A Proud Granddad Turns a Simple Mistake Into a $1 Million Lottery Win
Sometimes, life’s little slip-ups can bring the biggest rewards. For one Maryland man, forgetting whether he already bought a lottery ticket ended up being the million-dollar mistake he’ll never regret.
This lucky player, who prefers to go by his nickname “Proud Granddad,” is officially $1 million richer after playing the same set of numbers twice—without even realizing it.
The Million-Dollar Surprise
It all started in mid-August when the Prince George’s County resident wasn’t sure if he’d already purchased a Powerball ticket. Instead of taking a chance, he decided to grab another one. To be extra cautious, he added the Double Play option and bought a ticket that would cover the next three drawings. He and his wife then left for a short out-of-state trip, not thinking too much about it.
Fast forward to August 20. While they were away, the Powerball Double Play drawing took place. Checking the results, Granddad was thrilled to discover his ticket had snagged a $500,000 win. That alone was a jaw-dropping moment. But there was a catch—he remembered he might have another ticket tucked away at home with the exact same numbers.
The Numbers That Changed Everything
The numbers he played weren’t random. They were carefully chosen from family members’ birth years—a combination that clearly held special meaning. And that sentimental choice ended up doubling his fortune.
Once the couple returned home, he pulled out the earlier ticket he had bought on August 12. Sure enough, it matched the winning numbers again. And just like that, Proud Granddad wasn’t celebrating a half-million-dollar prize anymore—he was celebrating a full million-dollar windfall.
Sharing the Joy
When the couple went to claim the prize on August 26, the excitement was still fresh. Granddad said one of the best parts of winning wasn’t just the money itself—it was getting to look his wife in the eye and tell her the incredible news.
“To say I had a $500,000 win was good,” he recalled with a laugh. “But to say I had a million—that was really good!”
For the recently retired couple, the win feels like more than just good luck. With a big family that includes children and grandkids, they’re excited about using their prize money to give back to the people they love most.
What’s Next?
Despite the huge win, Granddad has no plans of stepping away from his favorite game anytime soon. He joked with lottery officials that maybe Mega Millions is waiting to hand him his next big prize. For him, playing the lottery is not just about the possibility of winning—it’s about the fun, the anticipation, and those unforgettable moments when luck turns in your favor.
Key Takeaways From His Win
-
Double the tickets, double the win: Forgetting he already played turned one $500,000 prize into $1 million.
-
Family numbers for the win: Choosing meaningful digits—like loved ones’ birth years—paid off in a big way.
-
Sharing is everything: For Granddad, telling his wife face-to-face was just as priceless as the jackpot itself.
-
Retirement dreams: The couple plans to use their winnings to support their children and grandchildren.
-
Still hopeful: He’s not done yet—Mega Millions might just be his next adventure.
In the end, this story isn’t just about money. It’s about how a little forgetfulness turned into a family legacy, and how one “Proud Granddad” now has a tale his grandkids will be telling for years to come.
Login