The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $500 million as more people across the country buy a chance at the biggest prize in nearly a year.

The jackpot has gone untouched for 17 consecutive drawings, last hit on November 4. Wednesday night's drawing will be the highest jackpot since a $564.1 million February 11, 2015, drawing, while the highest-ever jackpot remains the $590.5 million drawing won on May 18, 2013, reports CBS Boston.

Officials with the Multi-State Lottery Association raised the jackpot estimate from $450 million due to strong sales before Wednesday night's drawing.

A winner of Wednesday's jackpot could claim the pre-tax $500 million prize through an annuity over 29 years or in a single pre-tax payout of $306 million.

Alvarez LeCesne of Reston is a very lucky man. He matched the first five numbers in the January 22 Powerball drawing to win the game’s second prize of $200,000.
He bought the winning ticket at the 7-Eleven at 2973 Chainbridge Road in Reston. He used Easy Pick, allowing the computer to randomly select the numbers on his ticket.