Powerball winner who missed $1.2B Jackpot by One Number reveals how he will spend his $2 Million Prize

A North Carolina resident narrowly missed out on the staggering $1.2 billion Powerball jackpot earlier this month but still secured a life-changing windfall of $2 million. The fortunate player, identified as Daryl Steinhoff, revealed how he intends to use his winnings after matching all five white balls in the Sept. 1 Powerball drawing.

The 68-year-old Clayton resident’s story is now making headlines as a classic case of being “one number away” from becoming a billionaire.

Who won the Powerball last night?

Daryl Steinhoff’s ticket matched the white ball numbers 8, 23, 25, 40, 53, falling short only on the red Powerball number, which was 5. Had he matched the final number, he would have claimed the record-breaking $1.2 billion prize.

Nonetheless, Steinhoff had opted for the Power Play option, an additional $1 feature that doubled his second-tier prize from $1 million to $2 million, as per a report by the New York Post.

Speaking about his choice of numbers, Steinhoff said he used “family numbers,” a decision that ultimately secured him the multimillion-dollar win.

Powerball Winner: The Moment of Realisation

Unlike some players who check their numbers immediately, Steinhoff was unaware of his new fortune until the following morning.

“The next day I got an email saying that I won something,” he recalled while claiming his prize. “I was ecstatic and in disbelief. I called my daughter and girlfriend right away.”

On Thursday, Steinhoff travelled to the North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters in Raleigh to officially claim his winnings. He posed with a ceremonial giant check of $2 million, though after federal and state taxes, he took home approximately $1.44 million.

Powerball Winner: Plans for the Future

When asked about his immediate plans, Steinhoff revealed that the first major purchase he intends to make is a new home. The win, though not the billion-dollar jackpot, will allow him to enjoy a more secure and comfortable lifestyle.

“I just feel so blessed,” he said, holding up his oversized check at the ceremony.

Powerball drawing: Other Near-Misses Across States

Steinhoff was not the only Powerball participant to come close to the jackpot.

• In Montana, an anonymous player bought a ticket at a Rosauers Supermarket in Missoula. That ticket also matched all five white balls and included the Power Play option, securing another $2 million win. The prize was claimed on Sept. 5, according to state officials.
  
• Several players across the U.S. also struck significant wins. Two tickets, sold in Kansas and Texas, matched five white balls with the Power Play feature, bringing their winnings to $2 million each.
  
• Additionally, 15 tickets nationwide matched the five white balls without Power Play, resulting in $1 million prizes.
  

Powerball Jackpot Finally Claimed

The Sept. 1 drawing was part of one of the longest Powerball runs in history, spanning 42 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner since May 31.

The record streak finally ended on Sept. 6, when two players, one from Missouri and another from Texas, split the historic $1.79 billion jackpot.

The winners will have the option of an annuitized prize valued at $895 million over 29 years or a one-time lump sum of $410.3 million before taxes.

FAQs

Who won the Powerball last night?

The Sept. 6 drawing was won by two players, one from Missouri and one from Texas, who will split the historic $1.79 billion jackpot.

What were the Powerball winning numbers for the Sept. 1 draw?

The winning numbers were 8, 23, 25, 40, 53, and the red Powerball 5.