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The Powerball jackpot climbed again ahead of Wednesday night’s drawing on Jan. 28, 2026, reaching an estimated $43 million, with a cash value of about $19.4 million. While the prize is modest compared with last year’s record-breaking runs, it comes during a year that has already delivered one major Powerball win.
The current jackpot follows the most significant Powerball moment of 2026 so far. On Jan. 21, a single ticket sold in North Carolina matched all six numbers to win an estimated $209 million, the largest Powerball prize awarded this year to date.
After claiming the prize, the North Carolina winner opted for the lump-sum payment of $95.3 million. Under state law, Powerball winners of more than $50 million are allowed to remain anonymous for up to 90 days after claiming their prize, a provision the winner chose to use.
Official confirmation of the North Carolina jackpot and payout details was released by Powerball and can be found through Powerball’s official announcement .
For players checking multiple games, Mega Millions has also been drawing attention this week. The Mega Millions jackpot for Jan. 27, 2026 stood at an estimated $285 million. In the previous Mega Millions drawing on Jan. 23, the winning numbers were 30, 42, 49, 53 and 66, with Mega Ball 4.
Players do not need to be U.S. citizens or residents to take part in Powerball. Anyone who is legally present in a participating jurisdiction and meets the minimum age requirement at the point of purchase — typically 18 years old — is eligible to buy a ticket.
A standard Powerball ticket costs $2 per play. Players select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26, or choose a quick pick for randomly generated numbers. Tickets are sold across 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
