Two London, Ontario Friends Claim Canada's Record $80.4M Lotto Max Win

Two longtime friends from London, Ontario, have claimed Canada's largest-ever lottery payout after matching all the numbers in the Lotto Max draw. Greg S. and Krys P., whose full last names were not released, walked away with a combined $80,403,285.40. The winning ticket was purchased at Happy Day's Mini Mart on Aldersbrook Road in London. The pair also won a second prize through the Lotto Max Combination Play option, adding $403,285.40 to their total winnings. They will split the total winnings 50-50.

Two Immigrants Who Became Friends, Then Lottery Winners

The two men first met in an English as a Second Language class after immigrating from Europe to London, Ontario, in the 1990s. They have played the lottery together for years, but only buy tickets when jackpots are high, using an eight-number Combination Play.

Greg discovered the win by circling the numbers on paper, then confirming them on the OLG app. "I saw the words Big Winner and the number 80, but I didn't believe it at first. It was unbelievable! I checked it again, and I saw the eight, the zeros, and the commas, and I knew it was $80 million!" he said.

Greg discovered the $80.4M win the old-fashioned way, circling numbers on paper before the OLG app confirmed what he could barely believe: eight figures, zeros, and commas that would change two lives forever.

Greg's wife then called Krys with the news. "I had just woken up," Krys recalled. He immediately drove to Greg's house. "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."

Nearly 30 Years of Hard Work Before the Big Win

Both men spent nearly three decades in working-class jobs before their windfall. Greg recently retired from a manufacturing role, without missing a single day in 28 years. Krys worked 12-hour factory shifts over the same period.

"We came to Canada many years ago in search of the Canadian dream and a better life," Greg said. "Over these years, we have worked hard and built lives we are proud of."

Krys echoed that sentiment. "I worked hard for my life in Canada," he said. "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."

What Canada's Biggest Lottery Winners Plan to Do Next

Both winners have already consulted financial advisors. Greg plans to buy a new home and travel to Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Krys hopes to purchase a new home and car, and travel to tropical destinations.

"It allows us not only to secure our own future, but that of generations to come," Greg said. "At the same time, we plan to continue living simply, sharing this blessing and enjoying it with the people we love most."

Their combined payout surpasses the previous Canadian record, an $80 million Lotto Max win claimed by a British Columbia resident in May 2025. "Winning this prize feels unimaginable. It's amazing!" Greg added.