Who is Edwin Castro? Winner of record $2 billion Powerball jackpot

The sole winner of November’s record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot has been identified as Edwin Castro.

California lottery officials revealed the identity of the winner of the largest lottery prize in US history in the Nov. 7, 2021 drawing on Tuesday.

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Who is Edwin Castro?

Edwin Castro purchased the ticket at Joe’s Service Center, a gas station in Los Angeles County. He alone matched all six numbers plus the Powerball.

Only 11 US states, including New Jersey, allow winners to remain anonymous.

“As much as I am shocked and ecstatic to have won the Powerball drawing, the real winner is the California public school system. The mission of the California Lottery, which is to provide supplemental funding for California public education – both public schools and colleges – makes this a huge win for the state,” Castro said in a statement.

“As someone who received the rewards of being educated in the California public education system, it’s gratifying to hear that, as a result of my win, the California school system greatly benefits as well.”

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Castro opted to take the lump cash payment, totaling a jaw-dropping $997.6 million.

Joseph Chahayed, the owner of Joe’s Service Center, received a $1 million check for selling the winning ticket.