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news blog > article

Lucky ticket in North Carolina wins $2 million playing Mega Millions

January 17, 2026 Posted by NC Lottery at 10:35 AM
image-photo

A lucky ticket purchased at a grocery store in Randolph County won a $2 million prize in Friday’s Mega Millions drawing.

The winner purchased the $5 ticket at H&M Grocery on U.S. 311 South in Sophia and matched the numbers on all five white balls to win $1 million. With the new built-in multiplier, the prize doubled to $2 million.

Two Mega Millions tickets returned a $2 million prize in Friday’s drawing, the largest prize won nationally. A player in Texas purchased the other $2 million winning ticket. The odds of matching numbers on all five white balls are 1 in 12.6 million.

The winner has 180 days to claim their prize.

The jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing offers $250 million as an annuity, or $113.5 million cash. The odds of winning a Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 290 million.

Players can buy Mega Millions tickets at any lottery retail location, through Online Play on the lottery’s website or by using the NC Lottery Official Mobile App.

5 COMMENTS

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1/17/2026 07:52 - Brent W.

Wow Congratulations I wonder if the same person hit the Cash 5 as well, because that ticket was sold in Sophia also.

1/17/2026 05:49 - shirley b.

NCEL trips please Where are they at? This is why ya'll losing so many customers. Ya'll know ya'll not playing fair lol

1/17/2026 05:16 - Tena S.

Congratulations! But did this person in Sophia, NC also purchase the winning Cash 5 ticket too?NC Lottery
Hi Tena, yesterday's Cash 5 winner hasn't come in to claim their prize yet. We will share more information when they do!

1/17/2026 02:20 - JACQUELINE D.

Congratulations!

1/17/2026 01:21 - Paulita P.

Congrats!!

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