Sydney Chase the Ace leaves $2.6M jackpot after no ace drawn

Cape Breton's largest-ever Chase the Ace jackpot continues to grow, leaving an estimated jackpot of $2.6 million to be won in a future draw.

Sydney welcomed thousands of visitors descending on the area for a chance to win big money in the popular card game.

Sheldon Boutilier of Albert Bridge won $380,524.25 after drawing a king of spades instead of the coveted ace. 

"Are you excited?" an organizer asked him before he chose a card.

"Oh, yes," said Boutilier, who's originally from Glace Bay.

$2.6M left

His card selection leaves an estimated jackpot of $2.6 million for the next draw on May 7. 

The jackpot was first expected to be $2.2 million, but Chase the Ace announced around 7:30 p.m. it had grown to $2.4 million. 

The crowd was excited and joined in singing along to the music, including "We Rise Again," a classic sung by the Rankin Family. 

Organizers even held up the ace to prove that yes, indeed, it remains in the deck.

The event and ticket sales will be livestreamed online at chasetheacesydney.com and also above. The draw is will be around 8 p.m.

The last draw on April 9 saw Janet MacDonald of Glace Bay go home with $327,000 by pulling the 10 of hearts.

Last October's draw in Inverness saw Englishtown's Donelda MacAskill take home $1.71 million.

• Parking restrictions for Saturday's Chase the Ace

Joe Brown drove up from New Glasgow and said he's been making new friends at the Ashby Legion in Sydney.  

Elaine Bernard from Eskasoni was one of many lining up for tickets. She said she plays every week with her friends.

Those waiting for the draw shared their hopes if they won the money. 

Robert Young said he'd give half to his wife and invest the rest for retirement. 

Walter Muise said the money would make his life easier.

And KJ Macdonald said he'd like to visit Disneyland, take care of family and pay off all his bills. 

Parking restrictions

Police added extra officers at the various Chase the Ace venues. Parking is reduced to one side of the road on some streets. 

Proceeds from Chase the Ace in Sydney support the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 138. A portion with go to Horizon Achievement Centre and Beyond the Horizon Building Campaign.