Spain’s ‘El Gordo’ Lottery Shatters Record with €2.77 Billion Jackpot

Spain’s iconic Christmas lottery, El Gordo, has made history, distributing a record-breaking €2.77 billion just before Christmas.

The top prize of €4 million per ticket was drawn 198 times, with the winning number 79,432 announced at Madrid’s Teatro Real. Winners hailed from Madrid and struggling towns in the León region, including La Bañeza, where joyful scenes played out live on TV.

The second prize, worth €1.25 million, went to number 70,048, sold entirely by one outlet in Madrid’s Chueca district.

Lottery head Jesús Huerta highlighted how the game helps reduce inequality, reaching people in need — like Juan Manuel, an unemployed man in Madrid who won €20,000.

With ticket sales nearing €4 billion, El Gordo remains a beloved national tradition. Most Spaniards spent an average of €76 this year, keeping the festive spirit — and hopes — alive.