First Win in 2022: A Nail-Biting Pools Victory
For most lottery players, even winning a free ticket can feel like a rare event. But for East York’s Ellias Korkontzilas, good fortune seems to strike more than once. In 2022, Ellias and his friend Tatjana Tesla won an impressive $159,104 playing Pools, a sports betting game offered by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
At the time, the pair had placed their bet during an intense NFL game. Tesla described the experience as “a real nail-biter.” But the victory didn’t sink in immediately.
Korkontzilas recalled the surreal moment he discovered the win:
“I woke up the next morning to check the ticket and it felt surreal.”
They later claimed their prize at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto, planning to use the winnings for travel and charitable donations.
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Fast Forward to 2025: Lightning Strikes Twice
Three years after his first win, Ellias Korkontzilas returned to the OLG Prize Centre—this time alone and with another major win under his belt.
Now 49 years old and working in real estate, Korkontzilas has been a consistent lottery player for over 15 years. He regularly plays a range of OLG games including Poker Lotto, Megadice Lotto, and Lightning Lotto.
His second lucky break came in June 2025, when he purchased a Poker Lotto All In ticket at Esso/Circle K on Danforth Avenue in Toronto. What happened next caught him completely off guard.
“I bought this ticket as part of my weekly routine,” he said.
“When I purchased it, the terminal screen instantly said, ‘Big Winner.’ I was shocked and excited at the same time.”
Oshawa Man Strikes It Rich Wins $100,000 in Lotto Max Jackpot
Second Jackpot Details: A $64,041.20 Surprise
The Poker Lotto All In jackpot on June 15, 2025, was worth $59,041.20. As if that weren’t enough, Korkontzilas also won $5,000 in the instant portion of the ticket, bringing his total windfall to $64,041.20.
After learning of his win, the first person he contacted was his mother.
“She was surprised and very happy for me,” he shared. He plans to save his prize money and take a practical approach to this unexpected financial boost.
$80 Million Lotto Max Jackpot Won in Surrey, B.C : Historic Win for One Lucky Ticket Holder
“Being a Winner Feels Surreal” — And It Happened Twice
With two major wins in just three years, Ellias Korkontzilas has defied the odds in a way most lottery players only dream of. While the majority of players rarely hit the jackpot even once, this Toronto man has managed to do it twice — and with two different games.
Still, Korkontzilas remains grounded, repeating the same phrase that followed his first win:
“Being a winner feels surreal.”
$1 Million Lotto Max Ticket Bought in Surrey Still Unclaimed: Expiring in May 2025
Responsible Gaming Reminder
While stories like this are undeniably exciting, it’s important to remember that lottery and betting games are games of chance. The outcomes are unpredictable, and most players won’t walk away with big wins.
If you choose to participate in gambling activities, do so responsibly. For those who may be experiencing difficulties related to gambling, support is available through local and national resources.
How will he won the lottomax for each 3 years? Are you buying the quick pick numbers or your numbers?
I buy both Lotto Max and lotto 649 twice weekly I have won a lot free ticket and $49 and $37 and plenty of $20 and $10 tickets but never a big one I also buy twice weekly scratch tickets and win frequently my largest win was a few years back when I won 100 on cash crunch every line was
a $5 winner ALL 20 Of them