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What Were the Euromillions and Thunderball Results for August 26?

What Were the Euromillions and Thunderball Results for August 26?

Published: 2025-08-26 18:45:00 | Category: News

The Euromillions and Thunderball draws offer thrilling opportunities for players to win life-changing sums of money, with massive jackpots and exciting weekly draws. To win, players must match specific numbers, and even partial matches can lead to prizes. The Euromillions draw, which takes place every Tuesday and Friday, features a jackpot that can reach staggering amounts, while the Thunderball offers a separate chance to win up to £500,000. Whether you're a casual player or a seasoned veteran, here's everything you need to know about the draws, how to win, and the incredible stories of past winners.

Last updated: 26 August 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

  • The Euromillions jackpot can reach up to €190m (approximately £167m).
  • Players need to match all five main numbers and two lucky stars to win the jackpot.
  • Even matching two numbers or one number with two lucky stars can result in a win.
  • The Thunderball draw has a maximum prize of £500,000.
  • Past winners have claimed life-changing sums, including record jackpots.

The Euromillions Draw Explained

The Euromillions is a popular lottery game played across nine European countries. Each ticket costs £2.50 and grants players entry into both the Euromillions draw and the UK Millionaire Maker, which creates at least one millionaire from the UK every week. The draw occurs every Tuesday and Friday at around 8:15 pm BST.

To play, participants select five main numbers from a pool of 1 to 50 and two lucky star numbers from a separate pool of 1 to 12. The more numbers matched, the higher the prize, culminating in the life-changing jackpot for those who match all seven numbers.

How to Win at Euromillions

  • Jackpot: Match all 5 main numbers and 2 lucky stars.
  • Second Prize: Match 5 main numbers and 1 lucky star.
  • Third Prize: Match 5 main numbers.
  • Fourth Prize: Match 4 main numbers and 2 lucky stars.
  • Fifth Prize: Match 4 main numbers.
  • Sixth Prize: Match 3 main numbers and 2 lucky stars.
  • Seventh Prize: Match 2 main numbers and 2 lucky stars.
  • Eighth Prize: Match 3 main numbers.
  • Ninth Prize: Match 1 main number and 2 lucky stars.
  • Tenth Prize: Match 2 main numbers.

As you can see, you don’t need to match all the numbers to win a prize, making it accessible for many players.

The Thunderball Draw

In addition to the Euromillions, players can participate in the Thunderball draw, which offers a separate chance to win up to £500,000. The Thunderball draw occurs on the same nights as the Euromillions, at 8:00 pm BST.

To play Thunderball, ticket holders select five main numbers from 1 to 39 and a Thunderball number from 1 to 14. Similar to the Euromillions, the more numbers matched, the higher the prize. Here’s a quick overview of the Thunderball prize tiers:

  • Jackpot: Match all 5 main numbers and the Thunderball.
  • Second Prize: Match 5 main numbers.
  • Third Prize: Match 4 main numbers and the Thunderball.
  • Fourth Prize: Match 4 main numbers.
  • Fifth Prize: Match 3 main numbers and the Thunderball.
  • Sixth Prize: Match 3 main numbers.
  • Seventh Prize: Match 2 main numbers and the Thunderball.
  • Eighth Prize: Match 1 main number and the Thunderball.
  • Ninth Prize: Match just the Thunderball.

This structure gives players multiple ways to win, enhancing the excitement of the draw.

Record-Breaking Wins in the UK

The UK has seen some astounding wins in both the Euromillions and Thunderball draws. The most notable win was by Joe and Jess Thwaite from Gloucester, who won £184 million in May 2022, making them the biggest Euromillions winners in UK history at that time. However, this record was short-lived, as another winner came forward in July 2022 to claim a staggering £195 million, although they have chosen to remain anonymous.

Prior to the Thwaites, the record was held by an anonymous player who won £170 million in October 2019. This win marked a significant moment in UK lottery history and showcased the potential of the Euromillions to change lives dramatically.

Past Winners and Their Stories

Lottery winners often share their stories, offering insights into their lives before and after winning. Many winners report feeling overwhelmed but excited about their newfound wealth. They reveal a mix of emotions, from joy and disbelief to anxiety about how to manage their winnings.

For instance, the Thwaites expressed their plans to help their family and contribute to charity, highlighting the desire many winners have to give back. Another notable win occurred in June 2019 when a single ticketholder won £123 million, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in the country overnight.

These stories not only inspire hope among players but also illustrate the transformative power of luck and chance.

What Happens After You Win?

Winning a significant amount in the lottery can be both exhilarating and daunting. Once a player validates their ticket and confirms their win, they typically follow these steps:

  1. Claim the Prize: Winners can claim their prize either online, via post, or in person, depending on the amount.
  2. Financial Advice: It is advisable to seek professional financial advice to manage the newfound wealth effectively.
  3. Tax Considerations: In the UK, lottery winnings are tax-free, but any income generated from the winnings may be taxable.
  4. Planning for the Future: Many winners choose to invest in property, start businesses, or donate to charities.

These steps ensure winners can enjoy their prize while making informed decisions about their future.

Common Mistakes Lottery Players Make

  • Not Checking Tickets: Many players forget to check their tickets after the draw, missing out on potential wins.
  • Over-Spending: It’s easy to get carried away with regular purchases; setting a budget is crucial.
  • Ignoring the Odds: Understanding the odds of winning can help manage expectations.
  • Not Playing Consistently: Some players fail to stick to their chosen numbers, missing out on potential wins.

Being mindful of these points can enhance your lottery experience while ensuring you play responsibly.

FAQs

How do I play Euromillions?

To play Euromillions, choose five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two lucky stars from 1 to 12. Each ticket costs £2.50, and draws occur every Tuesday and Friday.

What are the odds of winning the Euromillions jackpot?

The odds of winning the Euromillions jackpot are approximately 1 in 139,838,160, making it a challenging but exciting lottery to participate in.

Can I play both Euromillions and Thunderball on the same ticket?

No, Euromillions and Thunderball are separate games, and players must purchase individual tickets for each draw.

What happens if I win a prize?

If you win a prize, you can claim it online, by post, or in person, depending on the amount. It’s advisable to seek financial advice to manage your winnings effectively.

Are lottery winnings taxed in the UK?

No, lottery winnings in the UK are tax-free. However, any income generated from those winnings may be subject to taxes.

How often does the jackpot roll over?

The Euromillions jackpot rolls over if there is no jackpot winner, and it can accumulate until it reaches the cap of €190 million (approximately £167 million).

With the excitement surrounding the Euromillions and Thunderball draws, players are reminded to play responsibly and enjoy the experience. Will you be the next big winner? Good luck! #Euromillions #Thunderball #LotteryWin


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