Saturday’s Powerball Winning Numbers Announced: January 3, 2026
The first Powerball drawing of 2026 took place on Saturday, January 3, featuring a jackpot of $64 million. The cash option for this prize is valued at approximately $28.9 million. Meanwhile, the massive $1.8 billion jackpot from Christmas Eve remains unclaimed. This record-setting prize was sold in Cabot, Arkansas, located around 30 miles from Little Rock.
Winners of Powerball prizes have a deadline of 180 days from the drawing to claim their winnings. For the December 24 winner, the last date to collect the prize is June 22, 2026.
Winning Numbers for January 3, 2026
The winning numbers for the recent Powerball draw are:
- 18
- 21
- 40
- 53
- 60
- Powerball: 23
How to Play Powerball
Powerball tickets are available for $2 and can be purchased in 45 states, as well as Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Common locations for buying tickets include convenience stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. In certain states, players also have the option to buy tickets online.
To participate, players select six numbers: five white balls ranging from 1 to 69 and one red Powerball between 1 and 26. Additionally, players can opt for a “Power Play” feature for an extra $1. This option multiplies non-jackpot winnings by factors of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10. For those looking for an effortless way to choose numbers, a “Quick Pick” option is also available.
Winning the Jackpot
To secure the jackpot, players must match all five white balls and the red Powerball. Powerball drawings occur three times a week: on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. If there is no jackpot winner, the prize continues to grow.
Historical Powerball Jackpots
Here are some of the largest Powerball jackpots recorded:
| Date | Jackpot Amount | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 7, 2022 | $2.040 billion | California |
| Dec. 24, 2025 | $1.817 billion | Arkansas |
| Sept. 6, 2025 | $1.787 billion | Missouri, Texas |
| Oct. 11, 2023 | $1.765 billion | California |
| Jan. 13, 2016 | $1.586 billion | California, Florida, Tennessee |
| April 6, 2024 | $1.326 billion | Oregon |
| July 19, 2023 | $1.080 billion | California |
| Jan. 1, 2024 | $842.4 million | Michigan |
| Mar. 27, 2019 | $768.4 million | Wisconsin |
| Aug. 23, 2017 | $758.7 million | Massachusetts |
Powerball players across the U.S. eagerly anticipate the next drawing. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, understanding the rules and knowing the latest information can enhance your chances of success.