For Shanthanu, it’s a life-changing windfall that started with a simple ticket
A man from coastal Karnataka has struck gold in Abu Dhabi’s famous Big Ticket raffle, winning 20 million dirhams – about Rs 49 crore or £4.2 million. The 33-year-old winner, Shanthanu Shettigar from Udyavar in Udupi’s district, bought the lucky ticket with a friend while living and working in retail in Muscat, Oman.
Organisers announced the results online on Tuesday, 3 February, during a live televised draw. The winning ticket – series 283, number 305810 – lit up screens, sending cheers across the Gulf and beyond. Big Ticket runs monthly raffles that draw entrants from all over, offering huge cash prizes to expats and locals alike.
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Shanthanu could hardly believe his luck when he heard the news
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Speaking to the organisers straight after, he shared his joy and confirmed he would split the winnings fairly with his friend, as they had agreed when pooling money for the ticket
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This team-up approach is popular among players hoping to boost their chances
Word of the win raced back to Udyavar, where family, friends and neighbours erupted in celebration. They called it a huge point of pride for their tight-knit community. Shanthanu has spent years working abroad but stays closely connected to his roots.
Organisers noted they would contact him soon to sort out the paperwork and hand over the cash. This victory joins a string of big wins by Indian expats in the region lately, proving dreams can come true far from home.
