Imagine being one of the lucky few to hit a Powerball jackpot. Not just any jackpot, but one of the largest in history. A trio of lucky winners experienced this, each embarking on their own unique journey with their newfound fortune. Allow us to introduce Yanira Alvarez, Theodorus Struyck, and Edwin Castro.
Yanira Alvarez: The Anonymous Billionaire
Yanira Alvarez became a billionaire overnight in July 2023, winning a Powerball draw worth a staggering .08 billion. Rather than accepting the prize in instalments, Alvarez chose a lump-sum payout after taxes, amounting to .1 million. Her lucky ticket was bought at the Las Palmitas Mini Market in Los Angeles. Despite the attention that such a win would inevitably bring, Alvarez has managed to maintain her anonymity. To this day, the winning numbers 7, 10, 11, 13, and 24, with the Powerball 24, hold special significance for her.
Theodorus Struyck: The Family Man’s Fortune
On March 15, Theodorus Struyck was named the winner of the second-largest Powerball jackpot to date, worth .765 billion. Known as a family man from a quaint mountain town, Struyck's identity was unveiled despite efforts to keep it under wraps. Prior to his win, he reportedly remortgaged his home, hinting at financial challenges. To add to his woes, Struyck was also impersonated by scammers on social media following his win.
Edwin Castro: The Mechanic Turned Tycoon
In 2022, Edwin Castro not only won the Powerball, but he won the biggest jackpot in its history, raking in a cool .04 billion. Choosing a lump sum payment, he walked away with an astounding .6 million after taxes. Castro, a former mechanic from Los Angeles, now spends his time indulging in his love for vintage vehicles. His wealth has also afforded him the ability to dive into the world of luxury real estate. In LA, Castro is now the proud owner of several high-end properties, including a .5 million bachelor pad in Hollywood Hills and a million family home in Altadena.