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A Louisiana family came heartbreakingly close to securing Monday night’s staggering $1.1 billion Powerball jackpot — missing it by just a single number. Still, the near-win left them $150,000 richer.

A Ticket That Nearly Made History

The ticket was purchased by John Stokes at Billie’s Wag-A-Bag in DeRidder, Louisiana, according to lottery officials. On Monday night, Stokes and his family sat down to check the numbers — only to realize they were just one number away from the billion-dollar prize.

Stokes managed to match four of the five white ball numbers plus the red Powerball. Thanks to the “Power Play” option, which multiplies winnings, the family’s prize tripled to $150,000.

“We were shocked and feel so blessed,” Stokes said while claiming the check alongside his family.

Jackpot Keeps Growing

While the Stokes family celebrated their six-figure consolation, no one claimed the $1.1 billion jackpot that night — nor the even larger $1.44 billion prize during Wednesday’s draw. That means the jackpot has continued to climb, now standing at an eye-popping estimated $1.7 billion.

The odds of winning remain astronomical: roughly 1 in 292 million. The record Powerball jackpot, set in 2022, still looms as the prize inches closer to surpassing it.

Other Winners Across the Nation

Although no one hit the jackpot, several players across the country did strike it big. Four ticket holders who matched all five white balls and added the Power Play option each took home $2 million. Another 11 players won $1 million apiece by matching five numbers without the Powerball.

What’s at Stake Next

The next Powerball drawing will be held on Saturday. Whoever wins will have two options: accept a single lump-sum payment estimated at $770.3 million before taxes, or opt for a 30-year annuity that begins with one payment and increases 5% annually.

No jackpot has been claimed since May 31, allowing the prize money to snowball into one of the largest in history.

For the Stokes family, their brush with billion-dollar fortune may not have yielded the ultimate prize, but the unexpected $150,000 windfall was more than enough reason to celebrate.