Who is Edwin Castro, $2.04 Billion Powerball Winner from California?
Edwin Castro, a resident of Altadena, California, won the largest Powerball jackpot in U.S. history on November 7, 2022, with a staggering $2.04 billion prize. He purchased the winning ticket at Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, matching all five numbers plus the Powerball number.
Castro opted for the lump sum payment totaling approximately $997.6 million, which he claimed publicly on February 14, 2023, Valentine’s Day, at California Lottery headquarters. Despite his monumental win, he narrowly missed becoming a billionaire by less than $3 million.
Castro’s Luxurious Purchases and Real Estate Investments
After claiming his prize, Edwin Castro invested heavily in real estate and luxury goods in California. In March 2023, he acquired a $25.5 million mansion in Hollywood Hills that features five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a game room, wine cellar, movie theater, bar, spa, fitness studio, and an infinity pool. Just days later, he purchased a $4 million Japanese-style home in Altadena, complete with a pool and movie theater.
Additionally, Castro bought a vintage white Porsche for $250,000. He also acquired a $3.8 million beachfront home in Malibu in September 2023, though this property was later destroyed by the Palisades wildfire in January 2025.
Impact of California Wildfires on Castro’s Properties
The January 2025 wildfires severely damaged Castro’s Malibu home, one of several residences affected. Luckily, his Hollywood Hills and Altadena homes survived without major harm, though all were under evacuation orders at the time. Joe’s Service Center, where Castro bought his winning ticket, remained unharmed and has become a small local celebrity spot with visitors hoping for good luck.
Edwin Castro’s Current Status and Legacy
As of late 2025, Castro’s remaining net winnings were reported to be around $768 million after taxes and other deductions. He has expressed interest in rebuilding and investing in real estate in Altadena, purchasing 15 lots for $10 million following the wildfire devastation. Castro maintains a low public profile, declining on-camera interviews despite his high-profile win.
His story remains notable for the scale of the lottery jackpot, his substantial and sometimes tragic real estate ventures, and the imprint he left on California’s lottery history. Meanwhile, his winning ticket and Joe’s Service Center continue to attract media attention as symbols of the biggest lottery success in the nation.
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