In a small, peaceful village in Belgium, a group of 21 close-knit friends had been living ordinary lives, but all that changed when their shared dream became a reality. The friends, who had known each other for years, regularly played the EuroMillions lottery together. Little did they know that one fateful ticket would change their lives forever. This was no ordinary win — it was the second largest EuroMillions jackpot ever claimed in Belgium, totaling an astounding €123 million ($145 million). The group had always agreed that if they ever won, they would share the prize equally. Each winner will walk away with about €5.8 ($6.8 million). Marianne, a retiree who is one of the winners, said she and her husband are going to be wise with their money and not do anything foolish. Still, some celebrations were in order, so the 21 winners met that same evening at a local cafe to celebrate, with plenty of champagne bubbles. The secret to such a big win? According to Redgy Taerwe of Belegde Broodjes, the sandwich shop that sold the winning ticket, “It involves a good amount of luck.” He went on to say that the group chose a quick-pick ticket and paid €105 ($123). That’s not a bad return on their money.
