to life as the biggest lottery winner ever seen on any game in the world.

In the meantime, make sure to check the latest Powerball Numbers as soon as draws take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.