In Chicago, Illinois, the Mega Millions jackpot for the upcoming drawing has escalated to $47 million. Following the absence of a jackpot winner during the last drawing on Tuesday, anticipation is building among lottery players across the nation.

The winning numbers for Friday’s drawing were revealed just after 11 p.m. ET, sparking enthusiasm and hope for participants. The potential cash prize that a fortunate player could claim stands at an estimated $22.6 million in a lump sum payment after taxes, as reported by the lottery.

This year has already seen two individuals strike it rich with the Mega Millions jackpot. In a remarkable turn of events earlier in March, a lucky player in New Jersey walked away with a staggering $1.13 billion, followed by another player from Illinois who secured $552 million just last week.

The winning combination for Friday’s Mega Millions drawing included the numbers 1, 25, 26, 31, 65, with the Megaball being 2 and a Megaplier of 3X. Excitement continues to mount as participants eagerly await the results of the latest drawing.

For those curious about past winners or seeking the latest updates, the Mega Millions website provides a comprehensive list of previous victorious participants and essential information to stay informed on the ongoing draws and outcomes.

The process of playing the Mega Millions is straightforward, requiring players to select six numbers – five from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number ranging from 1 to 25. Additionally, players can opt for a ‘Quick Pick’ or ‘Easy Pick’ option, where the computer generates the numbers randomly for convenience.

Adding the ‘Megaplier’ for an extra dollar presents the chance to boost non-grand prize winnings by multiples of two, three, four, or five. This additional feature has proven to heighten anticipation and excitement among participants aiming for substantial rewards.