Winning the lottery is a freak occurrence. One day you’re buying a $2 scratcher or a quick-pick Powerball ticket while grabbing a coffee, and the next, your name is being blasted across every news station in the country. In California, this happens more often than you’d think. Because of the state's massive population and even bigger prize pools, "Who won California Powerball" is a question that pops up every few months.
California doesn't let you hide. If you hit the jackpot here, state law mandates that your name becomes public record. No trusts, no anonymous LLCs, no masks. You win, we know.
The Names You Won’t Forget
The most famous name in the history of the game is Edwin Castro. Back in November 2022, Castro bought a ticket at Joe’s Service Center in Altadena. He didn't just win; he broke the world record with a $2.04 billion jackpot. He took the lump sum of $997.6 million. Since then, he’s been spotted buying high-end real estate, including a $25.5 million mansion in Hollywood Hills. Honestly, can you blame him?
Then there’s Yanira Alvarez. For months, people were asking who won the $1.08 billion Powerball from July 2023. The ticket was sold at Las Palmitas Mini Market in downtown Los Angeles. It took nearly a year for her identity to be revealed in March 2024. She chose the cash value of $558.1 million. She didn't want to give quotes. She didn't want the spotlight. She just wanted her winnings.
The Frazier Park Group
The second-largest jackpot in history—$1.765 billion—was sold in a tiny mountain town called Frazier Park. The winner wasn't just one person. It was a group represented by a man named Theodorus Struyck.
💡 You might also like: Bird Feeders on a Pole: What Most People Get Wrong About Backyard Setups
- The Store: Midway Market (a family-owned spot for 30 years).
- The Representative: Theodorus "Theo" Struyck.
- The Prize: $1.765 billion (October 2023).
Frazier Park only has about 3,000 people. When the news broke, the town went wild. Imagine being the clerk who sold a billion-dollar ticket in a place where everyone knows your coffee order.
Why California Keeps Winning
It’s basically a numbers game. California sells more tickets than almost any other state. But there's a more interesting side to it: the tax man.
Unlike many other states, California does not tax lottery winnings at the state or local level. If you win $100 million in New York, the state takes a massive bite. In California? You "only" have to worry about the federal government’s 24% (or more) withholding. This makes a California win significantly more valuable than a win in most other places.
The Myth of Anonymity
People always search for ways to stay secret. You've probably heard advice like "claim it through a trust."
In California, that is a myth.
The California Lottery is incredibly transparent. They believe that by showing real people winning, it proves the game isn't rigged. They will release:
📖 Related: Barn Owl at Night: Why These Silent Hunters Are Creepier (and Cooler) Than You Think
- Your full legal name.
- The location of the retailer who sold the ticket.
- The date you won.
- The amount you won.
If you’re worried about privacy, your best bet is to hire a legal team before you walk into the lottery office in Sacramento.
What Happens After the Win?
Most winners go underground. Take Theodorus Struyck, for example. Shortly after his name was released, his property was reportedly swamped with scammers and "new best friends." He even had to put up "No Trespassing" signs.
Scammers often create fake social media profiles using the winners' names—Edwin Castro and Theo Struyck both had dozens of "fan pages" promising to give away money. Never believe these. Real lottery winners aren't DMing strangers on Instagram to hand out cash.
How to Protect Yourself if You Win
If you find yourself holding a ticket worth hundreds of millions, don't sign it and run to the news. Take a breath.
👉 See also: Baba au Rhum Recipe: Why Most Home Bakers Fail at This French Classic
Get a "Dream Team" Together
You need a lawyer, a tax professional, and a reputable financial advisor. Not your cousin who does taxes on the side. You need people who deal with high-net-worth individuals.
Secure the Ticket
Put that piece of paper in a safe deposit box. Take a photo of the front and back. Do not show it to anyone until your legal ducks are in a row.
Change Your Settings
Before your name goes public, delete your social media. Change your phone number. Set up a "buffer" between you and the rest of the world.
The Bigger Picture for California
Every time someone asks who won California Powerball, there is one winner that never changes: the schools. The California Lottery’s sole mission is to fund public education. The $2.04 billion win by Castro alone generated over $156 million for California schools.
Whether it's a single mom in LA or a group of neighbors in Frazier Park, these wins change lives overnight. But they also keep the lights on in classrooms across the state.
Your Next Steps
If you're playing the Powerball tonight, check your numbers on the official California Lottery website. If you've actually won a significant amount, your first move should be contacting a certified financial planner (CFP) who specializes in sudden wealth management to ensure your windfall lasts generations.