Two individuals claim a colossal US$1.8 billion Powerball prize, securing the second-largest jackpot ever won in the United States.

In a thrilling turn of events, the second-largest jackpot in US lottery history was won in yesterday's Powerball draw. The combined prize of around $1.8 billion was shared between two lucky ticket holders in Missouri and Texas. The identities of the winners have remained undisclosed.

The jackpot, which falls just short of the record $2.04 billion jackpot won in California in November 2022, had been growing since May 31, setting a new record for the longest run in Powerball history with 42 drawings without a winner.

Powerball tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Each ticket costs $2, and the drawing takes place three times a week.

The winners of this record-breaking jackpot now face a difficult decision: they can choose between an annuitized cash payout of $893.5 million, paid in installments over 30 years, or a one-time, lump-sum payment of $410.3 million, before taxes are deducted.

The winning numbers for the Powerball draw were white balls 11, 23, 44, 61, 62 and the red Powerball 17. With odds of winning the Powerball jackpot at 1 in 292.2 million, it's safe to say that these two winners have beaten the odds in a big way.

As the winners have chosen to remain anonymous, it's unclear what their plans are for the massive windfall. One thing is certain, however – this win will undoubtedly change their lives and the lives of many others forever.

The Powerball lottery continues to offer life-changing opportunities to players across the United States. If you're feeling lucky, why not give it a try? Who knows, you might just be the next big winner!

Two individuals claim a colossal US$1.8 billion Powerball prize, securing the second-largest jackpot ever won in the United States.