Millwright plans to retire after winning lottery

John Tolles, of Everett, Ont., won $1M in the Lotto Max draw on Jan. 21, 2025, after matching all seven Encore numbers in exact order. (OLG)

John Tolles has played the lottery for more than four decades, and his dedication finally paid off with his first big win.

The millwright from Everett became an instant millionaire after matching all seven Encore numbers on his Lotto Max ticket in the Jan. 21 draw.

Tolles, a father to four, said his wife discovered he had won the million while he was sleeping. "It was nighttime when my wife got up and saw my ticket on the dresser. She decided to check it using the OLG app. When she discovered it was a winner, she eagerly woke me up."

The $1 million winner said the couple went to their kitchen in a “drowsy fog” and reviewed the winning numbers on the ticket purchased at Ivan Variety on Main Street in Everett.

"We were shocked and so excited. We stayed up all night talking about how much this win would change our lives," Tolles recalled.

The couple then shared the news with family and a few friends, who were all shocked. “They thought I was kidding around, but after showing them the ticket, they were so happy for us. My daughter was thrilled that I could now start planning my retirement."

Tolles said winning the million has “lifted some financial worries,” adding he does indeed plan to retire, along with travel with his wife and pay off some bills.

“If I could give a word of advice, it would be to buy a ticket. You never know, you could be the next big winner,” he concluded.

The next Lotto Max draw is Friday, with an estimated $15 million jackpot up for grabs.