A Shared Routine Turns Into a Life-Changing Win
Two close friends from Saskatoon, James Wawryk and Joel Hedlin, are now millionaires after scoring a $1 million prize in the Lotto Max MAXMILLIONS draw held on April 25, 2025. The pair matched all seven numbers on one of the MAXMILLIONS selections, making their long-standing ticket-sharing tradition one they’ll never forget.
Disbelief Followed by Joy: How They Discovered the Win
Wawryk and Hedlin have been regularly buying tickets together, but this time the win felt surreal.
“I scanned [the ticket] probably ten times on the Lotto Spot app,” Wawryk said. “I thought, ‘I’ve gotta calm down here!’”
Unable to process the win alone, Wawryk decided to loop in his friend using a clever excuse.
“I told him I was feeling sick and dehydrated,” he said with a laugh. “He showed up to bring me Gatorade, and that’s when I scanned the ticket and showed him it was for $1 million.”
Hedlin was shocked and amused. “He’s been on me ever since about paying back for the Gatorade,” he joked.
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Big Dreams and Simple Plans: What Comes Next
Though overwhelmed with excitement, the two are already making plans on how to use their newfound fortune.
“I’m looking forward to going to a Dallas Cowboys game for once in my life,” said Hedlin. “My wife and I have also been talking about taking a trip for a long time, so now that dream can come true.”
Wawryk has his eyes set on financial security. “It’ll be good to put money away and save some for a rainy day,” he said.
Lucky Numbers and Local Store: The Ticket Details
The winning numbers that secured their $1 million prize were 1, 3, 13, 21, 25, 36, and 46. Their ticket was purchased at Ironwells Gas Bar, located at 4031 44 Street in Lloydminster.
This specific prize came from a MAXMILLIONS selection, which is drawn when the Lotto Max main jackpot exceeds $50 million, offering additional $1 million prizes to boost chances for players.
A Celebration of Friendship and Fortune
This win highlights not just luck, but also the joy of shared experiences. For Wawryk and Hedlin, their win is more than a financial windfall—it’s a memory they’ll share for life.
As Lotto Max continues to make millionaires across Canada, this story reminds players that dreams really can come true—even when they start with a simple act of kindness and a shared lottery ticket.