A security guard who has called UAE's Sharjah home for 19 years and has been buying Big Ticket finally struck luck after a decade of trying. Ashik Patinharath from Kerala took home the Dh 25 million (approximately Rs 59 crore) grand prize in the latest draw. The Khaleej Times newspaper reported.
The 38-year-old lives alone in the UAE while his family remains in India. He has been purchasing tickets for the past 10 years, never losing hope.
"I am still in shock—my heart dropped when I got the call. Since I wasn’t watching the live draw, it was a huge surprise," he said. "You can imagine my happiness—after 10 years, I have finally won the grand prize," Ashik said.
Coming from humble beginnings, his first priority is to provide financial support for his family. "I will keep purchasing Big Ticket, and my advice to others is simple: buy your tickets every month—one day, your turn will come.”
Later this month, one lucky ticket holder will walk away with a staggering Dh 20 million grand prize. In addition to the grand prize, Big Ticket customers have the opportunity to win Dh 2,50,000 in weekly e-draws. Every week, two lucky winners will be selected. Malayali expats in the UAE regularly win the Big Ticket draws.
UAE citizen Mohamed Al Zarooni also drove away in the sleek and powerful BMW M440i. The 39-year-old Emirati IT Manager first heard about Big Ticket from a friend and decided to give it a shot just five months ago. Little did he know, luck was already on his side.
“When I got the call, I was very happy. As for the car, I’m still undecided—I might keep it, or I might sell it. But one thing’s for sure: this win has only fuelled my excitement. Now, I’m setting my sights on the grand prize!"
