California winner of record $2bn lottery prize says he is ‘shocked and ecstatic’

Edwin Castro won record-breaking Powerball jackpot on 8 November – and opted to take the over $997.6m lump sum

The winner of the largest ever lottery jackpot described himself as “shocked and ecstatic” as officials revealed his identity, satisfying a law in his state, California.

Edwin Castro bought the ticket that won the record-breaking $2.04bn Powerball jackpot on 8 November. Instead of choosing to collect the full prize through an annuity over 29 years, he opted for an immediate lump sum of more than $997.6m – the more common path for people in his position.