Akron Man Wins $3.5M Classic Lotto Jackpot After 22 Years of Playing Same Numbers

Persistence pays off for longtime lottery player who refused to give up on his lucky numbers.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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An Akron man has won a $3.5 million Classic Lotto jackpot after playing the same six numbers for 22 years. The winner, who has been playing the lottery regularly for over two decades, finally matched all six numbers in the February 4th drawing, taking home the cash option of $1.7 million after taxes.

Why it matters

This story highlights the dedication and perseverance of lottery players who refuse to give up on their lucky numbers, even in the face of long odds. It also showcases the life-changing impact a major lottery win can have, especially for a player who has been faithfully purchasing tickets for over 20 years.

The details

The Akron man, who has not been named, said he spends about $10 a month on lottery tickets, with his best friend purchasing them for him when he's away to keep the streak alive. When the winning numbers 6-8-16-20-26-45 were drawn on February 4th, he immediately recognized the combination he had been playing for over two decades. After realizing he had won the $3.5 million jackpot, he hopped on a plane to retrieve the winning ticket from his home.

  • The winning Classic Lotto numbers were drawn on February 4, 2026.
  • The Akron man has been playing the same six numbers for 22 years.

The players

Akron man

A longtime lottery player who has been playing the same six numbers for 22 years and finally won the $3.5 million Classic Lotto jackpot.

Mapco

The retailer that sold the winning $3.5 million Classic Lotto ticket in Akron, Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to get a really big pool!”

— Akron man (Ohio Lottery)

What’s next

The Ohio Lottery will award the retailer a $1,000 sales bonus for selling the winning ticket.

The takeaway

This story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the life-changing potential of the lottery. Despite the long odds, the Akron man's unwavering commitment to his lucky numbers has paid off in a big way, proving that sometimes, stubborn dedication can lead to extraordinary rewards.