A stroke of incredible fortune has descended upon London, Ontario, as a single Lotto Max ticket sold in the city has won a monumental $80 million jackpot. The winning numbers were drawn on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, marking a historic start to the New Year for one lucky individual or group.
A Record-Breaking Win for Ontario
This win is particularly significant as it represents the first $80-million top prize ever awarded in Ontario since the Lotto Max game's prize structure was enhanced. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) confirmed the winning ticket was purchased in London. The identity of the winner remains a mystery, as they have not yet come forward to claim their life-altering prize.
Beyond the massive jackpot, the December 31 draw proved lucrative for many other players across the province. Several MAXMILLIONS prizes of $1 million each were also won, alongside numerous ENCORE prize draws. This distribution of wealth highlights a particularly fruitful night for Ontario lottery participants.
What Happens Next for the Winner?
The clock is now ticking for the fortunate ticket holder. Winners typically have one year from the draw date to come forward and claim their prize. The OLG advises the winner to sign the back of their ticket immediately and keep it in a secure location. The next step is to contact the OLG Prize Centre to begin the validation and payment process, which can be arranged as a lump sum or through annuity payments.
This windfall arrives as many Canadians were celebrating the end of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026. For the winner, the new year begins with unimaginable financial security and a vast array of new possibilities.
How to Play and Odds of Winning
For those inspired by this story, Lotto Max draws are held every Tuesday and Friday. Players select seven numbers from 1 to 50 for a chance at the jackpot, which starts at $10 million and can grow to a maximum of $80 million through rollovers. When the jackpot reaches $50 million, additional MAXMILLIONS draws are added, creating more $1 million prizes. While the odds of winning the grand prize are approximately 1 in 33.3 million, this London win serves as a powerful reminder that someone, somewhere, eventually beats those odds.
As the community buzzes with speculation about who the winner might be, the OLG reminds all players to check their tickets carefully. The retailer that sold the winning ticket may also be eligible for a bonus for their role in selling the historic ticket.
