The Mega Millions jackpot winning numbers for the November 14, 2025 drawing delivered one of the most dramatic lottery moments of the year. The winning combination was 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, with a Mega Ball of 7, and a single ticket purchased in Georgia matched them all to secure the full $980 million prize. The win brought an end to the game’s longest streak without a jackpot winner, which had stretched since late June.
The latest update confirms that the jackpot was claimed by a single ticket bought at a Publix grocery store in Newnan, Georgia. This makes the winning moment even more remarkable, as the full prize—rather than being split—belongs entirely to one ticket holder.
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The Record-Breaking Jackpot Run Comes to an End
The $980 million jackpot had grown for months as players across the United States participated in draw after draw without a top winner. Each rollover added fuel to national excitement, and by mid-November, the pot had become the eighth-largest jackpot in the game’s history.
This long run attracted millions of players hoping that the next drawing would finally produce a winner. When the winning numbers hit on November 14, the streak officially ended, validating a ticket sold in Georgia and resetting the Mega Millions prize for the next drawing.
For players and lottery followers, the end of this record streak brought a mix of relief and excitement—as well as plenty of conversation about the future of upcoming jackpots.
Where the Winning Ticket Was Sold
The jackpot-winning ticket was purchased at a Publix located in Newnan, a city southwest of Atlanta. The store will receive a bonus payout from the state for selling the winning ticket, a tradition that rewards retailers for major wins.
Georgia has produced several large lottery winners over the years, but this one stands out because of its massive prize amount. As of now, the identity of the winner has not been made public, which is typical immediately following large lottery events.
Prize Breakdown: Lump Sum vs. Annuity
The advertised jackpot amount was $980 million, which refers to the value if the winner chooses the annuity option. That annuity is paid out over 30 years and grows annually.
If the winner chooses the lump-sum option, the cash value is approximately $452.2 million before taxes.
The annuity option delivers the full headline prize over time, while the cash value provides a single smaller—but immediate—payment. Winners typically take some time to decide between these options, often after consulting financial advisors.
How the Winning Numbers Were Drawn
The Mega Millions format requires players to match five numbers from a pool of 1–70 and one Mega Ball from a pool of 1–24. To win the jackpot, all five main numbers and the Mega Ball must match exactly.
For this draw, the numbers were:
- White Balls: 1, 8, 11, 12, 57
- Mega Ball: 7
Matching this combination has odds of roughly one in 302.6 million, making the jackpot win incredibly rare.
A Look Back at the Mega Millions Progression
To put the historic size of this jackpot into perspective, here’s a quick timeline of how it grew:
• June 27, 2025 – The previous jackpot was won.
• Late Summer Into Fall 2025 – Multiple drawings passed without a jackpot winner.
• Early November 2025 – The jackpot reached $843 million with no winner.
• November 14, 2025 – The winning numbers hit, producing the $980 million prize.
The drawn-out climb turned Mega Millions into one of the most watched lottery stories of the fall season.
Why This Jackpot Generated So Much Attention
Large jackpots consistently attract national interest, but the nearly five-month stretch without a winner added extra suspense. As each drawing passed without a match, ticket sales surged. More sales meant larger prize increases, which in turn sparked even more attention.
Players across the United States followed each drawing closely, hoping to see whether the streak would finally end. When it did, the sudden announcement created nationwide buzz.
What This Means for Future Drawings
Now that the massive jackpot has been claimed, the Mega Millions prize fund resets to its base amount for the next scheduled drawing. While significantly smaller, early jackpots often grow quickly after high-profile wins due to elevated player interest.
In the days following major payouts, it’s common to see:
- Higher ticket sales
- Increased media coverage
- More players trying Mega Millions for the first time
- Renewed discussions about probability, strategy, and jackpot growth
The momentum from a historic win can influence many upcoming draws.
Georgia’s Growing Lottery Legacy
Georgia has earned a reputation as a lucky location when it comes to large prize wins. The state has produced multiple high-value lottery winners over the years, and this latest success story adds to that reputation.
The state lottery system also benefits from big wins because they encourage increased participation, which supports state-funded education programs.
Biggest Takeaways From the Latest Drawing
Here are the key points players should know:
- The Mega Millions jackpot winning numbers were 1, 8, 11, 12, 57, and Mega Ball 7.
- A single ticket in Newnan, Georgia won the full $980 million prize.
- The win ended the longest jackpot drought in the game’s history.
- The cash value of the prize is $452.2 million before taxes.
- Players can expect the jackpot to reset and begin climbing again.
With the conclusion of such a dramatic jackpot streak, lottery watchers will be paying close attention to how quickly the next prize grows.
As players and fans celebrate this massive win, feel free to share your reactions below—did you check your numbers, or were you waiting for the next draw?