What started as a quick grocery run for burger buns turned into a life-changing moment for Justin Simporios, a 35-year-old father from Surrey, British Columbia. Simporios is now the sole winner of the record-breaking $80 million Lotto Max jackpot from the May 9, 2025 draw—the largest lottery prize ever won by a single individual in Canadian history.
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A Spontaneous Ticket Purchase at Walmart
Simporios was preparing for a simple family dinner on Friday night with his wife and daughter when he realized he needed a few last-minute items.
“I was just out buying buns and cheese for burgers,” he said.
While at the Central City Walmart, he noticed the lottery counter and, on a whim, spent $12 on a Lotto Max quick pick ticket.
That spontaneous decision would soon change his life forever.
A Quiet Night Turns Into a Celebration
After the draw, Simporios was lying in bed next to his sleeping daughter. Curious to see the results, he used his phone’s flashlight to check the numbers.
“When I saw the winning numbers matched my ticket, I screamed,” he recalled. “I cried, I turned on the lights—my wife got mad at first.”
He quickly reassured her: “Babe, we don’t have to work anymore. This is life-changing!”
Still in disbelief, he scanned the ticket for confirmation. The result was real. The jackpot was his.
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From Everyday Struggles to Financial Freedom
Overwhelmed with emotion, Simporios wiped away tears as he accepted the $80 million cheque at the prize ceremony.
“I just can’t help my tears. It’s not sad tears—it’s happy tears,” he said. “This is going to change everything for my family.”
Simporios plans to use the winnings not just for personal gain, but to support the people who have helped him along the way:
- Pay off his sister’s medical school debt
- Help his mother retire early
- Support his wife’s family
- Give back to the Surrey community
“I’ve struggled before and needed help,” he shared. “Now I want to give back. Even if I can give an ounce of happiness, I want to help where we can.”
Big Dreams, Big Heart
Alongside his charitable intentions, Simporios has a few personal dreams he hopes to fulfill. A long-time Los Angeles Lakers fan, he’s eager to catch a game and see LeBron James play live before the NBA legend retires.
He’s also planning an emotional family reunion in the Philippines, something he says they’ve dreamed of for years.
But the most meaningful change? Time.
“The biggest change will be having more time with my wife and family,” he said. “We want to live with a purpose—to help the community around us.”
Canada’s Largest Solo Jackpot Winner Leaves a Legacy of Hope
Simporios’ story is one of humility, gratitude, and generosity. From a routine grocery trip to a record-setting lottery win, his story has captivated Canadians.
More than just the money, this win is a reminder that sometimes, fate finds us in the most ordinary of moments. And in Justin Simporios’ case, a bag of burger buns brought with it a future filled with possibility.