Western Illinois Woman Wins $1 Million Powerball Prize
Photo caption: Diana of Carman, Illinois, takes a celebratory photo after claiming a $1 million Powerball prize.
CHICAGO, May 21, 2026 — A western Illinois woman is celebrating a life-changing win after claiming a $1 million prize on Powerball®.
Diana of Carman matched all five white ball numbers — 3, 19, 35, 51 and 67 — in the April 29 Powerball drawing to win the $1 million prize.
“I couldn’t believe it — I picked these numbers randomly,” said Diana. “I’ve won smaller prizes before, but this is the first time I’ve won a million dollars.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Ayerco Convenience Center, located at Highway 34 and Carman Road in Carman. The retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus, equal to 1 percent of the prize amount, for selling the winning ticket.
Diana said she immediately shared the exciting news with loved ones, though some initially had trouble believing it.
“I told a friend, and he laughed, saying, ‘Come on now, quit playing with me — I’m tired,’” she laughed.
She later confirmed the win at the store where she purchased the ticket.
“I’m friends with the staff there, and they were thrilled when they found out I won,” she said. “Everyone was shocked.”
As for what’s next, Diana plans to buy a new car, take a cruise with a friend, and finally Las Vegas.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Vegas,” she said. “My brother was stationed there in the Air Force, and I’ve heard so many great stories.”
Diana is one of four Illinois Lottery players who won prizes of $1 million or more in the April 29 Powerball drawing. So far this year, Illinois Lottery players have claimed nearly 804,000 winning Powerball tickets, totaling more than $14.7 million in prizes.
Powerball drawings are Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings at 9:59 PM CT. Tickets can be purchased in-store or online via the Illinois Lottery website and mobile app. Tickets are $2 each, and players can add the Power Play for an additional $1 for the chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes.
The Powerball jackpot for Saturday, May 23, 2026 drawing is an estimated $131 million.
Powerball b-roll, available for use by the media, download here.
The Illinois Lottery encourages players to remember it’s a game of chance. The more players understand the odds and how to play - the safer their play will be. Be Smart, Play Smart®. Must be 18 or older to play. Game odds available at IllinoisLottery.com.
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About the Illinois Lottery
The Illinois Lottery, founded in 1974, has contributed over $26 billion to the State’s Common School Fund in support of K-12 public education in Illinois since 1985. The Common School Fund is the Illinois Lottery’s primary beneficiary, receiving nearly 99% of Illinois Lottery proceeds. The Illinois Lottery also supports various specialty causes as described in the Illinois Lottery Law (20 ILCS 1605/21.4). For more information about the Illinois Lottery and the causes we support, please visit IllinoisLottery.com.