Ohio Man Wins $3.5 Million Lottery Jackpot After 22 Years of Faithful Play

16 February 2026 Bizarre

AKRON, Ohio — After more than two decades of playing the same set of numbers, an Akron man’s steadfast commitment to his lottery picks has finally paid off with a $3.5 million jackpot in the Ohio Classic Lotto. The man, who has chosen the numbers 6-8-16-20-26-45 for 22 years, purchased his winning ticket at The Mapco store on Brown Street for the February 4 drawing.

Lottery officials confirmed that the winning ticket matched all six numbers drawn, awarding the man the substantial prize. Despite only winning small amounts over the years, the man described himself as “stubborn” and refused to change his numbers, a decision that ultimately led to his life-changing win. Upon realizing his numbers matched the jackpot, he expressed excitement and already has plans to invest in a new home and a home gym, including a large swimming pool.

The Ohio Lottery Commission, which oversees the Classic Lotto game, has seen numerous jackpot winners, but this story stands out due to the winner’s unwavering loyalty to his chosen numbers. The Classic Lotto is a popular game in Ohio, with drawings held twice weekly. More information about the game and its odds can be found on the Ohio Lottery official website.

Lottery experts often advise players to pick new numbers regularly or use quick-pick options, but this winner’s experience underscores the unpredictable nature of lottery games. The Ohio Lottery Commission reminds players to play responsibly and view lottery games as entertainment. For guidance on responsible gaming, resources are available through the National Council on Problem Gambling.

This jackpot win adds to a series of notable lottery stories nationwide, including recent wins in neighboring states. For example, a Kentucky man recently won a $291,010 prize due to a ticket purchase mistake, illustrating the variety of ways luck can strike. Meanwhile, other players have found fortune while traveling, such as a Tennessee man who won $100,000 playing Powerball during a trip to Maryland. These stories highlight the widespread appeal and excitement surrounding lottery games across the country.

The Ohio Lottery’s transparency and commitment to fair play are supported by state regulatory bodies. The Ohio Casino Control Commission, which regulates casino and lottery operations, ensures compliance with state laws to maintain public trust. More about the commission’s role can be found at Ohio Casino Control Commission.

For those inspired by this story, the Ohio Lottery continues to offer a variety of games with varying odds and prize levels. Players are encouraged to check official results and claim procedures through the Ohio Lottery’s website or authorized retailers.

This remarkable win serves as a reminder that persistence and a bit of luck can sometimes lead to extraordinary outcomes. While the odds of winning a jackpot remain slim, stories like this Ohio man’s victory capture the imagination and hope of millions who try their luck each week.

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Written By
Maya Chen reports on international politics, conflict and diplomacy. She specializes in explaining how global events shape U.S. security, trade and migration, and how decisions made abroad ripple into life at home.
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