Pair of longtime friends scoop CA$80m in Ontario, Canada

• Two European immigrants who met in London, Ontario set on a 26-year journey to win a lottery jackpot
• The pair eventually did it, securing a CA$80,403,285.40 jackpot from the Lotto Max draw
• They can finally rest up after decades of hard work and never skipping a day at their jobs

Two longtime friends are set to celebrate their chance meeting more than 26 years ago in London, Ontario by scooping the eye-watering CA$80,403,285.40 jackpot from the December 30 Lotto Max draw.

A multi-million jackpot comes after many years of buying lottery tickets

This is one of the largest jackpots won in the country, and ahead of British Columbia’s CA$80,000,000 won in 2025. The friends, Greg S. and Krys P. met after they immigrated to Canada in the 1990s and struck a relationship that has last to this very day.

To make things even better, they have won an absolutely lifechanging amount, the main jackpot along with the secdon prize in the combination play amounting to $403,285.40.

Commenting on their win for the OLG, Greg told the lottery operator that when he first saw the prize - he couldn’t believe it. He checked again to ensure that he was seeing the right number of zeroes and that it was indeed a more than $80,000,000 payout.

Greg and Krys have been playing together, even though Greg has been the one going to the lottery store the most often to scoop a ticket. Krys admitted as much himself, appreciating his friend’s dedication and commitment to continuing to buy lottery tickets.

"I went over to Greg's to check the ticket together and shake his hand. He is the one who always took the time to go to the store and buy our tickets," Krys added. The jackpot feels like a major relief, with both men having spent long years working in factories.

The men spent decades working dedicatedly without missing work

Greg, for example, has never missed a day of work over 28 years, and Krys still holds down 12-hour shifts in a factory. The jackpot can finally help them put their working days behind them and start enjoying the finer things in life.

Greg is not immediately sure what comes next; however, Krys already has a few ideas, including purchasing a new car and a home, but also heading over on some long-overdue holidays and trips.

"Now I can spend more time travelling and being with my kids. I'm still shocked. I've never seen money like this in my life," Krys mused, telling the lottery.

Image credit: OLG