$55 million Powerball prize claimed almost six months after draw

Melbourne’s newest millionaire has finally claimed their $55 million prize, 175 days after the draw.

The elusive winner stepped forward today holding their winning 50-game QuickPick entry that won the draw on January 11.

The player’s winning entry was unregistered so Tatts had no way of contacting them with the life-changing news.

It brings to a close more than five months of speculation as to the whereabouts of the elusive Powerball multi-millionaire.

The winner purchased their unregistered Powerball 50-game QuickPick entry from a shop in Brunswick.

It also comes just seven days before the $55 million was due to be transferred to the Victorian State Revenue Office.

Under Victorian regulations, players have six months to claim their prize directly from Tatts.

It’s the highest Australian lottery jackpot in more than a year.

The owner of the newsagency where the ticket was purchased said it has been an overwhelming ride.

Sam Misiano from Scole Lotto and News in Barkly Square Brunswick told Nick McCallum on 3AW Drive they were anxiously waiting for it to be claimed.

“They said a person has bought the tickets in, and they’ve verified it, it’s the one,” he said.

“Our party has started! I can imagine what the person who’s actually got the $55 million is doing at the moment.”

He joked that he wanted to be “put out of his misery” and would love to know who the lucky winner was.

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