Thomas Cook

Powerball Winner • WI • 2020

Jackpot (2024$)

$25,300,000

lump sum

Age at Win

Retired

Summary

Two lifelong friends honored a 28-year handshake agreement made in 1992 to split any Powerball winnings 50/50. Bought tickets together weekly for 28 years. Both retired quietly and vanished from public view.

Quick Facts

Win Date: June 10, 2020
State: WI
Winner Type: syndicate
Marital Status: married
Ticket Type: Quick Pick
Payment Choice: lump sum
After Tax: $11M

Notable Quotes

"Are you jerking my bobber?"

"I can't think of a better way to retire."

"A handshake is a handshake, man."

Analysis

Protective Factors

+28-year pre-existing friendship
+Joint claim from outset (avoided gift tax trap)
+Advanced age (rational decision-making)
+Modest lifestyle expectations
+High-trust rural community
+Clear verbal agreement from 1992
+Financial advisors before claim
+Low-cost-of-living location (Dunn County, WI)

How They Found Out

Thomas Cook checked his ticket while eating breakfast the morning after the draw. He recognized the first few numbers, froze, and handed the ticket to his wife for secondary verification. He then called Feeney, who famously responded: "Are you jerking my bobber?"

Research Quality: high • Last Updated: 1/15/2025 • Years Tracked: 5

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