Florida Winner Claims $800M Mega Millions Jackpot After Four-Month Dry Spell

Key points

• The $800 million Mega Millions jackpot was won by a Florida ticket holder on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
• The cash payout option is estimated at $344.2 million, with an annuity option also available.
• This is the third Mega Millions jackpot of 2026 and the 10th-largest in the game's history.
• The previous jackpot was won in Ohio in March 2026, after 38 drawings without a grand prize winner.
• The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, July 31, with the jackpot reset to $50 million.

Background

Mega Millions had been without a grand prize winner since March 2026, when an Ohio player won $60 million. The jackpot grew to $800 million by late July, ranking as the 10th-largest in the game's history. Florida previously won the largest Mega Millions jackpot in 2023, valued at $1.6 billion. The game is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with tickets costing $5.

How outlets are covering it

WCVB and Gulf Coast News Now reported the win as the biggest Mega Millions jackpot of 2026 and the 10th-largest in history, emphasizing the cash value of $344.2 million. USA Today added details on the payout options, noting the winner can choose between a lump-sum cash payment or an annuity with annual increases. USA Today also highlighted that two other players won Match 5 prizes in New York and Illinois, while WCVB and Gulf Coast News Now focused on the Florida win and the upcoming Powerball jackpot of $663 million. All sources agreed on the winning numbers and the reset of the Mega Millions jackpot to $50 million.

Why it matters

The $800 million win ends a four-month streak without a Mega Millions jackpot winner and is the largest of 2026. It highlights the long odds of winning (1 in 290 million) and the significant cash value available to winners. The reset to $50 million for the next drawing and the rising Powerball jackpot of $663 million may influence player behavior and ticket sales in the coming weeks.

What to watch

The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11 p.m. ET, with the jackpot reset to $50 million. The Powerball jackpot is estimated at $663 million for the Wednesday night drawing. Winners have between 90 days and one year to claim their prizes, depending on the state.