For Boni Cortez Pelagio of Yadkinville, a quick stop for a beverage turned into a thirst-quenching $1 million prize, winning the second of eight $1 million prizes in the Spectacular Riches scratch-off game.

When out visiting a friend, Pelagio said he suddenly became thirsty and decided to stop at the Speedway on Rockford Street in Mounty Airy for a bottle of water. While there, he decided to try his luck on a $25 Spectacular Riches scratch-off.

His thirst – and decision to play – paid off.

“I only bought the one ticket,” said Pelagio. “You never expect to win anything big, but especially not $1 million.”

Pelagio claimed his prize on Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. He had the option of taking the $1 million as an annuity of $50,000 a year over 20 years, or a lump sum of $600,000. Pelagio chose the annuity. After state and federal tax withholdings, he walked away with his first payment of $35,382. Pelagio said he is looking forward to taking a vacation and maybe buying a house.

“It is a miracle,” Pelagio said of the win.

Spectacular Riches is a $25 game that launched in October with eight top prizes of $1 million and 20 $100,000 prizes. Six of the $1 million prizes and 18 of the $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

Ticket sales from scratch-off games like Spectacular Riches make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $900 million a year for education. For details on how $2.1 million raised by the lottery made a difference in Yadkin County in 2020, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.