A Quebec resident won $1 million playing the lottery only 2 months before retirement

Talk about perfect timing.

A person holding a giant cheque for $1 million at the Loto-Québec headquarters while confetti falls in the background.

A person collecting a $1 million from the Loto-Québec headquarters.

Loto-Québec.
Assistant Editor

Many of us dream of breaking the nine-to-five grind with a nice cushion of cash to fall back on and that's now a reality for one lucky Quebec resident.

Christian Vansterthem took home a whopping $1 million win playing the Quebec lottery and the win could not have happened at a better time.

The Lanaudière resident won the top prize following the March 7 Extra draw and it's safe to say it was a timely win considering Vansterthem is set to retire in two months.

According to Loto-Québec Vansterthem had his winning ticket validated at a kiosk while running some errands. The clerk quickly called him back to inform him of his seven-figure windfall, which was brightly displayed on the screen.

Per the crown corp, Vansterthem was in shock and could not believe what he was seeing, so much so that he had to phone a friend to verify his winning lottery numbers, as well. Once he was reassured that his ticket was, in fact, a winner — it was celebration time for Vansterthem.

The Quebec resident still plans on retiring, but he will now be able to do so more comfortably. Loto-Quebec said that Vansterthem will use his winnings to pay off the remainder of his home's mortgage and enjoy his imminent retirement even more. As you should, Christian. As you should!

The winning ticket was purchased at the Boni Soir convenience store at 1031, av. Gilles-Villeneuve in Berthierville. The retailer will also receive a 10% commission of $10,000.

  • Mike Chaar
  • Assistant Editor

    Mike Chaar was an assistant editor & writer for MTL Blog. You might recognize him from bylines in Men's Health, FanSided, Contiki, and ScreenRant, to name a few. Mike's work has also appeared on the 'Real Housewives' and 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' When Mike isn't typing away, you can find him at his fave sushi spot, listening to one of Mariah Carey's 19 number-one hits or creating content.

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