Illinois Lottery Player Attributes $1 Million Powerball Win to Chance Meeting with Grandmother

ROCHELLE, Ill. — December 2, 2025 — An Illinois Lottery player credited a chance meeting with his grandmother at a local store for his $1 million Powerball prize, officials said. The player, who refers to himself as “Grandma is My Lucky Charm,” recounted that his luck began during a lunch break at the Road Ranger on East Highway 38 in Rochelle. He stopped to buy a ticket for the Oct. 11 Powerball drawing, which featured a $240 million jackpot that night. Upon arriving at the store, he noticed a car resembling his grandmother’s and found her near the cash register. The player described the encounter as his first stroke of luck that day, saying his grandmother ran over to give him a hug. He purchased a ticket and matched five numbers—13, 16, 18, 20, and 27—earning a $1 million prize, along with an additional $4 on another line. After confirming the win online, he called his grandmother, who initially questioned the news. The player said he plans to share some of his winnings with his grandmother and intends to buy a new car. Illinois Lottery officials confirmed the details of the win but did not provide further information about the player’s identity or additional plans.