Skyscraper Day: The Jackpots That Reached Record Heights

Every September 3, Skyscraper Day celebrates the buildings that have transformed city skylines and pushed architecture to new heights.

Few countries fit the occasion better than the United States. From New York to Chicago, some of the world’s most recognizable skyscrapers rise above American cities. But buildings aren’t the only things reaching incredible heights here. Over the years, Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots have climbed into record-breaking territory too.

So, how high have the biggest lottery jackpots in U.S. history actually gone?

Powerball Breaks the $2 Billion Barrier

The all-time record belongs to Powerball. In November 2022, a single ticket sold in California won an incredible $2.04 billion, making it the largest lottery jackpot ever awarded in the United States.

Powerball came close to that record twice in 2025. On December 24, a ticket sold in Arkansas won $1.817 billion, the second-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history. The winner had the choice between the full annuity or a one-time cash payment of $834.9 million before taxes.

Just a few months earlier, tickets sold in Missouri and Texas matched all six numbers and split a $1.787 billion jackpot. Each ticket claimed half of the advertised prize, showing that even a record-breaking jackpot may have more than one winner.

What Is the Largest Mega Millions Jackpot Ever?

Mega Millions may not hold the overall record, but its biggest jackpots are not far behind.

In August 2023, one ticket sold in Florida won $1.602 billion, setting a new Mega Millions record. That prize surpassed the previous high of $1.537 billion, won by a ticket sold in South Carolina in October 2018.

Both prizes had a single winning ticket, placing them among the largest individual lottery wins in American history.

Why Skyscraper Day Is the Perfect Time to Look Up

Unlike a skyscraper, a Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot does not have a fixed ceiling. If no ticket matches every winning number, the top prize rolls over and can continue growing from one drawing to the next.

It is worth remembering that advertised jackpots represent the estimated annuity value before taxes. Winners can typically choose a smaller lump-sum cash payment instead.

Still, after seeing how high these jackpots have climbed, one question is hard to avoid: Can you imagine winning a prize this big?

With TuLotero, you can play Powerball and Mega Millions from your phone and keep dreaming about just how high the next jackpot could go.