TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey Lottery player claimed a $5.9 million Pick-6 prize on May 14 after finding the winning ticket crumpled inside an old pair of pants at his home. The player arrived at the New Jersey Lottery Office eight days before the ticket from the May 22, 2025 drawing would have expired.

The ticket was purchased at the Eisenhower Exxon at 550 Eaglerock Ave. in Roseland, New Jersey. The winning numbers were 20-21-30-31-42-44.

In late April, the Lottery announced that the ticket for the May 22, 2025 Pick-6 drawing remained unclaimed. The player then spoke with employees at the store where he had purchased the ticket, and they suggested he double-check his old tickets.

The player searched his house, including his closet and every pants pocket, before locating the crumpled Pick-6 ticket from the May 22, 2025 drawing. After finding the ticket, the player traveled to the Lottery Office in Trenton, N.J., to claim the prize in person.

Pick-6 tickets in New Jersey are valid for one year from the date of the drawing. The May 22, 2025 ticket would have become void after that anniversary date, meaning the player had until late May 2025 to redeem it. By arriving on May 14, the player claimed the prize with eight days remaining before the deadline.

"As always, New Jersey Lottery reminds players to check their tickets." the Lottery said. "While jackpot prizes going unclaimed is rare, many small tickets sit unclaimed in drawers and pockets for months or years when they could be redeemed for cash."