Oregon Winners of Historic $1.3 Billion Powerball Claim Prize

Salem, Oregon– A Portland man, along with his wife and a friend, have secured their place in history after winning the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot. Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, 46, made the fateful purchase for the April 6, 2024, drawing and emerged as the sole nationwide winner matching all five numbers plus the Powerball.

Saephan, sharing the prize with his 37-year-old wife, Duanpen Saephan, and their friend Laiza Chao, 55, from Milwaukie, will divide the windfall. Chao will receive 50%, while the Saephans will split the remaining 50%. Opting for the cash payout, the trio will take home $422,309,193.97 after taxes.

This win arrives amidst significant personal challenges for Saephan, who is battling cancer and facing a recurrence. He turned to faith and luck, buying over 20 tickets for the draw and even sleeping with a list of numbers from the game (1-69) under his pillow in the days leading up to the jackpot.

“I prayed to God to help me,” shared Saephan. “My kids are young, and I’m not that healthy.”

Born in Laos and a Portland resident for the past three decades, Saephan sees this windfall as a means for his family to live without financial worries given his illness.

Chao contributed $100 toward the ticket purchase and was taken aback when Saephan shared the life-changing news.

“I said, ‘Laiza, where are you?’ and she said, ‘I’m going to work,’” recounted Saephan. “I replied, ‘You don’t have to go anymore.’”

This victory marks the largest prize ever awarded in Oregon. The previous record was a $340 million Powerball jackpot in 2005.

Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells extended his congratulations, emphasizing the impact beyond the winners themselves.

“I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Saephans and Ms. Chao on this historic win,” said Wells. “Not only is the prize life-changing for the three of them and their families, it’s also a huge win for the state.”

A significant portion of Powerball sales will be directed back to the state to support various programs such as economic development, education, veteran services, and state parks. Plaid Pantry, the retailer that sold the winning ticket, will also receive a $100,000 bonus.

Powerball, a multi-state lottery, is available in 45 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

In light of the jackpot, the Oregon Lottery advises players to sign the back of their tickets to secure their claim and to consult with financial professionals for sound planning. Winners have up to a year to claim their prize.