Kitchener man celebrating $100,000 lottery win

Paul Russell of Kitchener posed with a large novelty cheque after a big lottery win. (Submitted: OLG)

A Kitchener man’s lottery loyalty has paid off with his first big win.

Paul Russell of Kitchener claimed a $100,000 prize after matching six of his seven Encore numbers from the Feb. 25 Lotto Max draw.

When picking up his winnings, Russell said he has been playing the lottery for 15 years.

“When I scanned my LOTTO MAX ticket and saw the ‘Big Winner’ message, I had to scan it again to be sure. This was not something I expected to see!” he said.

Russell called it a surreal experience as he comes to grips with his newfound fortune.

“I shared the news with my sister and a few close friends. They didn’t believe me at first, thinking I was joking around, but congratulated me when they realized I was serious,” he said.

Russell plans to invest his winnings.

The lucky ticket was bought at the Circle K on Westforest Trail in Kitchener.