A Mackinac County man has become a millionaire after a Michigan Lottery scratch-off ticket purchased before a road trip turned into a $2 million win.
According to the Michigan Lottery, the 27-year-old winner has a habit of buying a Two Million Dollar Cashword ticket before traveling with friends or family. On his most recent trip, he stopped at the Meijer gas station in Sault Ste. Marie and bought the ticket before heading home. What began as a routine purchase quickly changed his life.
The winner first believed he had scored a $10,000 prize. After looking more closely, he realized he had uncovered a tenth winning word, which gave him the game’s top prize of $2 million. He described the moment as overwhelming and said he cried after discovering the full amount. In a statement released by the Michigan Lottery, he said the experience still feels unreal.
Rather than receive the full prize in annuity payments over time, the winner chose a one-time lump sum payment of about $1.3 million. Lottery officials said he made the cash option choice after claiming the prize.
The man told lottery officials that his plans for the money include a vacation to Hawaii and investing the remainder of his winnings. His story adds to the long list of Michigan Lottery players whose lives have been changed by scratch-off games, especially those who follow personal traditions or lucky routines when buying tickets.
The winning ticket was purchased in Chippewa County, and the prize came from the popular Cashword game, which rewards players for matching words rather than numbers. For this winner, a simple stop on the way home from a trip ended with a life-changing payout.
Lottery officials did not immediately share additional details about the winner beyond his age, county of residence, and intended use of the money. Still, the story highlights how a small purchase made as part of a travel ritual can turn into an unexpected fortune.
For the Mackinac County resident, the emotional reaction was immediate and intense. What he thought was a modest win turned out to be one of the biggest prizes available in the game. With a dream vacation ahead and a substantial investment plan in place, he now joins the ranks of major Michigan Lottery winners.
