A small Ontario community is celebrating what might be the biggest lottery win in its history after a fortunate player hit the jackpot in the popular Catch the Ace progressive lottery.
Record-Breaking Jackpot Announcement
The life-changing moment unfolded on Sunday, November 16, 2025, when lottery officials announced that one lucky participant had successfully claimed the enormous $2.45 million prize. The announcement was made by the Catch the Ace Chair during an event that drew significant community attention and excitement.
The winning draw took place in Russell, Ontario, a community located in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, approximately 35 kilometers southeast of downtown Ottawa. The substantial jackpot had been growing for several weeks, creating mounting anticipation among local residents and participants throughout the region.
How Catch the Ace Works
For those unfamiliar with this popular Canadian fundraising lottery, Catch the Ace operates as a progressive jackpot game that typically benefits local community organizations or charities. Participants purchase tickets for weekly draws, with each ticket providing a chance to win that week's prize while also remaining eligible for the growing progressive jackpot.
The "ace" element refers to the game's central mechanic where players attempt to locate a specific card - often the ace of spades - from a deck of playing cards. The jackpot continues to grow each week until someone successfully identifies the card containing the ace, triggering the massive payout that can reach millions of dollars.
Community Impact and Celebration
While the identity of the $2.45 million winner hasn't been publicly disclosed, the impact of such a significant win extends beyond the individual recipient. Lottery organizers and community members expressed both excitement for the winner and appreciation for the fundraising benefits that such large jackpots generate for local causes.
The timing of the win, just weeks before the holiday season, adds an extra layer of celebration to the announcement. For the winner, this substantial financial windfall represents life-changing possibilities, from debt elimination and home purchases to investment opportunities and enhanced financial security.
Local businesses in Russell and surrounding communities often experience positive economic effects when major lottery wins occur, as winners frequently share their good fortune with family members or make significant local purchases.
Historical Context of Major Lottery Wins
This $2.45 million payout ranks among the significant lottery wins in Eastern Ontario history. While exact records vary, catches of this magnitude typically generate substantial media attention and public interest across the province.
The Catch the Ace format has proven particularly popular in Ontario communities, with similar progressive jackpots occurring in other municipalities throughout the province. The game's combination of weekly smaller prizes and the potential for life-changing jackpots has made it a staple of community fundraising efforts across Canada.
As news of the Russell win spreads, lottery organizers anticipate increased participation in future draws, as the jackpot resets and begins accumulating once again, offering new opportunities for hopeful participants seeking their own life-changing moment.
