For three months, the identity of the winner of a €162 million EuroMillions jackpot in Biscay, Spain, remained a mystery. The prize, which was announced on Friday, 4 October, amounted to €162,256,512, making it the second-largest EuroMillions jackpot in Spanish history. The largest prize, €190 million, was won in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 2017.
Initially, there were no claims for the prize, sparking rumors and speculation in the region. According to EuroMillions rules, if the prize isn’t claimed within 90 days, it will be forfeited. As the deadline approached, many feared the jackpot might go unclaimed. However, on 4 January—just before the deadline—the truth came to light: the winner had collected their prize five days after the winning numbers (4-8-16-17-20 with stars 01 and 06) were announced.
The delay in public knowledge of the claim led to various theories. The winner, who placed the bet online through the official Loterías y Apuestas del Estado website, did not have a physical ticket. This meant there was no need to visit a bank branch to collect the prize. Instead, the entire process was completed online.
While the winner’s exact identity and location remain confidential due to data protection laws, it has been confirmed that they are a resident of Biscay province.
