A former factory worker who swapped his crane for a Ferrari after his EUR 10 million lottery win has said that he is putting the brakes on spending after splurging over EUR 1.5 million in just a month.
Lucky Kursat Yildirim – from Dortmund, North-Rhine Westphalia state, Germany – quit his job at a steel plant and went on a massive spending spree after the EUR 10 million (GBP 8.72 million) win on 24th September, reportedly splashing out EUR 1.5 million (GBP 1.3 million) in the first month alone.
Kursat – now nicknamed ‘Lotto Chico’ – bought a Ferrari, a Porsche Turbo S Cabriolet, and a luxury watch.
The Ferrari – a GBP 392,000 V8 Ferrari 448 Pista – has a top speed of 211mph and can hit 60mph in just 2.85 seconds.
But now, ‘Chico’ has said: “The first expensive purchases just had to be easy.
“I won’t buy a Porsche or Ferrari every month.”
Amid fears the 42-year-old son of hard-working Turkish migrant parents could be broke this time next year, he said: “Most of the money isn’t gone, I made a lot of investments and the rest is in good hands with my brothers and my best friend. These are solid businessmen advising me.”
His wealth is now reportedly set to be invested in properties, among other things.
He already has a penthouse in Istanbul and is looking to buy an apartment building in the north of Dortmund. ‘Chico’ reportedly wants a penthouse with a view of the lake in Dortmund.
Kursat. who does not hold back any details of his win on social media – was recently contacted by the father of an eight-year-old primary school pupil called Gianluca.
Janitor Maik M., 39, who lives nearby, told the Bild newspaper: “I sent him a message after reading about his luxury cars. My son’s an absolute Ferrari enthusiast. He’s got a toy car Ferrari and a t-shirt. I thought maybe Chico could give my son a ride.”
Kursat instantly agreed. He explained: “I enjoy making others happy. For me, it was just a short ride. But the lad might remember this day for the rest of his life.”
Gianluca added: “I loved it. I like how fast it can go. Once I was literally pushed back into my seat.”
Kursat took Gianluca to the local McDonald’s Drive-through for burgers.
Asked by the multimillionaire whether he would also like Coca-Cola, cheeky Gianluca replied: “That’s quite unhealthy for kids. Get me a milkshake instead!”
To express his gratitude, Gianluca handed Kursat a picture of a Ferrari he had drawn.
Above the sketch, it said: “Ferrari is my favourite kind of car. I love everything about it. I got a Lego Ferrari, a Ferrari t-shirt and even a Ferrari tracksuit.
“Since being in kindergarten, I dream about driving my own Ferrari when I’m a grown up. I would be so happy.”
Kursat has made headlines for being outspoken about his dark past and his ambitions as a multimillionaire.
Reflecting on his past, Kursat admitted: “I’ve done a lot of bad things. I’ve been at the very bottom. Today I’m so sorry about all of that.”
Kursat has been convicted of fraud and robbery. He robbed several amusement arcades to feed his gambling and drug addiction, according to local media.
He was given a 27-month jail term in February 2021 but was released early due to good conduct and his willingness to undergo therapy.
Kursat now said: “I’ve always been the misfit of my family. So many people have written me off. They said I’m done.
“I kept praying to God for another chance because I was desperate to leave my old life behind.”
Kursat has also been outspoken regarding his determination to find what money can’t buy.
He told Bild: “Please point out in your story that I’m still single. She may be blonde or brunette, I don’t care. But I prefer the natural type.
“Anyone with botox lips, hair extensions and long fingernails won’t stand a chance.”
The weightlifting enthusiast revealed he has been flooded with messages from women since he spread the news of his lottery windfall on Facebook and Instagram.
He underlined: “I really want to fall in love. I’m looking for a woman who loves to travel and is ready to start a family with me. I need a woman I can trust no matter what happens.”
The tabloid has set up an e-mail address for women to get in touch.
However, his ex-girlfriend claimed a few days later that he had dumped her after winning the jackpot. The heartbroken 50-year-old was reportedly horrified and told local media she never wanted to see him again.
Since the news of his big win emerged, the supporter of football club Besiktas Istanbul has to deal with requests for autographs and selfies as he walks the roads of Dortmund.
He claimed: “Many members of our local Turkish community consider me a hero. They would be said if I leave. I’ll always live here. The north of Dortmund is my hood. I’ll never forget where I’m coming from.”
Kursat vehemently rejected concerns all of the money would be gone shortly due to his newly-established lavish lifestyle.
He underlined: “I can look after myself very well. I’ve taken precautions. The money is in safe hands.”
Kursat – who came to North-Rhine Westphalia at the age of 12 – also revealed he would continue to play the lottery despite his jackpot win. He explained: “It’s an old habit. I just can’t change it. I’ve been playing the lottery for 15 years.”
Speaking about his future plans, the multimillionaire said: “The great thing about it is that you can make so many people happy. I’ve immediately transferred money to my parents and my brothers.
“I’d love to go to Africa to dig wells and give presents to the children there.
Asked about his fancy cars, Kursat said: “I just got them for the haters. For all the envious people.”
Asked whether he already regrets revealing his big win by posting it all on social media, Kursat explained: “Everyone should know! Ninety per cent are jealous and think I don’t deserve this. But I’m working class, I’ll never become an arrogant person.”
Kursat made headlines when it emerged that he had broken into tears while driving his Ferrari to meet his 76-year-old stepmother Jutta S., 76.
The emotional meeting – reportedly their first in more than 20 years – took place on 14th November.
In an interview with Bild, Kursat said: “I’m the happiest person! I’ve been looking for her for so long and I would have never stopped until I died.”
Kursat’s father was already working in Germany when he and his two brothers moved there too. His dad had remarried Jutta, who accepted her husband’s children as her own and took care of them for eight years.
But when the boys grew up and each of them headed their own way, they reportedly lost contact with Jutta S.
Now Kursat managed to track down an old friend of Jutta’s and got his stepmother’s contact. He then called her after which they quickly scheduled a get-together to catch up on the years they have spent apart.
On the way there, Kursat said: “She is very, very special to me. You know, anyone can make a child. But not everyone can be there for a child. She did everything for us, more than some mothers do for their own children.”
He pointed out: “She even gave us money to call our own mother and buy her a present for Mother’s Day.”
Following their overwhelming meeting, ‘Chico’ said: “I was so looking forward to this day and then it was so special. She was happy too, said she thought of us so often.”
The 42-year-old even decided to take his mother to the encounter so that the two women could finally meet.
His mother had only recently moved to Germany to join the family.
‘Chico’ said: “I had to interpret. Jutta told my mother that she never wanted to ruin our family. She’s such a great woman, we can never forget her.”
The 76-year-old stepmother then gave her stepson a valuable piece of advice by saying: “Boy, be careful. The money can be gone very quickly, as much as it seems now.”
