Big Ticket hosts Richard and Bouchra during the live draw on January 3, 2026. SUPPLIED

A Filipina expat based in Dubai has kicked off 2026 with a life-changing win after bagging the Dh30 million grand prize in the Big Ticket Series 282 live draw. During the draw held on January 3 (Saturday), Anna Lee Gayongan was announced as the lucky winner of the multi-million-dirham prize. The draw also named Elango Pandi as the winner of a brand-new BMW 430i. Gayongan, a senior account executive from the Philippines, has been living in Dubai with her family for the past 15 years. She purchased the winning ticket number 074090 independently and has been participating in Big Ticket draws for several years. Reacting to the win, Gayongan said she was overwhelmed after receiving the call. She described the moment as the perfect way to begin the new year. Meanwhile, BMW winner, Elango Pandi, is a 57-year-old specialist quality engineer who has been living in Abu Dhabi since 2006. He first learned about Big Ticket during his travels and began purchasing tickets in 2007, initially buying them in person at Abu Dhabi International Airport before switching to online purchases over the past two years. “When I received the winning call, it was the happiest news I’ve ever heard in my life,” he said. “After purchasing for so many years, finally receiving the call felt surreal. Winning at the very beginning of the year makes it even more special.” Pandi, who is originally from Chennai, India, said he is still deciding whether to keep the car or convert it to cash. “While I would love to keep it, I’m also considering the option of cashing it in,” he shared. “One thing I’m certain about is that I’ll continue purchasing tickets, and I encourage others to keep trying as well. If I could win after so many years, then everyone’s time will come too.” The next Big Ticket draw will be on February 3, with a Dh20 million grand prize and five consolation prizes of Dh1 million each. Tickets are available via bigticket.ae or at counters located in Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Airport. ICA/Expat Media
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