Washington, DC – On Sunday, September 22, Washington, DC resident Carlos Gamez scored a $20,000 prize in the DC Lottery’s first ever Golden Pick Challenge. The contest was held midfield at Audi Field sports arena during halftime of the D.C. United vs. Seattle Sounders game.

A first for the DC Lottery, the Golden Pick Challenge was an onsite promotion through which entry into the contest was exclusive to D.C. United games played at Audi Field on August 4 and September 4. Would-be contestants who purchased a minimum $10 worth of DC Lottery tickets on the promotion days were eligible to enter into a drawing for the chance to win cash prizes up to $20,000 in the contest. More than 700 entries were submitted. Five contestants – Carlos Gamez, Jonathan Gaulte, Brook Guthrie, Louis Hollins, and Bob Page -- were selected to participate in the Golden Pick Challenge. Only one would have the chance to take home $20,000.

In a secured location during Sunday’s game, each of the five contestants chose a number that corresponded with a mystery box housing a soccer ball. Gamez’s box was opened to reveal the golden soccer ball immediately netting him a $15,000 prize. He then progressed to the Key to Riches portion of the challenge. In this phase of the contest, Gamez was presented a set of five, one of which would open the vault and lead him to additional win of $5,000. He selected the winning key, opened the vault, and walked away with a total win of $20,000. The other four contestants each took home $2,500 prizes.

“I’m excited to go all the way for the big win,” said Gamez. “It was fun to play and great to win,” laughed the Golden Pick Challenge winner. No stranger to the DC Lottery’s winners circle, Gamez has also collected $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000 prizes in various DC Lottery games and promotions. “I really enjoy playing the special promotions and Second Chance contests. It’s great!” he exclaimed.

“The DC Lottery is always looking for more ways to win for our players,” stated Director of Marketing Nicole Jordan. “We entered this partnership with the D.C. United organization with the goal of introducing the fun and excitement of DC Lottery winning experiences to their fans, showing them firsthand that indeed “lots of people win,” and we did just that.”

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