A 20-year-old man from Willow Spring just hit the kind of jackpot most people only dream about. Jeremy Wilson won a staggering $10 million on a North Carolina Education Lottery scratch-off ticket, according to the lottery’s Friday announcement.
Wilson bought his winning ticket at North River Tobacco Barn on Caratoke Highway in Jarvisburg. Spending $50 on a $10 Million Spectacular scratch-off, he decided to scratch it right there in the store—and that’s when the moment changed his life forever. “It was a crazy feeling,” he recalled. “I couldn’t control myself.”
The excitement didn’t stop there. Immediately after discovering his life-changing win, Wilson called his mom to share the news. But she didn’t believe him at first. “She thought I was joking,” he admitted with a laugh. True to his word, Wilson said he plans to take her on a special birthday trip and put the rest of the winnings toward saving for the future.
When it came time to claim his prize on Thursday, Wilson opted for the lump sum instead of the annuity. Rather than receiving $500,000 per year over 20 years, he took home a one-time payout of $6 million. After federal and state taxes were deducted, Wilson walked away with $4,305,014—a life-changing sum for anyone, let alone a 20-year-old.
Wilson’s win is especially notable because it’s the third $10 million top prize claimed in North Carolina this year alone. But his victory carries an extra twist: he snagged the last $10 million top prize in the $10 Million Spectacular scratch-off game. With all the top prizes gone, the lottery announced it will soon begin the process of retiring the game.
The $10 Million Spectacular game originally launched in December 2023 and quickly became a favorite among lottery players. It offered five $10 million top prizes, 20 prizes of $1 million, and another 20 prizes of $100,000. With Wilson’s win, the excitement of the game reaches its conclusion, leaving plenty of stories of big wins and life-changing moments behind.
For Wilson, this win isn’t just about money—it’s a chance to create memories, plan for the future, and enjoy the thrill of an unexpected, extraordinary moment. “It was surreal,” he said of scratching the ticket and seeing the numbers line up for the top prize. “You never think it’s going to happen to you.”
While many people play the lottery hoping for a small win, stories like Wilson’s show just how unpredictable—and potentially life-altering—these scratch-offs can be. From the excitement in the store to the joy of sharing the news with family, it’s a whirlwind of emotions that few ever get to experience firsthand.
As North Carolina lottery players say goodbye to the $10 Million Spectacular game, Wilson’s story will surely remain a highlight of the year—a reminder that sometimes, a simple scratch-off ticket can turn a routine day into a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
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