Silva Saarinen and Gannon Buhr earned $50,000 each by winning the inaugural Powerball Cup in Lynchburg, Virginia, topping a record-setting $350,000 Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) championship purse. According to Powerball.com, the tournament concluded the first season of Powerball’s multi-year sponsorship as the Presenting Partner of the Disc Golf Pro Tour.
The 2026 DGPT circuit featured 23 tournaments held across four countries and 18 U.S. states. More than 650 professional athletes from over 25 countries competed throughout the season for points on the Powerball DGPT World Standings to qualify for the championship finale.
What were the key highlights of the Powerball and DGPT partnership?
Through its title partnership, Powerball financed expanded tour operations, enhanced course infrastructure, and increased broadcast accessibility for disc golf fans. As part of the multi-year deal, the circuit was rebranded as the Disc Golf Pro Tour Presented by Powerball, integrating the brand into the Powerball DGPT World Standings, the Powerball DGPT Playoffs, and the season-ending Powerball Cup.
“What we’ve accomplished in our first year with the Disc Golf Pro Tour has been significant,” said Stephen Durrell, Powerball Product Group Chair and Kansas Lottery Executive Director. “From investing in the Tour’s future to creating new opportunities for athletes and fans, we’re proud of the impact this partnership has had on the sport. The Powerball Cup reflects that progress and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”
Jeff Spring, DGPT CEO and Tour Director, highlighted the operational expansion made possible by the corporate partnership. “In our first season together, we’ve awarded the biggest purse in the history of the sport at the Powerball Cup, and we’ve introduced disc golf to new fans by making the first hour of every live broadcast this season available for free thanks to Powerball,” Spring said.
How did spectator promotions work at tour events?
The sponsorship extended beyond elite competition to include spectator engagement programs at U.S. tournament stops through the Powerball Ace promotion. At each participating event, five randomly selected spectators were given an opportunity to throw for an ace on the live DGPT stage in front of Saturday gallery crowds, broadcast live on the Disc Golf Network.
specifications of the fan contest included:
- Starting prize pool: The promotion launched with a $5,000 grand prize at the 2026 Supreme Flight Open.
- Progressive jackpot: The grand prize value increased by $1,000 at each subsequent tournament stop throughout the season.
- Closest-to-the-pin prize: Spectators who threw closest to the target without making an ace received a guaranteed $500 award at each event.
How Powerball brand partnerships relate to lottery operations
Multi-state lottery organizations use sports sponsorships and public promotional partnerships to support core lottery visibility. Powerball is coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), a non-profit association formed by member state lotteries. Revenues generated from official Powerball ticket sales are returned to participating jurisdictions to fund public education, environmental conservation, veteran programs, and state infrastructure.
Understanding the Powerball game format helps players understand how funds flow from draw sales to public benefits. Powerball drawings take place three times a week—every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. To play, participants select five numbers from 1 to 69 and one Powerball number from 1 to 26.
Players interested in ticket requirements across international borders can review eligibility rules for non-US residents, or read our step-by-step rules and guide for international players.
Powerball draw mechanics, prize tiers, and odds
Powerball jackpots start at an estimated $20 million and grow based on game sales and interest rates until won. The overall odds of winning any Powerball prize are 1 in 24.87, while the odds of matching all six numbers to win the jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338.
The table below outlines the nine official prize divisions, fixed payout values, and mathematical odds for standard Powerball plays:
| Match Requirement | Base Prize Payout | Odds of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 5 White Balls + Powerball | Jackpot (Annuitized or Cash) | 1 in 292,201,338 |
| 5 White Balls | $1,000,000 | 1 in 11,688,053.52 |
| 4 White Balls + Powerball | $50,000 | 1 in 913,129.18 |
| 4 White Balls | $100 | 1 in 36,525.17 |
| 3 White Balls + Powerball | $100 | 1 in 14,494.11 |
| 3 White Balls | $7 | 1 in 579.76 |
| 2 White Balls + Powerball | $7 | 1 in 701.33 |
| 1 White Ball + Powerball | $4 | 1 in 91.98 |
| Powerball Only | $4 | 1 in 38.32 |
Players can verify winning combinations following each drawing to check Powerball numbers against official state lottery figures.
How to participate in lottery draws online legally
In jurisdictions where digital ticket purchasing is authorized, players can buy official lottery entries through regulated courier services or official state lottery apps. These services purchase physical paper tickets on behalf of the user from licensed brick-and-mortar retailers.
For detailed information on platform licensing and state-by-state availability, visit our guide to buy lottery tickets online safely. Players choosing to purchase tickets digitally can utilize registered platforms such as The Lotter online ticket courier service.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the inaugural Powerball Cup?
Silva Saarinen won the female professional division and Gannon Buhr won the male professional division at the Powerball Cup in Lynchburg, Virginia, earning $50,000 each.
What was the total prize purse for the Powerball Cup championship?
The Powerball Cup offered a total purse of $350,000, which according to the Disc Golf Pro Tour is the largest single-tournament purse in disc golf history.
How does Powerball partner with sports organizations like the DGPT?
Powerball participates in multi-year presenting partner agreements to fund event infrastructure, expand spectator contests, and provide free broadcast content, using its national brand visibility to support sports development.
Play responsibly. Lottery games are a form of entertainment, not a guaranteed source of income. If gambling is affecting your wellbeing, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline (US: 1-800-522-4700) or your local support organization.
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