One of the biggest prizes in Powerball history could be yours in just a few short hours.

The jackpot, which stands at a record-breaking $775 million, has increased by some $35 million since the beginning of the week.

Its estimated cash value is $362.5 million (before taxes), which can be paid out as a one-time, cash lump sum, or in annuity payments over 29 years. Either way, players are in for one sweet holiday if the prize is won after the Wednesday night drawing.

A jackpot of a similar magnitude was last won in September, when players in Missouri and Texas split the $1.787 billion jackpot, the second-largest prize ever.

With so much cash up for grabs, you might be wondering what some of the biggest prizes have been and where they've been won. Here are the top 10.

What are the biggest prizes in Powerball history

Here's how the biggest jackpot prizes in Powerball history stack up:

  • $2.040 billion, won in California on Nov. 7, 2022
  • $1.787 billion, won in Missouri and Texas on Sept. 6, 2025
  • $1.765 billion, won in California on Oct. 11, 2023
  • $1.586 billion, won in California, Florida and Tennessee on Jan. 13, 2016
  • $1.326 billion, won in Oregon on April 6, 2024
  • $1.080 billion, won in California on July 19, 2023
  • $842.4 million, won in Michigan on Jan. 1, 2024
  • $775 million, which could have a winner on Wednesday night.
  • $768.4 million, won in Wisconsin on Mar. 27, 2019
  • $758.7 million, won in Massachusetts on Aug. 23, 2017

How to play Powerball

Playing the Powerball is simple:

  • Buy a $2 ticket, wherever tickets are sold.
  • Think about which six numbers you'll pick.
  • Select five "white" numbers between 1 and 69, and one "red" number between 1 and 26 for the Powerball.

Players may also add "Power Play," a $1 feature that increases the winning for all non-jackpot prizes. The "Power Play" multiplier can multiply winnings by: 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X or 10X.

If you're not feeling particularly lucky, or simply want the computer to do the work for you, the "Quick Pick" option is available. All of the numbers selected with the "Quick Pick" option are computer-generated.

Players must match all five white balls in any order and the red Powerball to win the jackpot. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday night. If no one wins the jackpot, the cash prize will continue to tick up.

Where to buy lottery tickets

Gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores all sell lottery tickets. Some airport terminals may sell tickets, too.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.

The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket, and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. USA Today Co., Inc may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ, and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visitjackpocket.com/tos for full terms.

Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Powerball jackpot nears historic levels. What are the biggest prizes ever?

Reporting by Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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