Two Canadian friends who won $80-million lottery jackpot plan on living simply
Two Canadian friends say their lives have changed after winning the largest lottery prize payout in Canadian history.
Greg S. and Krys P., London, Ont. residents, immigrated to Canada from Europe in the 1990s, and met in an English as a Second Language class.
They’ve been playing the lottery together for several years, buying tickets when the jackpots are high. In 2025, they purchased the LOTTO Max ticket at Happy Day’s Mini Mart on Aldersbrook Road in London.
On Dec. 30, 2025, they won the $80 million LOTTO Max jackpot, plus an additional $403,285.40 since they chose the LOTTO MAX combination play option.
Greg said he checked his Lotto Max ticket with pen and paper.
“One by one I circled my numbers to see if they matched the winning numbers – until I realized I circled them all,” he said.
He then told his wife he thought he had won something and checked the Ontario Lottery and Gaming app.
“I saw the words Big Winner and the number 80 but I didn’t believe it at first. It was unbelievable! I checked it again and I saw the eight, the zeros and the commas and I knew it was $80 million,” he said.
Greg’s wife called Krys and asked if he had checked his ticket yet.
“I checked it with my wife and saw we matched all the numbers. I was very happy, and very nervous too,” Krys said. “I went over to Greg’s to check the ticket together and shake his hand. He is the one who always took the time to go to the store and buy our tickets.”
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Krys said his life will change.
“I worked 12‑hour shifts in a factory for 28 years. We learned to live within our means and save our money.”
While he said he plans to live as normally as possible, he said he will spend more time with his kids, travel to some tropical places, buy a new home and car, and set things up for future generations.
“I’m still shocked — I’ve never seen money like this in my life,” he said.
Greg recently retired from a manufacturing job, where he never missed a day of work in 28 years. He said he needs time to decide what he will do, but he also wants to travel and spend more time with his family.
“We came to Canada many years ago in search of the Canadian dream and a better life. Over these years, we have worked hard and built lives we are proud of. We have been fortunate to own our homes and provide our children with education and opportunities for the future,” Greg said.
However, he added that they “always enjoyed dreaming bigger.”
“It allows us not only to secure our own future, but that of generations to come. At the same time, we plan to continue living simply, sharing this blessing and enjoying it with the people we love most.”
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources.