Filipino-Canadian hits $57-million (C$80 million) jackpot

A simple trip to the store for burger buns turned into a life-altering moment for 35-year-old Justin Simporios, a Filipino-Canadian living in Surrey, British Columbia.

With just C$12 left in his wallet, he purchased a Lotto Max Quick Pick ticket on May 9 — and ended up winning a staggering C$80 million ($57 million), marking the largest individual lottery jackpot ever claimed in Canadian history.

“I shouted. I cried. I turned off the lights. My wife was mad again,” Simporios said with a chuckle, recalling how he checked his ticket using a flashlight while his wife and daughter slept.

Wife didn't believe him

After realising he had hit all the winning numbers, he quietly confirmed the win — then joked with his wife that they were now millionaires. At first, she didn’t believe him.

During an emotional press conference held in Vancouver, Simporios accepted his oversised cheque from B.C. Lottery Corp. and revealed that he had sent in his resignation email just hours earlier.

“Just giving you guys a heads-up — I’m not coming back,” he had written to his boss and coworkers, adding that they were thrilled for him.

'Generational wealth'

Working in logistics and long dedicated to supporting his family, Simporios described the win as “generational wealth.”

He shared his plans to help his mother retire early, clear his sister’s medical school debt, support his wife’s family, give back to the Surrey community, and purchase their dream home in Metro Vancouver.

Another goal close to his heart is to finally take his wife and daughter to the Philippines — their first visit — and attend a Lakers game live before LeBron James retires.

“I’ve been struggling. I’m a father. I work full time. I want to go home, I want to spend time with them,” he shared.

“With this amount of money, I’ll be able to spend more time with my daughter, with my wife, with my family. It’s awesome, man. I’m just feeling blessed right now.”

Simporios’ win has touched many, especially among immigrant communities, as a story of everyday perseverance suddenly transformed by a single moment.

“It’s not sad tears, it’s happy tears,” he said. “This is a dream come true.”