Man wins $1M prize during game show celebrating release of 'Jaws'
The live game show was held on July 13 at Martha's Vineyard, where the Steven Spielberg movie was filmed over a 5 ½ month period in 1974.
This year, Martha's Vineyard is hosting a series of events in honor of the film's theatrical release on June 20, 1975.
David Ouellette was part of the game show, dubbed the Massachusetts State Lottery's '$1,000,000 Jaws Game Show,' and took home the game's $1 million top prize before taxes, the Massachusetts State Lottery said in a news release.
Video captured the moment he won. Here's how he ended up taking home the top prize, and what Martha's Vineyard has in store for the rest of its 'Jaws' 50th anniversary celebration.
Read more: Will we need a bigger boat? Martha's Vineyard awash in 'Jaws' at 50 mania
How did the big win happen?
Ouellette, who was at the vineyard with his wife, Lynn, was one of 30 contestants selected to participate.
The tickets went on sale in March of 2024. To be eligible to compete, contestants submitted non-winning Jaws instant tickets through the Mass Lottery mobile app and website.
Six winners were chosen from five Second Chance drawings, earning a paid weekend trip to Martha's Vineyard with one guest, and participation in the '$1,000,000 JAWS Game Show' at the Martha's Vineyard Film Center.
During the game show's first round, Ouellette and the other contestants selected a tile to turn around and reveal their prize, including cash amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000. Two of the contestants selected tiles, revealing they were moving forward to the second round, while one contestant would win the top prize of $1 million and the other would receive a $10,000 prize.
In the second round, Ouellette and another contestant took turns selecting tiles until Ouellette made his final decision. The first to choose five '$1,000,000' tiles to win it all.
'Number five!' Ouellette yelled in a video captured that day, waiting to see if the tile he chose would bring him victory. As he and onlookers waited in anticipation inside the theater, suspenseful music blared throughout.
'Thank you all,' he said. 'The lottery is great!'
Another contestant, Joe Candido of Quincy, about 9 miles southeast of Boston, won the $10,000 prize.
The rest of the contestants took home prizes including $500, $1,000, $2,000, and $5,000.
Man now swimming in cash uncertain of what to do with prize money
When Ouellette and his wife were asked what they planned to do with the money, the couple wasn't quite sure yet.
'It hasn't hit us yet,' the couple said.
Martha's Vineyard offering 'Jaws' themed events all summer
In addition to the lottery's live game show, Martha's Vineyard guests can also check out 'The Shark is Broken,' a comedic stageplay, as well as an art exhibition, film memorabilia, and 'JAWS'-themed clothing and accessories.
More information on the 50th anniversary festivities can be found at www.mvy.com/2024/01/18/jaws-50th-anniversary-celebration.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
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