Texas is buzzing with excitement and curiosity after one of the largest lottery jackpots in U.S. history was claimed — but the identity of the lucky winner remains a total mystery.
The $1.8 billion Powerball ticket sold somewhere in the Lone Star State has the state on edge, as everyone wonders who walked away with the life-changing prize.
While the winner’s name hasn’t been revealed, the store where the ticket was purchased has become an instant celebrity.
Big’s 103 Becomes Famous Overnight
Big’s 103, a small convenience store in Fredericksburg, Texas, sold the winning ticket — one of only two nationwide, with the other being in Missouri.
The Texas Lottery Commission confirmed the news Sunday morning, and the store has embraced its newfound fame with a sign proudly reading: “Winning Powerball SOLD HERE!”
Store employees woke to the exciting announcement via a group text, according to store manager Melanie Carter.
“We don’t know when the ticket was sold, who bought it, or even who sold it.
We’re just as curious as everyone else,” Carter, 36, told DailyMail.com.
A Lucky Ticket and Cash Option
The winner handpicked their numbers, avoiding the standard computer-generated quick-pick option, and chose the lump sum cash payout rather than an annuity.
That means the mystery millionaire will receive approximately $410.3 million before taxes.
“They haven’t contacted state officials yet,” Carter explained.
Winners have 180 days from the drawing date to claim the prize at the Texas Lottery headquarters in Austin, allowing plenty of time to prepare.
Small Town Excitement
For a store that only opened in February, this is uncharted territory.
Carter and her staff have been busy dealing with media attention, curious locals, and even tourists asking if they might be the winner.
“We’ve been asking all our regulars, ‘Was it you? Was it you?’” Carter said with a laugh.
Fredericksburg is a popular tourist spot, famous for its wineries and charming Hill Country scenery, and Big’s 103 sits along Highway 290, a key route from Austin about 90 minutes away.
With visitors constantly passing through, Carter admits the winner could easily be a local—or a traveling visitor who stopped for a ticket.
Jackpot Buzz Boosts Sales
Even without knowing who claimed the jackpot, the store is already benefiting.
Lottery sales have soared as people flock to the “lucky store,” hoping some of that fortune rubs off. “It’s the best marketing anyone could ask for,” said area supervisor Jaime Aquirre.
The store itself will receive a $250,000 retailer bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Carter hopes the cashier who sold it might receive a special reward as well.
Mystery Surrounds the Winner
Speculation is rampant among employees and locals, but Texas law allows winners of more than $1 million to remain anonymous.
“A lot of people claim it anonymously, so maybe we’ll never know,” Carter said.
Once the prize is claimed, officials can release the city or county of residence, even if the winner stays unnamed.
Officials remind anyone who thinks they might have the winning ticket to sign it, keep it safe, and seek financial and legal advice before contacting the Texas Lottery to claim their prize.
A Big Moment for Big’s 103
Whether the winner is a local or a visitor passing through Fredericksburg, the mini-mart has already earned its place in lottery history.
Big’s 103 may be small, but for one ticket, it has captured the imagination of all of Texas — and perhaps the country.