A Simple Dinner Run Turns Into a Life-Changing Fortune
Justin Simporios, a 35-year-old husband and father from Surrey, B.C., couldn’t stop saying “thank you” at the B.C. Lottery Corporation headquarters. Standing in front of cheering staff, flashing cameras, and holding back tears, Simporios was still trying to comprehend the life-altering moment—he had just won $80 million, the largest individual lottery jackpot in Canadian history.
“It’s an amazing feeling. It’s sinking in now that it’s real,” he said through tears. “These aren’t sad tears—they’re happy tears.”
Table of Contents
The Lucky Night That Changed Everything
A Quick Stop at Walmart Led to Millions
It all started with a craving. Last Friday evening, Simporios stopped at Walmart in Central Surrey to grab ingredients for hamburgers. On a whim, he noticed the Lotto Max jackpot had reached a staggering $80 million—double the amount that usually motivates him to play. He decided to spend $12 on a quick pick ticket.
By 10:30 p.m., with his daughter unwell and his wife asleep, he sat up restlessly and decided to check the winning numbers. Using a flashlight so he wouldn’t disturb his family, he compared the numbers one by one. The more they matched, the more his hands trembled.
Eventually, he scanned the ticket on the BCLC app. The result? He screamed, woke his wife, turned on the lights, and shouted: “We don’t have to work anymore!”
“It Felt Like a Dream”: Reactions, Relief, and a Lot of Gratitude
The Longest Five Days of His Life
Winning the jackpot was one thing—keeping the ticket safe until claiming it was another. Simporios immediately signed the ticket and asked ChatGPT what to do next. He followed through with careful planning: sealing it in a zip-lock bag, wrapping it in a pillowcase and blanket, and carrying it everywhere, including to church.
“I was so scared of losing it,” he said, demonstrating how he clutched the bag tightly against his chest.
Giving Back and Moving Forward
From Struggles to Support: A New Purpose
While the Simporios family hasn’t finalized all their plans, a few things are certain. They want to purchase their dream home—either in Surrey, which Justin calls his “lucky city,” or elsewhere in the Lower Mainland. They’ll help Justin’s mother retire, pay off his sister’s medical school loans, and most importantly, give back to the community.
“I’ve struggled before and needed help,” he explained. “Even if I can give an ounce of happiness, I want to help where we can.”
Life After Logistics
Just hours before facing the media, Simporios told his coworkers he was leaving his job in health and safety at a logistics firm. Now, his focus is on spending more time with family and using their new wealth to make a meaningful impact.
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A Humble Hero for a Historic Jackpot
BCLC staff were thrilled that such a monumental prize went to someone so grounded and grateful.
“Justin, this couldn’t happen to a better person,” said Ian Rowe, director of gaming platforms at the BCLC. “You’re the winner of Canada’s largest jackpot prize in history—and maybe one of the nicest guys in all of Canada, as well.”
As Justin Simporios held that oversized cheque and wiped his tears with his sleeve, one thing was certain: this wasn’t just about winning the lottery—it was about sharing joy, embracing gratitude, and beginning a new chapter with heart and humility.