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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Calgary Friends Make History with Record-Breaking Lottery Jackpot
Four friends from Calgary are celebrating after winning the largest lottery jackpot in Canadian history, splitting an extraordinary $90 million from the October 20 Lotto Max draw. Their group’s aptly named chat, Manifesting Millions, foreshadowed their once-in-a-lifetime windfall.
The Winners: Eidelson Elchico, Lovelyn Malvar, Hazeline Ong, and Velna Ramirez
Eidelson Elchico, Lovelyn Malvar, Hazeline Ong, and Velna Ramirez have become overnight millionaires as they prepare to share the Lotto Max jackpot prize. The foursome, who met through family connections around five years ago, only began playing the lottery together in the month before their win.
The Lucky Draw and How the Group Won
The group chose one of their lucky numbers for their ticket, while the rest were selected at random. Elchico’s wife suggested they try their luck as a group, setting the events in motion. Elchico was the first to realize their win after checking his phone at 3 a.m. and triple-checking the numbers. Initially, his friends were skeptical, suspecting the win might be a scam.
A Surreal Surprise
Lovelyn Malvar described her disbelief, "I thought it was a scam and I saw the email and I’m like, 'You definitely got scammed.'" The realization of their big lottery win has yet to fully sink in for all four friends. Velna Ramirez estimated it could take months or even a year before the scale of the jackpot truly feels real.
Keeping the Jackpot News Quiet
Following their win, the group chose to share news of the jackpot only with their spouses and a few close family members. Despite landing a life-changing sum, the friends have continued working. Malvar joked about needing the distraction that work provides as they process their lottery surprise.
Plans for the Future and Giving Back
While discussions about indulgences like jets and private islands have certainly surfaced, the winning group of Calgary friends has expressed a desire to give back to their community. Among their plans is a commitment to donate to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, highlighting their hopes to do good with part of the jackpot prize.
Lotto Max: The Game Behind the Jackpot
Their win marks the largest Lotto Max jackpot to date, making headlines across Canada and marking a historic first for Canadian lottery news. As lottery winners, the foursome has become a symbol of both luck and generosity in the face of newfound wealth.
Source: cbc.ca.
