Oregon Lottery’s $1.3 billion Powerball winner reflects on year since big prize, still in cancer battle

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- It’s been a year since Cheng “Charlie” Saephan’s life was forever changed, as he discovered the Powerball ticket he purchased was worth $1.3 billion - the largest in Oregon’s history and fourth largest Powerball jackpot in history.

Saephan shared the prize with his wife and a friend, who went in on the ticket purchase.  

Since April 6, 2024, when the winning drawing took place, he’s been focused on his health, and is “still fighting” a cancer diagnosis. Other than a guys’ trip to Vegas, he has chosen to stay in the Portland area and has undergone two surgeries, not allowing for much jet-setting.     

So how has the prize changed his life over the past year? Saephan used some of his good fortune to buy a new home for his family and made a fun purchase for himself – a metallic, neon Lamborghini. The color and style is so rare, he had to purchase the sports car from a dealer in Canada.  

“I don’t worry about money now,” he said. “I’ve got my family set up.”  

He’s also supporting the community, with the purchase of east side apartments as an investment property and is financially invested in a growing, local Thai restaurant group.  

The response to his big win had his heartfelt story and picture show up in media coverage across the globe. He was even recognized by a stranger at a Portland Trail Blazers game.  

“’Hi, how are you doing?’ a woman at the game asked,” Saephan said. “I had a beer in my hand and we cheered and she was acting like she knows me. I said, ‘Do I know you?’ and she said, ‘I saw you on the news. You look like the guy who won the lottery.’”   

Day to day, not much has changed. Saephan is at home when his children arrive after school and mostly continues to enjoy a simple life. He still enjoys some lottery play, buying Powerball and Megabucks tickets each week. He believes he could win again, as much as he believes in using his good fortune to help support his family and community.  

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.