You’re staring at that slip of paper. Maybe it’s tucked in your wallet or sitting on the kitchen counter under a coffee mug. We’ve all been there, that tiny spark of "what if" before checking the results. Well, the wait is over. The drawing just wrapped up, and while nobody walked away with the top prize, a few people are having a very, very good morning.
The winning numbers for the Friday, January 16, 2026, Mega Millions drawing are 2, 22, 33, 42, 67 and the Mega Ball is 1.
If you played the Megaplier, it was 2x.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a pattern lately. The jackpot has been climbing steadily since the start of the year, and since no one matched all six numbers last night, we’re looking at a serious jump for the next round.
What Is Today's Mega Millions Numbers and Who Actually Won?
Even though the big $230 million jackpot wasn’t claimed, don't toss your ticket yet. Two players—one in Texas and one in North Carolina—came heartbreakingly close. They matched all five white balls but missed that gold Mega Ball.
🔗 Read more: Trump Eliminate Department of Education: What Most People Get Wrong
In most cases, that’s a $1 million win. But because of how the prizes were structured in those states for this specific draw, both tickets are worth **$2 million** each. Specifically, the Texas winner bought their ticket at a convenience store in Wichita Falls, and the North Carolina winner grabbed theirs at H&M Grocery in Sophia.
Talk about a life-changing grocery run.
Beyond those two millionaires, there were hundreds of thousands of smaller prizes. In New York alone, seven players matched four white balls, winning anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on their Megaplier status. It's those middle-tier wins that people often forget to check for.
The New Jackpot for Tuesday
Because the big prize rolled over, the estimated jackpot for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, is now sitting at $250 million.
💡 You might also like: Trump Derangement Syndrome Definition: What Most People Get Wrong
If you’re the type who prefers the "bird in the hand" approach, the cash value option for that drawing is estimated at $113.5 million. That's a lot of zeros.
It’s worth noting that the odds of hitting the jackpot are roughly 1 in 302 million. To put that in perspective, you're statistically more likely to be struck by lightning while being bitten by a shark... in a desert. Okay, maybe not that bad, but it’s high. However, the odds of winning any prize are much better, at about 1 in 24.
Common Mistakes When Checking Results
I've seen it happen: someone looks at the numbers, sees they don't have the first two, and crumples the ticket. Stop.
Many people don't realize that simply matching the Mega Ball (1) earns you $2. It literally pays for the ticket. Here is a quick breakdown of how the payouts usually work (though California is different because they use a pari-mutuel system):
📖 Related: Trump Declared War on Chicago: What Really Happened and Why It Matters
- Just the Mega Ball: $2
- 1 White Ball + Mega Ball: $4
- 3 White Balls: $10
- 3 White Balls + Mega Ball: $200
- 4 White Balls: $500
- 5 White Balls: $1 Million (Unless doubled like last night!)
Another thing—double-check the date. Sometimes people search for "what is today's Mega Millions numbers" and end up looking at a drawing from three years ago because of how Google displays old news. Always verify you are looking at the January 16, 2026 results.
How to Claim Your Prize
If you’re one of the lucky ones, don't go running to the lottery office just yet. Sign the back of that ticket immediately. In most states, a lottery ticket is a "bearer instrument," meaning whoever holds it owns it. If you lose an unsigned winning ticket, you're basically out of luck.
Most states give you 180 days to claim your prize, though some give you a full year. If you won a smaller amount (usually under $600), you can usually just go back to any authorized retailer. If you're that person in Wichita Falls with the $2 million ticket, you’ll need to make an appointment with the state lottery headquarters.
Take a breath. Talk to a financial advisor.
The next drawing happens Tuesday at 11 p.m. ET. If you're playing, you usually have until about 10 p.m. or 10:45 p.m. ET (depending on your state) to get your numbers in.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your ticket against the numbers 2, 22, 33, 42, 67, and Mega Ball 1.
- Sign the back of your ticket if you have any matching combinations.
- Visit your state lottery website (like the Texas Lottery or NC Lottery) to find the nearest redemption center for prizes over $600.
- Set a reminder for Tuesday night if you plan on playing for the $250 million.