Imagine walking into a gas station in a tiny town called Burgess, grabbing a soda, and deciding on a whim to play the numbers. For one person, that split-second decision turned into a $348 million reality. It's the kind of thing that makes your heart skip. Honestly, most of us just assume these massive wins happen in big cities like Richmond or Virginia Beach. But the mega millions virginia lottery winner who changed state history last year proved that lightning strikes wherever it wants.
This wasn't just another win. It was the biggest jackpot ever hit in the Commonwealth. The ticket was sold at an E & C Mid Atlantic on Northumberland Highway. If you’ve ever driven through that part of the Northern Neck, you know it’s not exactly a bustling metropolis. Yet, on June 27, 2025, that single store became the center of the lottery universe.
The Mystery of the Zero-Radius Mower
When someone wins a third of a billion dollars, you expect them to talk about Ferraris or private islands. Maybe a villa in the south of France? Not this person. When they finally stepped forward to claim the prize about a month later, they told Virginia Lottery officials the first thing they wanted to buy was a zero-radius riding lawn mower.
You've gotta love the practicality.
While the jackpot was a staggering $348 million, the winner opted for the cash. That meant taking home $155.6 million before the taxman took his cut. In Virginia, thanks to a law passed back in 2019, winners of prizes over $1 million can choose to stay anonymous. And they did. We don't have a name. We don't have a face. We just have the legend of the person who wanted a really good lawn mower.
Why Burgess?
Burgess is a small community. People there talk. But despite the local buzz, the winner’s identity has remained a total vault. The store itself didn't walk away empty-handed, though. Juan Torres, the VP of operations for the retail chain, accepted a $50,000 bonus check just for selling the winning slip. It’s a nice reminder that the lottery ecosystem supports local businesses too.
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Breaking Down the Winning Numbers
The numbers that changed everything were 18-21-29-42-50, with the Mega Ball 2.
Statistically, hitting that combination is a 1 in 302,575,350 shot. Basically, you're more likely to be struck by lightning while being bitten by a shark. But someone did it. And they weren't the only ones winning big in the state recently. Just this past September, a player in Chesapeake grabbed $2 million at a Wawa on Kempsville Road. They matched all five white balls but missed the Mega Ball. Luckily, they spent the extra dollar on the Megaplier, which doubled their $1 million prize.
"I about passed out!" the winner told officials.
Fair reaction.
Where Does the Money Actually Go?
A lot of people get cynical about the lottery. They think it's just a "tax on people who can't do math." But in Virginia, the impact is actually pretty visible if you look at the school budgets. In the 2025 fiscal year alone, the Virginia Lottery funneled over $901 million into K-12 education.
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That’s about 10% of the state’s entire school budget.
Whether it's the mega millions virginia lottery winner in Burgess or someone winning $500 on a scratcher in Roanoke, every ticket sold feeds into that pot. Since 1999, all those profits have been constitutionally mandated to go toward public schools. It's a massive operation that most people forget about until the jackpot hits the half-billion mark and everyone starts dreaming again.
Recent Noteworthy Virginia Wins:
- Chesapeake ($2 Million): September 2025 at Wawa.
- James City County ($3 Million): Two neighbors shared this after matching five numbers with a 3X Megaplier.
- Ashburn ($5 Million): A woman won this on a 100X the Money scratcher at a 7-Eleven.
- Virginia Beach ($7 Million): A lucky soul hit the top prize on a 500X the Money ticket.
What to Do If You’re the Next Winner
If you find yourself staring at a ticket that matches the screen, stop. Breathe.
First, sign the back of that ticket immediately. In the eyes of the law, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument." That means whoever holds it, owns it. If you lose it and it's not signed, anyone can claim it.
Second, get a lawyer and a financial advisor before you call the lottery office. Most people think they can handle $100 million. They can't. The "lottery curse" is real because of bad management, not bad luck.
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Third, take advantage of Virginia’s anonymity laws. You don't want every long-lost cousin and "old friend" from third grade knocking on your door. Keeping your name out of the headlines is the best way to ensure your new life actually feels like a win.
The Burgess winner did it right. They stayed quiet, took the cash, and presumably, they're out there right now, perfectly grooming their lawn with the best mower money can buy.
Check your tickets tonight. You never know where the next big story is going to start.
Actionable Steps for Lottery Players
If you play the Mega Millions in Virginia, keep these three things in your wallet:
- The Official App: Use the Virginia Lottery app to scan your tickets. Don't rely on your eyes at 11:00 PM when you're tired.
- The Megaplier Option: It costs an extra $1, but as the Chesapeake winner found out, it can turn $1 million into $2 million (or more) instantly.
- A Plan for Anonymity: Decide now if you want to stay private. If you win more than $1 million, you have that right in Virginia—use it.