Largest Mega Millions Jackpots

Mega Millions jackpot rankings change whenever a new prize exceeds an older record. A useful history therefore needs an “updated through” date and must distinguish the advertised annuity jackpot from the cash option.

How to read jackpot rankings

The headline jackpot is the estimated annuity value. It is not the cash amount paid to a winner who elects the lump sum, and it is not an after tax figure.

Comparisons should also make clear whether they rank Mega Millions jackpots only or all US lottery jackpots.

Major Mega Millions jackpots

Mega Millions history includes several jackpots above $1 billion. The official Mega Millions jackpot history page should be treated as the source of record for the current ranking.

Among the historically important prizes covered elsewhere on this site are:

The $1.05 billion Michigan jackpot won in the January 22, 2021 drawing.

The $1.337 billion Illinois jackpot from July 29, 2022.

The $1.348 billion Maine jackpot from January 2023.

The $1.537 billion South Carolina jackpot from October 2018.

The $1.602 billion Florida jackpot from August 2023.

Later jackpots can change the ordering, which is why an old statement such as “third largest ever” must be dated.

Claim status matters too

A jackpot can move through several stages: estimated before the draw, finalized after sales close, winning ticket confirmed, claimant unknown, then claimed.

Different articles may accurately describe different stages of the same event.

Current rules are separate from jackpot history

Mega Millions changed in April 2025, including its ticket price, Mega Ball pool, multiplier system and odds.

Historical jackpots should keep their original dates and amounts rather than being rewritten to look current. Current game rules should be explained on a separate rules page.

Updated rankings should always be checked against the official Mega Millions jackpot history record before publication.