In an extraordinary tale that seems plucked from the pages of a storybook, a Queensland father’s vivid dream of lottery victory has astonishingly translated into a real-life $60 million Powerball jackpot win. This recent retiree, who had just begun to embrace the leisurely pace of his golden years, is now grappling with the reality of a fortune that has the power to redefine his life and the lives of his loved ones.
The fortuitous winner, who held the only division one winning entry nationwide in Powerball draw 1499, is still coming to terms with the staggering windfall. His life-altering moment arrived when he received a phone call that most would dismiss as a prank or a figment of their imagination. ‘I had just gone to bed,’ he chuckled, recalling the moment. ‘Oh wow! You’re kidding. No way. It’s after 9pm, but this calls for a bottle of champagne. Is this real? I can’t stop laughing. Holy s***! I’ve won $60 million?’
His wife, sharing in the disbelief, could only laugh alongside him. The timing of the call was serendipitous, as he had been daydreaming about winning the lottery just before his phone began to vibrate with the news. ‘No joke, I was literally just dreaming about what I’d do if I won the lotto. Then my phone started vibrating on the bedside table, and I thought, ‘What the bloody hell is that?’
Earlier that day, an email had nudged him about the upcoming $60 million Powerball draw, but life’s little distractions nearly cost him his chance at the jackpot. ‘I saw the email and thought, ‘Oh yeah, I’ll do that later.’ Then my wife started talking to me, and I got distracted. I nearly didn’t get a ticket at all!’ Fortunately, while savouring a quiet cup of tea and watching the birds from his deck, he remembered to purchase his ticket just in time.
The dream that foretold his fortune had occurred months prior, featuring him and a mate entering a lottery draw and winning $40 million. Since that dream, he had been buying tickets whenever the jackpot soared above $40 million. ‘I’ve been playing these numbers for 10 or 15 years. I don’t always use them, but tonight, I did. Snap! $60 million. I can’t stop saying it.’
The winning numbers in Powerball draw 1499 on Thursday, February 6, 2025, were 20, 23, 34, 19, 24, 31, and 10, with the all-important Powerball number 14. His golden ticket was purchased via The Lott app, marking the second Powerball jackpot of the year, hot on the heels of a Western Sydney woman’s $100 million Oz Lotto win.
With his newfound wealth, the retiree’s top priorities are to support his family and honour his late mother’s memory by purchasing her favourite vintage car. It’s a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, the universe conspires in the most unexpected ways to fulfil our deepest wishes.
So, as you lay your head down tonight, let your dreams run wild. Who knows? You might wake up to a future beyond your wildest dreams! Have you ever had a premonition that came true? Share your thoughts below—and if you’re feeling lucky, why not try your hand at the next draw? The stars might just align for you too.
Also read: ‘Shell-shocked’: South Australian man wins $50 million in lottery
