A Toronto man who has been playing the lottery for more than 30 years, picking numbers at random, has won $100,000 with a $1 Encore pick.
It was during a recent trip home from the grocery store that Konstantinos Skipos said he was shocked to discover his first big win.
“I wish everyone could feel this joy!" said the 64-year-old, who picks up his Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 tickets weekly. "This win is one heck of a blessing.”
Skipos matched the last six of seven Encore numbers in exact order in the Oct. 25 Lotto Max draw to claim the windfall, which he plans to invest for his future.
“I’d been out grocery shopping when I decided to stop and check my ticket on my way home,” Skipos told staff at the OLG Prize Centre.
He couldn’t believe what he was seeing as he scanned the ticket over and over again.
"I took my ticket to the store clerk, saying, ‘Can you check this for me, Miss? I think my eyes are playing games!’"
"I was in complete disbelief when I realized I had, in fact, won $100,000! I was so excited that I could feel the blood rushing through my veins.”
Skipos said he'd only shared the good news with his cousin so far. "She’s over the moon for me."
The winning ticket was bought at Food Basics on Pape Avenue.
