In a thrilling start to the new year, Powerball enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting Monday night's drawing, which boasts an eye-watering jackpot of $810 million. This colossal prize marks the fifth largest in the history of the game, according to the Massachusetts Lottery.

For those who prefer a one-time, lump sum cash payment, the enticing amount of $408.9 million awaits. The drawing is scheduled to take place at 10:59 p.m. ET, leaving participants on the edge of their seats with anticipation.

The staggering jackpot has been steadily growing due to an astounding 34 consecutive drawings without a winner. The lottery estimates that the odds of claiming this life-changing sum stand at a staggering 1 in 292.2 million, making the feat even more remarkable.

Although the last jackpot of 2023 slipped through the fingers of hopeful players, there were still some lucky winners. Five individuals were fortunate enough to secure a $1 million prize, with winning tickets sold in Colorado, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Additionally, two individuals from Texas and West Virginia each won a remarkable $2 million. The lottery also revealed that 67 individuals won $50,000 prizes, while 20 individuals secured $200,000 prizes.

The previous jackpot, which was won on October 11, 2023, in California, remains the largest prize of the year, standing at a jaw-dropping $1.765 billion. The winning ticket was sold at Midway Market & Liquors in Frazier Park, and speculation suggests that the fortunate winner may be a local resident who diligently played the lottery.

However, the record for the largest Powerball prize ever remains unbroken. On November 7, 2022, Edwin Castro, a 31-year-old lucky individual from California, claimed an astronomical $2.04 billion jackpot. Castro's life was forever changed as he opted for the lump sum payment, taking home an astonishing $997.6 million. To celebrate his newfound wealth, Castro treated his friends to an opulent trip to the tropical paradise of Fiji.

As the anticipation builds, Powerball enthusiasts across the nation are eagerly purchasing their $2 tickets, hoping to defy the odds and secure a life-altering fortune. With the drawing set to take place at 10:59 p.m., the nation will collectively hold its breath, waiting to see if anyone will ring in the new year with a massive financial windfall.