The holidays turned into a life-changing season for one lucky Ontario man — and the surprises just kept coming.
Kyle Stimpson of Nepean is starting 2026 on an unforgettable note after landing a $500,000 Maxmillions prize in the December 23, 2025 Lotto Max draw. His ticket was one of two that split a $1 million Maxmillions prize.
🎉 A Win at the Perfect Time
The 28-year-old, who works in the high-end automotive industry, said the timing couldn’t have been better.
Over the holidays, he and his partner:
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💍 Got engaged
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👶 Announced they’re expecting their first child
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💰 Found out they won half a million dollars
Talk about a magical season.
“I never imagined something like this would happen,” Kyle shared while picking up his prize at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Prize Centre in Toronto. “This is going to be an incredible year for our growing family.”
⛽ A Last-Minute Decision
Kyle has played the lottery occasionally since he was old enough to buy a ticket — but this was his first major win.
He grabbed his Lotto Max ticket from a Circle K on Greenbank Road in Nepean after hearing family members talk about the soaring $80 million jackpot. With about an hour left before ticket sales closed, he decided to go for it.
That quick decision paid off big time.
📱 “Big Winner” — Wait, What?
After leaving the ticket sitting on his fridge for a few days, Kyle finally checked it using the OLG app while doing chores around the house.
That’s when he saw the message: “Big Winner.”
At first, he thought it had to be a glitch.
So he scanned it again.
Then took a screenshot.
Then sent it to his girlfriend.
Only then did it sink in — it was real.
What’s Next?
With a wedding to plan and a baby on the way, the $500,000 prize is set to make 2026 extra special for the young family.
Meanwhile, the next Lotto Max draw is scheduled for Friday, February 27. And if you played in Tuesday’s draw, it might be worth checking your numbers — three Canadians walked away with the second prize.
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