Vancouver has a new multi-millionaire: Phuc Duc (Daniel) Chau.
Chau won $40 million on the May 23, 2025, , though he didn't realize it until mid-June.
The Vancouver resident was running in Burnaby's Central Park when he decided to stop and get a drink at a 7-Eleven. When he got to the till he decided to buy a ticket.
"I just looked at all the lotto numbers and something really pushed me to buy that ticket without any planning," he explained during a BCLC press conference on June 19.
He often buys tickets, Chau added, but doesn't always remember to check them right away. That happened this time, as the ticket worth $40 million sat in his bag until recently.
"On Monday, I was in my office, and I was trying to find a candy to cure my coughing," he explained.
At the same time, he found the two tickets he'd bought for the May 23 draw and decided to check them via his phone. The first one wasn't a winner, but the second one caused him to drop his phone.
"I've never seen that many zeros in my life," he said.
Once he confirmed he'd won, he let his partner know, who took a full hour to convince.
A lot of emotions
The win was emotional for Chau.
"I feel like a roller coaster right now," he said during the press conference.
While he'd known about the massive prize for a few days, the event celebrating the win at BCLC's Vancouver office really brought the win home.
"I feel like I'm getting it, it's hitting me right now."
Now that he's got the cheque, Chau plans to meet with a financial planner. After that he's looking at buying a home, checking off some bucket-list trips around the world, and helping out his family and community.
"It's totally life-changing," says Chau. "I'm just so excited right now."
Big winners in Vancouver
It's the second huge lottery win in B.C. this spring.
Just over a month ago Justin Simporios won $80 million, the .
Video produced by Alanna Kelly
