Willow Spring, North Carolina, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Jeremy Wilson, a 20-year-old from Willow Spring, North Carolina, has won a staggering $10 million on a scratch-off ticket. After purchasing a $50 20 Million Spectacular ticket, Wilson discovered his win in the store, sharing the thrilling news with his mother. He opted for a lump sum of $6 million and plans to celebrate by taking her on a trip while saving most of his winnings. This significant win marks the third $10 million prize awarded in the state this year.
Willow Spring, North Carolina – 20-Year-Old Man Wins $10 Million on Scratch-Off Ticket
A young man from Willow Spring has won a significant lottery prize after purchasing a scratch-off ticket in North Carolina. Jeremy Wilson, 20 years old, claimed a $10 million prize from the North Carolina Education Lottery late last week, marking one of the largest recent lottery jackpots in the state.
How the Win Occurred
On Friday, Wilson bought a $50 20 Million Spectacular scratch-off ticket at the North River Tobacco Barn located on Caratoke Highway in Jarvisburg. After buying the ticket, he immediately scratched it off in the store and discovered he had won the game’s top prize of $10 million. The moment of realization was described as a “crazy feeling” by Wilson, who said he couldn’t control himself upon discovering his win.
Reactions and Immediate Actions
Following his discovery, Wilson quickly shared the news with his mother. Initially, she thought he was joking, but the truth became clear once the ticket was verified. The young winner plans to celebrate by taking his mother on a trip for her upcoming birthday. Additionally, he intends to save the majority of his winnings for the future.
Claiming the Prize and Tax Details
Wilson collected his winnings on Thursday after choosing a lump sum payment of $6 million. This option provided a single payment, as opposed to the game’s annuity option of $500,000 per year over 20 years. After deducting state and federal taxes, Wilson received a total of $4,305,014.
Significance of the Win
Wilson’s victory is notable because it is the third $10 million top prize awarded in North Carolina during this year. The 20 Million Spectacular game, which debuted in December 2023, features a total of five top prizes of $10 million, along with 20 prizes of $1 million and 20 prizes of $100,000. The recent win by Wilson was the last remaining $10 million top prize for this game, prompting the lottery authorities to begin the process of ending the game.
Additional Context
The 20 Million Spectacular scratch-off game was launched in late 2023, offering players lucrative opportunities with its top prizes. With Wilson’s recent win, the lottery has awarded a total of three jackpot prizes of this magnitude this year alone, emphasizing the game’s popularity and the high stakes involved.
As part of the prize claim process, Wilson opted for the lump sum payment rather than the annual installment, resulting in a substantial immediate payout. His decision to save most of his winnings highlights typical approaches among lottery winners who prefer lump sum options for greater financial flexibility.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL: Willow Spring Man Wins $10 Million NC Lottery Scratch-Off
- News Observer: Willow Spring Man Wins $10 Million
- ABC11: Johnston County Woman Snags $250,000 Second Chance Lottery Win
- Google Search: North Carolina Lottery news
- UPI: North Carolina Education Lottery Second Win
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina Education Lottery
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
