NC man is the first Powerball millionaire of 2023

Gary Krigbaum of Spindale rang in 2023 with $1 million, becoming the first Powerball millionaire of the year.

Krigbaum's big win was just after midnight as the ball dropped in Times Square. Although he was not in New York City to celebrate, his daughter was.

Krigbaum won the trip to participate in person in “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023" as part of the lottery's “Powerball First Millionaire of the Year” promotion. He sent his daughter, Sarah Day, to New York City on his behalf.

During the broadcast, he was selected as one of five chosen to be entered in a drawing for the $1 million prize. After midnight, he on.

“Dad, Dad, I’m bringing home a million dollars,” Day shouted to her father after she won.

"I don’t know what to say,” Day told Seacrest on national TV. ” I want my dad to have as much of it as possible. I want him to go fishing and get his truck and whatever he needs.”

Seven other North Carolinians also won a VIP trip for two to New York City as part of the promotion and spent the holiday weekend in Times Square.