Toronto resident Iryna Tereshchuk is celebrating a life-changing moment after winning $333,333.40 from a Maxmillions prize in the Nov. 25, 2025 Lotto Max draw, opening the door to new opportunities and long-held plans. Daily Hive
A Toronto woman still struggles to believe her luck after winning a major lottery prize on the first ticket she ever bought. What started as a casual decision quickly turned into a life-changing moment.
Iryna Tereshchuk, a 30-year-old digital media worker from Toronto, won $333,333.40 in the Nov. 25, 2025, Lotto Max draw. Her ticket shared a $1 million Maxmillions prize with two other winners, with each person receiving an equal share.
A Casual Choice Turns Into a Big Surprise
Tereshchuk said she never planned to play the lottery until a simple conversation at work changed her mind. While talking with a coworker about lottery games, she decided to buy a ticket just for fun.
“This is my first time playing the lottery!” Tereshchuk said while visiting the prize centre to collect her winnings. “I was discussing the lottery with a coworker and decided to pick up a ticket for fun.”
She purchased the ticket at a convenience store on Yonge Street, not expecting much from the experience. Like many first-time players, she assumed the odds were slim and treated the purchase as a small experiment.
Checking the Numbers Brings Shock
After the draw, Tereshchuk checked her ticket online later that day. At first, she thought she had not won anything.
“I didn’t see my numbers come up for the jackpot, but then I realized they matched the Maxmillions winning numbers,” she recalled.
That moment quickly turned disbelief into excitement. She said the realization took time to sink in as she rechecked the numbers to make sure she had not made a mistake.
Family Shares the Joy
The first person Tereshchuk contacted was her mother. She wanted to share the news with her family before telling anyone else.
“I wanted to share the news with my family first, so I called my mom right away, though she was skeptical,” she said. “I didn’t expect a win like this. It’s so hard to believe, but it feels awesome!”
Her mother’s initial doubt soon turned into celebration once the win became clear.
Plans for the Prize Money
Tereshchuk already has thoughtful plans for her winnings. She hopes to travel, spend time with family, and treat her parents to something special. She also plans to invest in her education and personal growth.
“It’ll be nice not to worry about the expense of trying new classes and learning new things,” she said.
She described the prize as a chance to explore new opportunities without financial stress.
A Growing Trend Among Young Players
Tereshchuk is not alone in her beginner’s luck. Other young Canadians have also won significant prizes on their first lottery ticket, including a teenager who claimed a large win earlier this year.
For Tereshchuk, the experience remains surreal. A simple decision turned into a moment she says she will never forget.
