First purchase after multi-million-dollar win? A new pair of shoes
By Kate Northrop
CHESTERFIELD, Mich. — A dedicated Michigan lottery player won the biggest Lotto 47 jackpot in history at $32.91 million with numbers he's used consistently for 20 years.
The Michigan winner of the record $32.91 million Lotto 47 jackpot has never strayed from playing the same sets of numbers for 20 years, and it finally paid off.
The 73-year-old, who chose to remain anonymous when collecting his record-breaking prize, matched all six winning numbers in the Lotto 47 drawing on Dec. 13, 2025: 2, 3, 12, 15, 16, and 33.
He did win on another line using one of his other number combinations, but it was pennies compared to the real result of his dedication.
"I have been playing Lotto 47 for 20 years, and I've always played the same sets of numbers," the player told the Michigan Lottery. "When I checked my ticket, I saw right away I matched three numbers and thought: 'At least I got $5 back.' When I saw I matched the rest of the numbers, I rubbed my eyes and checked my ticket again because I couldn't believe what I was seeing!"
He purchased his lucky ticket at Wild Bills Tobacco on Gratiot Avenue in Chesterfield, about 45 minutes from Detroit by car.
"I called my kids and told them, but they didn't believe me and had to come see the ticket for themselves," the winner continued. "We were so excited! You never expect to win a prize like this, so it still hasn't fully sunk in."
Having recently claimed his prize at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, he chose to receive his winnings as a one-time lump sum payment of about $22.8 million rather than take annuity payments for the full amount.
His ideas for using the prize, no matter how monumental the amount, are rather practical. He plans on putting his record win toward a new pair of shoes, a new car, and will share the rest with his family.
"Honestly, the first thing on my list is just treating myself to a new pair of shoes," he said to the Lottery with a laugh. "I also plan to share some of my winnings with my family and get a new car."
This $32.91 million win surpasses the previous Lotto 47 record of $32.3 million, which was split by two winning tickets in November 2020: one purchased in Ferndale and the other in Lake Odessa.
For an additional $1, players can add the Double Play option to their ticket, which gives the ticket a second chance to win up to $1.5 million in the nightly Double Play drawing using the same set of numbers. Players can also add the EZMatch feature to their ticket for an additional $1, which offers an instant chance to win up to $500.
The Lotto 47 jackpot currently stands at $1.7 million for the next drawing on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Lotto 47 drawings take place every Wednesday and Saturday at 7:29 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets cost $1 each.
All winning numbers, prizes, and odds are available on Lottery Post's Michigan Lottery Results page right after each drawing.
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He needs a new pair of shoes because he spent all his money on the lottery for 20 years? What a loser.
What a horrible comment spoken from an obviously jealous person!!! Let the man enjoy his wealth his way. No need for such negativity. I've played the same powerball numbers for years. That's the point of the lottery. A dollar and a dream.
I think if playing the lottery makes you sooooo miserable, stop playing the lottery.
Congratulations on your spectacular win.
Many years ago, my late Mum was mad @ some guy who won the lottery (millions) in WA State because he said he needed a new pair of shoes---on his second multi million $ win!
That right there my friends is what I call COMMITTMENT.
For 20 years playing the same numbers?
Wow, I know someone that can't keep a girlfriend for one year 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Congratulations 🎉 on the win.
May the new pair of shoe, bring you immense joy 🕺
Congrats to the very lucky and dedicated man, enjoy each and everyday.
Well he got some of my $s.
Anyway this is just the record for the Classic 47 version of the game.
The all time record for Michigan 6/XX games is 45 some odd millions divided by, I believe, 3 tickets.
Like Tom Petty said, "Even the losers get lucky sometimes."
Congrats!
Nice win, go get two pairs if you want.
For 73 years old person to take an annuity???
lottery is a scam
Lump sum should not take so much out compared to annuity
they knew that older people play more because they have more money than young people
he won't have enough time to spend this money because he got maximum to decades to live!
and annuity is 30 years!!!
The age of the winner is irrelevant, because the prize is a 30 year term certain annuity, not a life annuity.
What are you saying?
He took the lump sum not the annuity.
Having recently claimed his prize at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, he chose to receive his winnings as a one-time lump sum payment of about $22.8 million rather than take annuity payments for the full amount.
Congrats to the big winner!!
Did ya forget to take your mood stabilizer? 🙄