Imagine hitting the jackpot – a life-altering event! But what if that winning ticket remained unclaimed? That's the situation surrounding the massive Christmas Eve Powerball prize, adding an intriguing twist to the latest drawing. We're diving into the winning numbers for the first Powerball drawing of 2026, held on Saturday, January 3rd, and revisiting the unclaimed fortune from December.
For the Saturday, January 3, 2026 Powerball drawing, the jackpot stood at a cool $64 million, translating to a cash value of $28.9 million. But before we get into that, let's address the elephant in the room: that staggering $1.8 billion Christmas Eve jackpot (the second-largest in Powerball history!) remains unclaimed. You can read more about it here: [https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/lottery/2025/12/26/powerball-jackpot-winner-arkansas-anonymous/87918239007/]. That winning ticket was sold in Cabot, Arkansas, which is about 30 miles outside of Little Rock.
And this is the part most people miss... According to the Arkansas Lottery ([https://www.myarkansaslottery.com/games/powerball#:~:text=Q:%20What%20happens%20if%20the,$21]), the winner has a strict 180-day window from the drawing date to claim their prize. That means our mystery winner from December 24th has until June 22, 2026, to step forward and claim their billion-dollar bounty. What happens if they don't? Well, the money typically goes back into the lottery system, often funding future prizes or state programs – a bittersweet outcome, to say the least.
So, what numbers could make YOU a winner in the January 3rd Powerball?
Here are the winning numbers for Saturday's drawing: 18-21-40-53-60 and the Powerball: 23
Now, for those new to the game, let's quickly break down how to play Powerball. Don't worry, it's easier than you think!
Powerball tickets cost $2 per play ([https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/lottery/2025/09/05/how-to-play-powerball-buy-ticket/85987674007/]) and are available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Think of your local spots: convenience stores, gas stations, even grocery stores often sell them. In some states, you can even buy Powerball tickets online ([https://jkpt.sng.link/A0spb/pj93/tehs]), so check your local regulations.
Once you have your ticket, you'll need to pick six numbers. Five will be white balls, each with a number between 1 and 69. The sixth number is the red Powerball, and it ranges from 1 to 26.
But here's where it gets controversial... For an extra $1, you can add a "Power Play." This multiplies your winnings for all non-jackpot prizes. The multiplier can be 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or even 10X! Some argue it's a waste of money, while others swear it's the key to bigger wins. What do you think? Is the Power Play worth it?
If you're feeling indecisive, you can choose the "Quick Pick" option ([https://www.powerball.com/faqs]), and the computer will randomly select your numbers. To win the jackpot, you need to match all five white balls (in any order) and the red Powerball. Remember, Powerball drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday night. If no one wins the jackpot, the cash prize just keeps growing, creating even larger potential payouts!
Winning lottery numbers are brought to you by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network ([https://jkpt.sng.link/A0spb/pj93/tehs]).
Speaking of big payouts, let's take a look at the top 10 Powerball jackpots of all time:
- $2.040 billion on Nov. 7, 2022 in California
- $1.817 billion on Dec. 24, 2025 in Arkansas
- $1.787 billion on Sept. 6, 2025 in Missouri, Texas
- $1.765 billion on Oct. 11, 2023 in California
- $1.586 billion on Jan. 13, 2016 in California, Florida and Tennessee
- $1.326 billion on April 6, 2024 in Oregon
- $1.080 billion on July 19, 2023 in California
- $842.4 million on Jan. 1, 2024 in Michigan
- $768.4 million on Mar. 27, 2019 in Wisconsin
- $758.7 million on Aug. 23, 2017 in Massachusetts
And for those wondering about online ticket purchases: Yes, you can get Powerball tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network ([https://jkpt.sng.link/A0spb/pj93/tehs]), in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.
The Jackpocket app makes the whole process incredibly convenient. You can choose your game and numbers, place your order, view your ticket, and even collect your winnings, all from your phone or computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
(This story has been updated with new information.)
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @ferncerv.
So, what are your thoughts? Would you play the Powerball with these numbers? And more importantly, what would you do with $1.8 billion if you won? Share your dreams (and strategies!) in the comments below!
