For Indian expat Manu Mohanan, becoming an overnight millionaire didn’t change his routine much. After winning Big Ticket’s first draw of 2025 and taking home a staggering Dh30 million, the 33-year-old celebrated in a uniquely personal way—by playing cricket, a sport he has loved since childhood.
A Nurse Turned Millionaire
Mohanan, a nurse with the National Ambulance in Bahrain, was on a night shift when he received the life-changing news from Big Ticket hosts Richard and Bouchra. After wrapping up his shift at 5 a.m., the Kerala native headed straight to the cricket field, scoring an impressive 141 runs for his team, the Flying Fighters Cricket Club. “Cricket is my first love,” Mohanan said. “Sleep can wait, but the game cannot.”
A Win Shared by 21 Nurses
Mohanan isn’t celebrating alone. The jackpot will be shared among 21 colleagues, all nurses from Kerala. For the group, the win is a lifeline, helping them tackle financial struggles and long-standing debts. “We’ve all been living hand-to-mouth,” said Mohanan. “This win brings relief to all of us.”
A Stroke of Luck with a Free Ticket
The group’s winning ticket came through Big Ticket’s “Buy 2, Get 4 Free” offer. The lucky sixth ticket, purchased on December 26, was the one that made them millionaires. “It feels surreal,” Mohanan admitted. “We cried during a video call after learning the news. None of us have slept since.”
A Lucky Turn for the Family
The timing of the win holds special significance for Mohanan. His family, who joined him in Bahrain a year ago, recently welcomed a baby boy four months ago. “My son has truly brought us luck,” he said with joy.
Staying Grounded Despite Millions
Despite their newfound wealth, Mohanan and his colleagues plan to continue their nursing careers. “We’ve worked hard to reach where we are,” he said. “Our focus is on paying off debts and living a simple, grateful life. But we’ll still try our luck in future draws.”
