Ohio winner claims $112 million Mega Millions jackpot in trust

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WCMH) — The lucky Ohioan who was the first Mega Millions jackpot winner under the game's new rules has claimed the multi-million dollar prize.

The Ohio Lottery announced in a news release that the money won in the April 18, 2025, drawing has been placed in The Ironwood Family Trust, for which James S. Ausse, Esq., is named trustee. The winner had 180 days, or until Oct. 15, 2025, to claim the prize.

The ticket, worth $112 million, was purchased at Giant Eagle, 4401 Mayfield Road in South Euclid. According to the lottery, the winner chose their own numbers, which were — 5-13-15-17-28, with the Mega Ball 1.

Instead of the 30-year annuity, the winner selected the cash option of $49.3 million. A total of $35.5 million will be placed in the trust after mandatory state and federal taxes of 28%.

The overhauled Mega Millions game began on April 5, with the promise of bigger jackpots, better odds and a built-in multiplier that does not cost the player extra money and improves every non-jackpot win by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X.

The ticket price was raised from $2 to $5 per wager, however, the game was designed to have no break-even prizes, with all winning tickets totaling $10 or more. Additionally, its jackpots start at $50 million.

Since joining Mega Millions, Ohio has had 21 Mega Millions jackpot winners and 65 second-tier winners of $1 million or more. The nationwide game is sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are conducted at 11 p.m. Eastern on Tuesdays and Fridays in Atlanta.

The next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, June 6, at 11 p.m. The jackpot amount is currently at $223 million.