Two lucky tickets, sold in Texas and Missouri, split the nearly USD 1.8 billion Powerball jackpot earlier this month.

The Missouri Lottery confirmed on 22/9 that the winning Missouri ticket was purchased at a QuikTrip convenience store in St. Louis.

The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous under Missouri law, told reporters that the win has caused many sleepless nights and is the "best trouble" he's ever had.

A lottery player rubs their ticket on a bluebird statue for good luck at a store in California on 5/9. *Photo: AP*

He admitted still adjusting to the reality of his newfound wealth. "I'm a millionaire, and I did my laundry last night," he said.

He and his wife plan to spend the first year focusing on themselves. The money will allow his wife to reduce her workload, giving them more quality time together.

Despite the win, he doesn't anticipate significant lifestyle changes.

"I'm a homebody. A perfect day is being at home doing what I want, and that's relaxing," he explained, adding that his wife might have other ideas. "She might drag me out to do some traveling."

A lottery ticket printer at a convenience store in Indianapolis on 29/8. *Photo: AP*

The winner had the option of receiving the USD 893.5 million prize in 30 annual installments over 29 years or a lump sum payment of USD 410.3 million. The Missouri winner chose the latter.

After federal and Missouri state taxes, he took home approximately USD 242 million.

While seemingly small compared to the USD 1.8 billion jackpot, USD 242 million is a substantial amount. It's enough to buy 4 new Gulfstream private jets or about 600 average-priced homes in the US. Based on current salary data, it could also cover the lifetime earnings of 120 American workers.

Duc Trung (*NY Post, Metro*)