Quincy store manager confirms he did not win the $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot

Key points

• The winning ticket was sold at a Hy-Vee gas station in Quincy, Illinois, for the August 12, 2026 drawing.
• The jackpot amount was $1.04 billion, with a lump-sum option of $450.5 million before taxes.
• The store manager stated he was not the winner, saying 'Sadly, It Wasn't Me.'
• The winning numbers were 4, 26, 66, 67, 69, and Powerball 9, with a 2x Power Play multiplier.
• The prize is the eighth-largest in Powerball history and the largest of 2026.
• The winner has not yet come forward, and Illinois allows confidentiality for large prizes.

Background

The jackpot had rolled over for 44 consecutive drawings since the last winner on May 2, 2026. Previous coverage noted the store's $500,000 bonus and the mystery surrounding the winner's identity. The August 12 drawing was the first where UK players were eligible, potentially increasing jackpot sizes.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post emphasized the historical ranking of the prize and the UK eligibility change. USA Today focused on the after-tax payout, noting a single filer in Illinois could net about $261.5 million from the lump-sum option. Yahoo Life highlighted the store manager's reaction, confirming he was not the winner. All sources agree on the ticket location and jackpot amount.

Why it matters

The $1.04 billion jackpot is the largest of 2026 and the eighth-largest in Powerball history. The winner's anonymity and the store's $500,000 bonus highlight the financial and social impact of major lottery wins. The UK eligibility change may influence future jackpot sizes.

What to watch

The winner must claim the prize within one year, with a 60-day window for the lump-sum option. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for August 15, 2026, with the jackpot resetting to $20 million.