September 21, 2025

Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal Wins $1 Million in Bonus Match Game

Clayton, N.C., September 21, 2025

News Summary

Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal has made headlines after winning the first $1 million top prize in the $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. The winning ticket was bought from Compare Foods in Clayton. Espinal opted for a lump sum of $600,000 after taxes, showcasing the financial opportunities such winnings bring. This win highlights the excitement surrounding the newly launched game and adds to the recent lottery successes in North Carolina.

Clayton, N.C. – A local resident, Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, has made headlines after winning the first $1 million top prize in the recently launched $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. The winning ticket was bought from Compare Foods, located on East Second Street in Clayton, marking a significant milestone for both the winner and the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL).

The Bonus Match game debuted in August 2023 and is designed to offer five $1 million top prizes. With Espinal’s win, there are currently four top prizes still waiting to be claimed. As the first person to hit the jackpot in this new game, Espinal’s win has generated excitement among lottery participants across the state.

Upon claiming his prize, Espinal faced a choice between an annuity payment of $50,000 per year for 20 years or a lump sum payment. He opted for the lump sum, bringing home $600,000 after taxes, which totaled $430,503 following state and federal withholdings. This significant payout highlights the financial opportunities that such lottery winnings can generate for residents.

The announcement of Espinal’s win was made by the North Carolina Education Lottery, a state-run initiative dedicated to raising funds for education through lottery proceeds. This win adds to a streak of recent lottery successes in North Carolina, including another major win on Labor Day, when a different Clayton resident claimed a $2 million Powerball prize. This Powerball winner matched five white balls in the drawing and had purchased a $3 online Power Play ticket, showcasing the variety of lottery games available to players.

The Powerball game remains a favorite among participants, particularly as it currently boasts a whopping jackpot of $1.3 billion. Players have the option to choose a lump sum amount of $589 million if they are the next winner. However, the odds of claiming a Powerball prize remain steep, with overall odds standing at approximately 1 in 292 million.

While recent lottery wins can be a source of excitement, they also prompt discussions about responsible gambling. For individuals who may feel concerned about their gambling habits, the NC Problem Gambling Helpline is available for support and guidance.

Overall, Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal’s win serves as a remarkable reminder of how quickly fortunes can change through the lottery. With the ongoing availability of high-stakes games, residents are encouraged to participate responsibly while keeping in mind the associated risks of gambling. As the North Carolina Education Lottery continues to unfold new opportunities, the anticipation of future winners remains high among hopeful players across the state.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.