An Indian architect living in Abu Dhabi has won Dh25,000 after buying his first Big Ticket on his own. Ilanzhsuriyan Vijayakumar received the prize in the third weekly e-draw for June after changing the way he entered the popular raffle. His win came after years of taking part in the draws with a group of friends.
The 45-year-old architect has lived in Abu Dhabi for the past 15 years. Originally from India, he moved to the UAE to build his career and has continued to call the capital home. Over the years, he regularly joined Big Ticket draws with friends, sharing the cost of tickets and hoping for a lucky result.
This time, however, Vijayakumar decided to do something different. Instead of entering as part of a group, he bought a ticket by himself for the first time. That decision proved to be a successful one when his ticket was selected in the weekly electronic draw, earning him a cash prize of Dh25,000.
The winner said he first learned about Big Ticket through his friends. Their regular participation encouraged him to join the draws, and he continued buying tickets over several years. Although he had never won a major prize before, he remained hopeful that one day his numbers would be chosen.
Winning the weekly prize came as a pleasant surprise. Like many participants, Vijayakumar had entered the draw with no guarantee of success. The unexpected result rewarded his patience and gave him a financial boost that he had not anticipated.
Big Ticket is one of the best-known prize draw programs in the UAE. It attracts participants from many countries, especially people living and working across the Gulf region. Draws usually offer large cash prizes, luxury vehicles, and regular weekly rewards, giving thousands of ticket holders the chance to win throughout the year.
Many participants choose to buy tickets with family members, friends, or colleagues. Sharing the cost allows groups to enter more often while splitting any prize if they win. Others prefer to buy tickets individually, hoping to claim the full reward if their ticket is selected.
Weekly electronic draws have become an important part of the Big Ticket program. These draws provide more chances for participants to win smaller cash prizes between the larger monthly jackpot events. This format keeps players engaged and increases the number of winners announced each month.
The latest win highlights how every valid ticket has an equal chance of being selected, whether it is purchased individually or as part of a group. For Vijayakumar, buying a ticket alone for the first time turned out to be the right decision.
The architect has spent many years building both his career and his life in Abu Dhabi. His story reflects the experiences of many expatriates who have made the UAE their home while pursuing professional opportunities. Winning the cash prize adds another memorable chapter to his journey.
Although Dh25,000 is smaller than the top jackpot prizes offered through Big Ticket, it is still a meaningful reward. Winners often use such prizes to support their families, cover personal expenses, invest in future plans, or save for long-term financial goals.
Big Ticket continues to attract thousands of hopeful participants each month as new draws are announced. Many people return regularly with the hope that persistence will eventually lead to success. Vijayakumar’s experience shows that even a simple change in approach can sometimes produce an unexpected result.
His story has added another name to the growing list of weekly winners in the UAE. As future draws approach, participants across the country will once again wait to see whether luck will choose their ticket next.
