Who Are The UK’s Biggest EuroMillions Winners?
Last Updated: Wednesday 23rd September 2020, 14:02
The EuroMillions jackpot for the next draw on Tuesday stands at a mammoth £121 million, making it one of the largest prizes to have ever been put up for grabs in the 14-year history of the game. If a single UK player lands the lot, they will become the country’s third-largest winner and will have the opportunity to fulfil many of their fantasies.
Would A Winner Have To Go Public?
No. Jackpot winners in the UK can choose between going public and staying anonymous. It is not an option that is available to lottery winners in every country, and recently in America a woman from New Hampshire has had to go to court to try and keep her identity private after winning $559.7 million on Powerball.
Lottery winners in the UK can claim prizes anonymously and continue their lives away from the scrutiny of the media or others who may be aware of their newfound wealth. Some lucky winners are happy to embrace publicity, though, and the UK’s two biggest winners have made themselves known.
The Weirs
The biggest prize ever claimed in the UK dates back to 12th July 2011, when Colin and Christine Weir pocketed £161.6 million. The Scottish couple enjoyed a normal life in the town of Largs at the time, living in a £180,000 home and reportedly eating fish and chips three times a week. The huge win allowed them to splash out on a million-pound mansion and support various causes close to their heart. They set up the Weir Charitable Trust to help local charitable projects, donated money to the Scottish National Party and backed football teams Largs Thistle and Partick Thistle.
The Bayfords
Adrian and Gillian Bayford banked an incredible jackpot of £148.6 million just a year after the Weirs when they matched all five main numbers and both Lucky Stars on 10th August 2012. They declared at the time that they wanted to use the money to help friends and family as well as themselves, and they have both launched their own business ventures. Adrian’s love for music has seen him open up a memorabilia store in Cambridge and host a rock concert in the grounds of his mansion when it looked like the event might have to be cancelled.
Choose Numbers
The third highest jackpot ever won in the UK is £113 million, which was claimed anonymously on 8th October 2010, but the top prize has now surged past the £120 million barrier following Friday’s rollover. You can see the latest EuroMillions Results to find out if you are due a prize, before setting your sights on the chance to win an astonishing nine-figure prize. Choose numbers online now or go to any authorised retailer, and you could just take your place next to the Weirs and the Bayfords on the top table of UK winners. Best of luck!
