Luck is unpredictable, and it is nowhere more apparent than in Powerball, a popular lottery game in the US that has the power to change lives within seconds. Across the US, families cling to the hope that the right combination of numbers could transform their financial future. One such family was the Louisiana family for whom a single number stood between them and the life-changing USD 1.1 billion jackpot. While they didn’t walk away billionaires, their story shows how even near misses can bring both excitement and joy.
Who is the Louisiana Family that missed the chance to win a USD 1.1 billion jackpot due to a single number?
The Stokes family of DeRidder, Louisiana, took the spotlight after their ticket matched all but one number in the September 1, 2025, Powerball drawing. According to a press release by the Louisiana Lottery, John Stokes, a father of three, purchased the ticket with dreams of securing the massive jackpot. Though they missed the top prize, the family still got USD 150,000. The bittersweet moment of the family intrigued Powerball fans across the US. Sharing his feelings, John said:
“We were shocked and feel so blessed.”