Jeremy Wilson of Willow Spring got a life-changing stroke of luck Wednesday night when a $50 scratch-off revealed a $10 million top prize.

“I only buy $50 tickets when I’m feeling lucky,” he said.

Wilson, 20, bought his lucky $10 Million Spectacular ticket from North River Tobacco Barn on Caratoke Highway in Jarvisburg. He then scratched the ticket in the store.

“It was a crazy feeling,” Wilson said recalling his winning moment. “I couldn’t control myself.”

He said he told his mom right away what happened.

“She thought I was joking,” he laughed.

Wilson’s big win marks the third $10 million win in North Carolina so far this year.

When Wilson arrived Thursday to collect his winnings, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive his prize as an annuity of $500,000 a year over 20 years or a lump sum of $6 million. He chose the lump sum of $6 million and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $4,305,014.

Wilson plans to take his mom on a trip for her birthday and save the rest of his winnings.

The $10 Million Spectacular game debuted in December 2023 with five top prizes of $10 million, 20 prizes of $1 million and 20 prizes of $100,000. Since Wilson won the last $10 million top prize, the lottery will begin the process of ending the game.

The N.C. Education Lottery’s Play Smart™ program helps North Carolinians make the most of their lottery play. Visit ncplaysmart.com to learn about all things lottery, from tips on how odds work to how to enter bonus drawings.