A lucky ticket sold in Georgia has won the massive Mega Millions jackpot, which soared to an estimated $980 million ahead of Friday night’s drawing—making it the eighth-largest prize in the game’s history. After weeks without a winner, the jackpot streak finally ended when one ticket matched all six numbers drawn: 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and the gold Mega Ball number 7.

The prize marks the end of a record-setting run of 40 consecutive drawings since the jackpot was last claimed in Virginia on June 27. The explosive growth of the jackpot made Friday’s drawing one of the most closely watched of the year, with millions of Americans hoping to secure the nearly $1 billion payout.

According to Mega Millions officials, the jackpot winner in Georgia will have the option to receive the prize as a one-time lump sum of approximately $452.2 million or through 29 annual payments. The last time the jackpot was won was in late June, adding to the excitement that had been building across the country.

Mega Millions continues to be one of the most popular lottery games in the United States, played across 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With odds of just 1 in 290,472,336 of winning the grand prize, hitting the jackpot remains one of the rarest strokes of luck—and Friday’s winner defied every one of those odds.

The largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won remains the staggering $1.6 billion prize claimed on August 8, 2023. While Friday’s $980 million jackpot did not surpass that historic record, it stands as another extraordinary milestone in the lottery’s history and a life-changing moment for the winner in Georgia.

As officials verify the winning ticket and preparations begin for the next drawing, players nationwide will be watching closely to see how the lucky winner chooses to receive their newfound fortune. For now, the Mega Millions continues to capture the imagination of millions, reminding Americans that even the slimmest odds can sometimes deliver unbelievable rewards.