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Five Friends Share €250 Million EuroMillions Jackpot
Decazeville, Aveyron, France – A group of five friends from Decazeville, in southwestern France, have claimed the record-breaking €250 million EuroMillions jackpot won on August 23, 2023. The winning ticket, purchased and validated in Paris, represents the largest EuroMillions prize ever awarded in France, and one of the biggest lottery wins in European history.
This unprecedented win offers a life-altering sum for the collective, raising questions about collaborative wealth and the impact on a small community. The French Lottery (FDJ) confirmed the win after a period of heightened attention, including a false claim made by an individual attempting to impersonate the winner. The friends have opted to remain largely anonymous, requesting privacy as they navigate their newfound fortune.
On August 28, just nine days after the draw, a resident of Decazeville contacted la Dépêche du Midi newspaper, falsely claiming to be the sole winner. “I wanted to tell you that I am the winner of the last EuroMillions draw,” he stated, confidently providing the correct winning combination and the location where he claimed the ticket was validated. He further requested anonymity in any published report,stating,”I want it to be in the newspaper! But don’t mention my name. Say that I’m from Decazeville, that I’m in my thirties, and above all, that I’m unemployed.”
The FDJ swiftly debunked the claim. “No,it’s not that person. In fact, we are aware that someone is calling all the newspaper editorial offices to tell them that he has won. Though,the information is false,he probably wants to set up a hoax,” a representative stated.
The actual winning ticket was purchased at the Tabac d’Auteuil in Paris. owner Philippe Taurant anticipates increased business following the win. “In a few days, new posters will be posted on the window,” he said. “It will say that the jackpot has been hit here. It’ll be a good little publicity stunt!” Taurant added that this wasn’t the first meaningful win at his establishment,recalling a previous jackpot paid out in francs.
The FDJ has confirmed the group of five friends have begun the process of claiming their prize. Details regarding their plans for the winnings remain confidential.
