I'm a $45 million lottery winner living in Trump Tower and here’s how winning changed my life forever
John Falcon, a $45 million New York State Lotto winner, shares his incredible story here in a unique interview. Falcon, who won in 1999, discussed his unique experience with Timothy Schultz about winning the lottery, handling the sudden wealth, and the rollercoaster of emotions that followed.
At the time of his win, Falcon's prize from the New York State lottery was a record-breaking amount. He chose the annuity option, ensuring a steady stream of income rather than a lump sum.
Falcon's win was marked by a series of vivid dreams about his grandmother, who repeatedly urged him to check his lottery numbers.
These numbers were a combination of addresses from his past, and he had been playing them consistently for over two years. However, the habit made him forget to check the results regularly.
One Saturday, Falcon realized he had won the lottery while he was at work. The moment was surreal, and he found it challenging to process.
He was cautious and knew he needed professional assistance to handle the financial aspect of his win.
Falcon recalled the day he checked his ticket, which happened after persistent dreams and his grandmother's voice echoing in his head.
He was at his workplace, a textbook company, and had to walk a considerable distance from the elevator to his office, all the while contemplating whether the numbers matched.
To verify his win, he compared his ticket to the numbers displayed on the lottery website. Realizing he had indeed won the jackpot, Falcon shared the news with his boss, who helped him contact the lottery office. This moment was filled with disbelief and numbness.
The news quickly spread, and Falcon informed his friends. They provided support, offering him access to their tax attorneys and accountants to ensure the proper management of his newfound wealth.
Waiting for the official prize claim was nerve-wracking. Falcon had to wait two weeks for the head of the New York State lottery, who was on vacation, to return before he could collect his winnings.
During this period, he experienced a mix of emotions, including dizziness and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.
When asked if he could claim the prize anonymously, Falcon mentioned that he didn't even consider that option at the time. His focus was on handling the life-changing situation and supporting his family.
The wait before claiming his prize was filled with anticipation, sleepless nights, and an abundance of thoughts about how the money could benefit his loved ones.
Eventually, the press conference arrived, where Falcon shared his remarkable journey with the public. Despite being advised that media coverage might be limited, he managed to captivate the audience with his charisma and humor.
The day after the press conference, Falcon was surprised to see himself on the covers of both the New York Post and the Daily News, making his win a widely celebrated event. His story of winning the lottery became a testament to how life can change dramatically with a single ticket.
But this is just the start of his fascinating journey.
John Falcon's story of winning the New York Lotto in 1999 is a tale of unexpected fortune, surreal dreams, and the journey of adapting to newfound wealth.
His experience serves as a reminder of the life-altering power of a lottery win and the responsibility that comes with it.
Watch the video to find out more about his experience.
ABOUT TIMOTHY SCHULTZ
Timothy Schultz is a podcaster and YouTuber affiliated with Bullhead Entertainment, LLC, who won $28 million from the US Powerball in 1999. He returned to college to pursue a degree in broadcast news and engage in diverse production projects. Today, he's leveraging his expertise to introduce the podcast "Lottery, Dreams, and Fortune."