Four Calgary friends win record $90-million Lotto Max jackpot, the largest in Canadian history

Four Calgary friends split a record $90-million Lotto Max jackpot from the Oct. 20 draw, the largest lottery win in Canadian history. Each of them takes home roughly $22.5 million.

Elchico found out at 3 a.m., when he got up for a glass of water and checked his email. The group had started a chat called 'Manifesting Millions' when the jackpot began climbing in early October. "It changed everything, I see the notification and I cannot believe that," he told reporters Friday morning. "I can't count the number."

Ramirez didn't answer the first call because it was too early, then picked up when they rang again. "They shared the screenshot of the winning numbers and (I) had my husband check and maybe it's true!" Ramirez said she thought the notification was a scam at first. "It's pretty nerve wracking and overwhelming," she said.

Before Friday's press conference, only the winners' spouses knew. Malvar joked about buying a private island but said she would likely wait before deciding what to do with the money. Donations to the Alberta Children's Hospital or a local church were floated, but the group has not chosen an organization. Elchico became emotional describing how the win will affect their lives and said he wants to share the wealth in the community.

Steve Lautischer, executive vice president of business development at Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, called it "probably the most welcomed" email the lottery has sent. "I suspect this could the single most lucrative email ever in Canada," he said.