A northeastern Massachusetts man is bringing home $1 million after a game show hosted at Martha’s Vineyard in honor of the 1975 theatrical release of the thriller “Jaws.”
The live game show took place on July 13th at Martha’s Vineyard. There, a Steven Spielberg film was filmed for 5½ months in 1974.
This year, Martha’s Vineyard is holding a series of events on June 20, 1975, in honor of the film’s theatrical release.
David O’O’Lett is part of the game show, dubbed the “$1,000,000 Jaw’s Game Show” in the Massachusetts Lottery, and won the game’s top prize of $1 million before tax, the Massachusetts Lottery said in a news release.
The video captured the moment he won. Here’s how he ultimately won the Top Award and what Martha’s vineyard has in store for the remaining “Jaws” 50th anniversary ceremony:
How did the big victory happen?
Urett, who was in the vineyard with his wife, Lynn, was one of the 30 contestants selected to participate.
Tickets were on sale in March 2024. To qualify to compete, contestants submitted non-winning Jaws instant tickets through the Mass Lottery Mobile app and website.
Six winners were selected from the five-second chance drawing, winning a weekend paid trip to Martha’s Vineyard with one guest, and taking part in the “$1,000,000 Jaw’s Game Show” at the Martha’s Vineyard Movie Center.
In the first round of the game show, Ouellette and other contestants chose tiles to spin and reveal awards, including cash amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000. Two contestants selected the tiles and revealed they were moving on to the second round, but one contestant won the top prize of $1 million and the other won the $10,000 award.
In the second round, Ouellette and another contestant chose the tiles until Ouellette made the final decision. It’s the first to pick up five “$1,000,000” tiles and win everything.
“Number 5!” Ouellette screamed in a video filmed that day, waiting to see if the tiles he chose would bring him a victory. As he and the spectators waited in anticipation in the theater, suspense-like music was blown all over.
“Thank you,” he said. “The lottery is amazing!”
Another contestant, Joe Candido of Quincy, about nine miles southeast of Boston, won the $10,000 award.
The remaining competitors brought home prizes such as $500, $1,000, $2,000 and $5,000.
I’m not sure what to do with the man swimming in cash prize money right now
When asked what Ouellette and his wife were going to do with money, the couple were still unsure.
“It’s not attacking us yet,” the couple said.
Martha’s vineyards offer events that are based on the “chin” theme throughout the summer
In addition to the live lottery game show, Martha’s Vineyard guests can also check out “The Shark Is Broken,” comedy plays, art exhibitions, film memorabilia, and “jaw” themed clothes and accessories.
For more information about the 50th Anniversary Festival, visit www.mvy.com/2024/01/18/jaws-50th-niversary-cellebration.
Saleen Martin is a reporter for the USA Today Now team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – 757. Email her to sdmartin@usatoday.com.
