Have you ever fantasized about winning the lottery? I know I have, dreaming up all the ways I would spend my millions. But what would you do if you actually won? Would you claim your prize openly, or would you try to keep your identity a secret?
Well, one lucky winner in Jamaica recently made headlines for his unconventional approach to claiming his prize. Instead of revealing his face to the public, the winner showed up to collect his winnings wearing a “Scream” mask, the iconic white face with a black robe and hood made famous by the horror movie of the same name. Talk about a dramatic entrance!
The mystery winner, known only as A. Campbell, won the equivalent of 158.4 million Jamaican dollars (around USD 1.2 million) in the Super Lotto jackpot. But instead of basking in the limelight and celebrating his newfound wealth, Campbell chose to conceal his identity from the public and even his own family.
Donning a white ghostly mask made popular by the film, the winner, identified only as A. Campbell, arrived at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston to pick up his giant check, Inside Edition reports. In addition to the mask, the winner wore a long coat, pants and gloves.
Campbell claimed the $158,400,000 prize — which equals nearly $1.2 million in U.S. currency — without ever showing his face.
Supreme Ventures runs the lottery in several Caribbean islands. Campbell reportedly took 54 days to claim the ticket, and Supreme Ventures had been urging the winner to step forward before the 90-day deadline passed, Caribbean news publication, Loop reports. Campbell told the publication he fell ill after realizing he owned the winning ticket. “My head hurt me for three days because I was thinking so much. [Wondering] if what I’ve been longing for really come true,” Campbell said. “I had a belly ache for two weeks, sometimes I feel so much pain I forgot that I had won.”
Campbell purchased the ticket for $200 in Jamaican money, which amounts to $1.49 in U.S. dollars. While the masked winner didn’t reveal much personal information, he did say he was going to invest the money in a house, according to Loop.
In a country like Jamaica, where poverty rates are high and crime is a concern, it’s understandable why Campbell would want to protect himself and his loved ones. And who can blame him for wanting to keep his windfall a secret, at least for a little while?
So what’s next for A. Campbell, the masked lottery winner? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure – he’s certainly made a memorable entrance into the world of lottery winners. And hey, if wearing a “Scream” mask is what it takes to protect his identity and enjoy his winnings in peace, then more power to him. Congratulations, A. Campbell – may your future be filled with continued luck and prosperity.
Flip to the next page for pictures of the prize presentation…
