Powerball Winner Stories: Two Best Friends Split a $22M Jackpot

Today is Best Friends Day, the perfect excuse to think about the person you would call first if life suddenly changed. Among all the Powerball winner stories, this one feels made for a day like today: two friends, one old promise and a $22 million jackpot.

Back in 1992, when Powerball came to Wisconsin, Thomas Cook and Joseph Feeney made a simple pact. If either of them ever won the jackpot, they would split it.

There was no contract, no lawyer and no fine print. Instead, there was just a handshake between two small-town fishing buddies.

A Powerball Winner Story Built on Trust

For 28 years, that promise stayed alive.

Week after week, both men kept buying lottery tickets separately. Meanwhile, life went on. Seasons changed, fishing trips came and went, and the old pact remained in the background.

Then, one June morning in 2020, everything changed.

Cook was having breakfast when he checked his Powerball ticket. Suddenly, the numbers matched. He had won a $22 million Powerball jackpot.

At that moment, many people would have needed time to process the news. However, Cook knew exactly who to call.

Feeney picked up, heard the story and answered like only a fishing buddy could: “Are you jerking my bobber?”

At first, he thought it had to be a joke. In fact, it was very real.

Cook kept his word without hesitation. After taxes, each friend took home about $5.7 million. Instead of making wild plans, they kept things simple: family, fishing and a quiet retirement.

Later, when Cook was asked why he shared the prize, his answer was unforgettable: “A handshake is a handshake.”

Why This Powerball Story Fits Best Friends Day

That is why this story fits Best Friends Day so well.

Also searched as National Best Friends Day or best friend day, this date is a small reminder of the people who would answer a strange call, laugh at the impossible and still believe you once the shock wore off.

Of course, most people may never have to split a $22 million jackpot. Still, almost everyone has someone they would text first if life suddenly changed.

That is what makes this one of those Powerball winner stories that sticks. It is not just about the money. More than anything, it is about knowing exactly who would be on the other end of the call.

Would You Make a Powerball Jackpot Pact?

Today, with a Powerball jackpot of $225.000 million, the question almost asks itself: do you have a friend you would make that kind of promise with?

If you do, this might be a good day to text them. With your TuLotero Ambassador Code, you can invite them to join the app. Once they register and verify their phone number, you both get $5.

After all, what if your own pact starts with one play and some free credit?