The Man Lightning Struck Thrice: David Serkin’s Impossible Winning Streak

In the world of probability, winning a major lottery jackpot is often described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” event. For David Serkin, a retired resident of Lethbridge, Alberta, that mathematical certainty was tossed out the window. In a span of just nine months, Serkin managed to defy odds that are essentially astronomical, claiming three major jackpots that turned his retirement into a multimillion-dollar windfall.

Serkin’s extraordinary run began on August 20, 2024, when he won CA $500,000 on a Lotto Max ticket. While most would consider that the ultimate stroke of luck, for Serkin, it was merely the opening act. Just three months later, on November 16, 2024, he hit again—this time winning CA $1 million in a Lotto 6/49 draw.

The streak reached legendary status on May 3, 2025. Less than a year after his first win, Serkin discovered he had won another CA $1 million playing Lotto 6/49. In total, he amassed roughly CA $2.5 million in less than a year. If you count a smaller win from years prior, Serkin has essentially made a career out of beating the house.

What makes this story truly resonate, however, is Serkin’s perspective. Having recently survived a battle with cancer, the retiree views his luck through a lens of profound gratitude. He has played the lottery casually since 1982, but he maintains that the money is secondary to the gift of life itself.

“Surviving cancer makes you realize what really matters,” Serkin noted. While the CA $2.5 million offers a comfortable cushion, it is the time spent enjoying it—rather than the balance in the bank—that remains his greatest prize. In a world of statistics, David Serkin proves that sometimes, the universe decides to smile on you more than once.