Greensboro man celebrates a “fairy tale” $2 million win

Jose Analco Ramirez of Greensboro saw a dream come true on Thursday when a $20 scratch-off delivered a $2 million top prize.

“It was like a fairy tale turned into reality,” he said.

Ramirez bought his lucky 100X The Cash scratch-off from the Circle K on New Garden Road in Greensboro.

“I thought I was tripping,” he laughed. “I saw the two at first and thought it was $2,000.”

Ramirez said he had trouble processing his big win.

“It just didn’t feel real,” he recalled. “It still doesn’t feel real.”

When Ramirez arrived at lottery headquarters Friday, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive his prize as an annuity of $100,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $1.2 million. He chose the lump sum of $1.2 million and, after required tax withholdings, took home $861,006.

He plans to use his winnings to invest and possibly start a business.