Alberta friends call $12.5M lotto win an ‘emotional rollercoaster’

Rodney McFadyen and Derek Marsh won $12.5 million on the May 19, 2026, Lotto Max draw. (Credit: Western Canada Lottery Corporation)

Two longtime friends in Alberta are celebrating after winning $12.5 million on the May 19 Lotto Max draw.

Rodney McFadyen of Provost and Derek Marsh of Edmonton say they’ve been playing together for years, each taking turns picking up tickets.

McFadyen got the winning ticket at Provost Fas Gas at 4011 57 Ave. by redeeming a free play ticket the pair had previously won.

He said it took some convincing to get his friend to believe him when he reached out to tell him they had won.

“He’s messed with me about this before,” Marsh said. “I looked up the numbers and lost it. My smartwatch calculated seven km over the next few hours from all my pacing.”

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, for sure,” said McFadyen.

The pair says they plan to put the money in the bank and consider their next steps carefully, but they look forward to sharing their good fortune with their wives and children.