Winning $2.04 billion doesn’t just change your life; it basically resets your entire existence. Most people assume that after Edwin Castro claimed the largest lottery prize in history, he’d just disappear onto a private island and never be seen again.
Honestly? That’s not what happened.
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While he definitely values his privacy—he didn’t even show up to the press conference to accept his check—Edwin Castro hasn't exactly gone into hiding. He’s been busy. Very busy. If you’re wondering where is Edwin Castro now, the answer is a mix of high-end Hollywood Hills living and a surprisingly hands-on role in rebuilding a community that was literally razed to the ground.
From a One-Bedroom Rental to the "Palazzo di Vista"
It’s wild to think about the contrast. Before November 2022, Castro was an architecture consultant living in a modest one-bedroom apartment in Altadena. He was a former Boy Scout, a guy who played linebacker in high school, and someone who likely worried about rent just like everyone else.
Then he walked into Joe’s Service Center, bought a ticket, and everything flipped.
Since taking the $997.6 million lump sum, Castro has poured a significant chunk of that change into California real estate. His primary "home base" is a $25.5 million mansion in the Hollywood Hills known as "Palazzo di Vista." It’s an architectural beast. We’re talking five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, an infinity pool that overlooks the entire city, and neighbors like Ariana Grande and Jimmy Kimmel.
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He didn't stop there. He also picked up a $47 million compound in Bel Air. This place is basically a resort, featuring a champagne tasting room (because why not?) and a theater. But for Castro, real estate isn't just about showing off. It’s personal. He bought a $4 million Japanese-style home in Altadena for his parents, ensuring they stayed close to their roots, even if the house is a massive upgrade from where they started.
The 2025 Wildfires and a Major Shift in Focus
The story took a pretty dark turn in January 2025. Massive wildfires—specifically the Eaton and Palisades fires—swept through Southern California. It was devastating. Over 16,000 structures were destroyed, and Altadena, the town where Castro grew up and bought his winning ticket, was hit incredibly hard.
Castro himself felt the burn. His $3.8 million beachfront property in Malibu was completely leveled. Reduced to nothing but concrete pillars.
But instead of just filing an insurance claim and moving on, Castro did something most people didn't expect. He started buying up the ruins.
Rebuilding Altadena: The $10 Million Homecoming
Right now, if you’re looking for Edwin Castro, you’re likely to find his influence in the foothill lots of the San Gabriel Mountains. He has spent roughly $10 million to purchase 15 fire-scorched lots in Altadena.
He’s not doing it to build a mega-mall or high-priced luxury condos. He told the Wall Street Journal that he wants to build single-family homes for people who actually want to live there. "This is for a family that wants to move in," he said. "Those are the people that need to be looked out for right now."
- The Vision: He's aiming for a "time bubble" effect, using his architecture background to recreate the Craftsman-style charm the neighborhood had before the fires.
- The Team: He’s assembled a small squad of architectural planners and consultants to lead a 10-year project.
- The Vibe: He’s even mentioned building a "Willy Wonka-esque" personal residence for himself nearby, complete with the "whimsical" touches he loves.
It’s a complicated situation, though. Not everyone is cheering. While some locals like Joel Bryant, a longtime contractor, feel better that a "local kid" is doing the rebuilding, others are terrified of gentrification. A petition actually went around with over 1,500 signatures trying to block big investors from buying up the lots. People are worried that even with "reasonable" profit margins, the Altadena they knew is gone forever.
What is Edwin Castro Doing Day-to-Day?
He isn't just a landlord. He’s a car guy. You might spot him cruising around Los Angeles in a vintage 911 Porsche Turbo from the 1980s or a 1970s green Porsche Coupe. He’s been seen at A-list spots like Nobu in Malibu, often with his brother Jesse, who acts as his banker and asset manager.
Despite the billion-dollar bank account, sources close to him say he and his brother are "very grounded." They aren't the types to be falling out of nightclubs at 3 AM. They’re "normal people" who just happen to have more money than most small countries.
He’s also been linked to several high-profile dates, including model Payten Vincent, but he keeps his romantic life mostly under wraps. He's a devout Christian who reportedly still leans on his faith to navigate the absolute insanity of being a public figure with a target on his back.
The Legal Shadow: Jose Rivera and the Stolen Ticket Myth
You can't talk about where Edwin Castro is now without mentioning the legal drama that followed him for years. A man named Jose Rivera claimed that he was the one who actually bought the winning ticket and that it was stolen from him.
It made for great headlines, but it didn't hold up.
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California Lottery officials were adamant from day one that they have a rigorous verification process. They checked the video footage. They confirmed Castro was the one at the counter. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but it’s the kind of thing that forces a guy to hire a massive security detail—which he did immediately after the win.
The Legacy of a "Good Steward"
So, what's the bottom line? Edwin Castro is currently living as a real estate developer and philanthropist with a penchant for vintage Porsches. He’s transitioned from being "the lucky guy" to "the guy rebuilding the neighborhood."
He’s 33 years old. He has the rest of his life to decide how to spend the remaining hundreds of millions. For now, he seems focused on the long game—a decade-long project to put Altadena back together.
Actionable Insights for the "Rest of Us"
While you might not have $2 billion, Castro’s journey offers a few real-world lessons on wealth management and community:
- Assemble a "Kitchen Cabinet": Castro immediately brought in his brother (a banker) and a team of lawyers. If you ever come into a windfall—even a small one—don't try to manage it alone.
- Invest in What You Know: Castro studied architecture. It’s no surprise his biggest investments are in land and design. Stick to your expertise when making big financial moves.
- Privacy is a Commodity: The more you have, the more people want a piece of it. Castro’s decision to stay off social media and avoid the spotlight is likely why he’s stayed sane.
- Give Back Locally: By focusing his philanthropy on Altadena rather than global charities, he’s seeing the direct impact of his money on the people he grew up with.
Edwin Castro’s story isn't over. He’s currently navigating the permit process for his first few homes. If his "time bubble" vision works, he might just become the most popular billionaire in California. If it doesn't, he’ll at least have a very nice view from his Hollywood Hills balcony.