In a twist of fate that would be the envy of many, Bengaluru resident Arun Kumar Vatakke Koroth has become an overnight millionaire by winning a colossal sum of Dh20 million (approximately Rs 44,75,67,571) in the Big Ticket draw series number 250 held in Abu Dhabi. The ticket that changed his life, numbered 261031, was purchased on March 22 through the Big Ticket website—a platform he discovered recently, thanks to his friends who introduced him to the live draws.
Koroth’s story could rival the most dramatic tales of sudden fortune. Initially, upon receiving the call from the show’s host announcing his win, he dismissed it as a prank and hung up the phone. He even went so far as to block the number, suspecting a joke. It was only after receiving another call from a different number that the reality of his windfall began to sink in.
“I could not believe that I had won the first prize. I am still in disbelief. I bought this ticket through the ‘buy two get one free’ option. The ticket I won was the third one,” Mr. Koroth shared in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times. He purchased the ticket with tempered optimism, this being only his second attempt at entering the raffle.
Currently undergoing knee surgery in a hospital, Koroth plans to use his newfound fortune to fulfill a long-cherished dream of starting his own business. “I have a dream. I will try to achieve the same,” he declared, signaling the start of a promising new chapter in his life.
The Big Ticket raffle, widely recognized in the UAE, offers substantial cash prizes on a monthly basis. The grand prize typically ranges between Dh15 million to Dh20 million, making it a highly coveted draw among participants.
. Randomly selected winners are announced during live draws held in Abu Dhabi, adding an element of excitement and suspense for hopeful entrants tuning in from around the globe.
Koroth was not the only Indian national to experience joy during this round of the Big Ticket raffle. Suresh Mathan, residing in Bahrain, secured the second prize worth Dh100,000 (approximately Rs 2,237,837). In addition, Muhammed Shefeek, an India-born resident of Oman, claimed the third prize of Dh90,000. Their luck serves as a testament to the widespread participation and cross-border appeal of the Big Ticket raffle.
The success stories of Koroth, Mathan, and Shefeek have highlighted the broad popularity of the Big Ticket raffle, particularly among expatriates in the UAE. It is a draw that not only promises life-changing sums of money but also underscores the power of hope and perseverance in the face of unfathomable odds.
Over time, the Big Ticket raffle has garnered a reputation for making millionaires out of ordinary people, and Koroth’s win has only bolstered this status. The lottery’s format typically involves a straightforward purchase, either online or from physical locations, with participants often enticed by promotional offers such as “buy two, get one free.” This particular offer proved to be a golden ticket for Koroth, transforming his life in an instant.
Koroth’s newfound celebrity status in his hometown of Bengaluru has brought him not just attention but admiration, as many see his win as a sign of hope during challenging times. It’s a story that has resonated widely, given the uncertainties many face, and serves as a beacon of optimism.
Reflecting on his win, Koroth has expressed gratitude and plans to ensure his prize aids in the stability and growth of his aspirations. While his immediate focus is on recovering from his knee surgery, the promise of this substantial financial windfall means that once he’s back on his feet, both literally and metaphorically, the horizons seem boundless.
This edition of the Big Ticket raffle underscores the transformative potential such lotteries offer. For Arun Kumar Vatakke Koroth, what started as a casual attempt at a raffle has culminated in a windfall so grand that it promises to fulfill dreams and perhaps spark inspiration for countless others.
