The biggest jackpot winner in the history of the United States of America, who played the lucky Powerball numbers in California in November 2022, has transformed dramatically after receiving his million dollar prize, becoming richer than stars such as Madonna and Tom Cruise.
How the Lotto winner turned
Lotto winner Edwin Castro, 30, took home the $2.04 billion prize but was left with nearly $1 million after taxes. Specifically, with $997.6 million, thus gaining a net worth greater than that of stars Tom Cruise and Madonna.
The young man, who was described as “a quiet boy with a kind heart”, wasted no time and spent some of his new fortune on luxury gifts for himself.
Opting to cash out his new found fortune in one installment instead of annual payments, the Los Angeles native quickly spent the money on a lavish $25.5 million property in the Hollywood Hills with a breathtaking view of the city.
Now with neighbors like Ariana Grande and Jimmy Kimmell and living in an estate that includes an arcade, wine cellar, gym, infinity pool and spa, Edwin is a world away from where he find out just a few months earlier.
How the young Lotto winner used to live
Edwin used to live in a dilapidated one-bedroom house in Altadena, having grown up in a beautiful family that went on frequent fishing trips.
As a child, he was a member of the Eagle Boy Scouts, attending Crescenta Valley High School in La Crescenta, not far from the gas station where he bought the ticket that changed his life. He then studied architecture at Woodbury University in Burbank.
After striking it rich, the Lotto winner soon became the proud owner of a vintage Porsche 911, spending $250,000 on the vehicle to drive it around California.
In addition to the 13,500-square-foot five-bedroom mansion in the hills, he also bought a $4 million condo in Altadena, his hometown.
Rarely seen in public, Edwin reportedly employs three bodyguards who look after him and his property around the clock, according to the New York Post.
What the Lotto winner said after receiving the prize
Since winning the massive prize, Edwin hasn’t given any interviews – but he did make a statement via Powerball.
“As shocked and ecstatic as I was to win the Powerball drawing, the real winner is California’s public education system.
The California Lottery’s mission to provide additional funding for California public education – both public schools and colleges – makes this a huge win for the state.
As someone who has received the rewards of being educated in the California public education system, it is gratifying to hear that as a result of my win, the California school system is also benefiting in a big way.”
