A lottery winner turned chump change into generational wealth in an insane stroke of luck.
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An unidentified person who requested anonymity claimed the $1.04 billion Illinois Powerball jackpot, the largest grand prize of the year.
The Prairie State ticket holder can choose between the $1 billion prize or a one-time $450.5 million cash payout before taxes.
The winning ticket broke a 44-drawing drought in Illinois.
Oddly enough, the winner revealed he secured the Powerball jackpot on his first attempt.
"I chose a Quick Pick and spent just $2 on a single line of Powerball numbers," the winner told Illinois State Lottery officials.
Lottery Winner Claims Illinois' Largest Grand Prize This Year
The winner is still in disbelief that he flipped $2 into a billion-dollar prize.
"I never could have imagined that a $2 purchase would lead to a $1.04 billion jackpot. This is truly a blessing. I'm incredibly grateful for this unexpected and extraordinary opportunity."
The unidentified winner bought the golden ticket at the Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience store in Quincy, Illinois.
The Illinoisan initially didn't believe they won and took a month to claim the jackpot.
"I initially didn't believe I had won, so I called a family member to confirm it," they said. "Even after claiming the prize, I'm still processing the news and experiencing the full range of emotions that come with winning a billion-dollar jackpot. From disbelief and shock to overwhelming elation."
The winner chose the one-time cash sum option, meaning that they will receive a staggering $450 million before taxes.
The freshly minted millionaire is not the only lucky lottery winner this year.
A 68-year-old Michigan native won a lottery jackpot worth $1.05 million after accidentally buying a ticket.
"Whenever I stop to get gas and the Fast Cash jackpot is over $700,000, I'll buy a few tickets," he said in a Michigan Lottery blog post.
He said that he typically doesn't have a preference on which Fast Cash tickets he purchases, "but lately I've been saying any except the Detroit Lions game. Because I hadn't been having luck with it."
During his recent stop at the gas station, the Michigan man forgot to request the exclusion of the Detroit Lions game. The minor mental lapse turned into a million-dollar decision.
