Turns out, Connecticut is doing something right. A new study has officially ranked the Nutmeg State as the 9th most successful state in America, giving us some serious bragging rights.

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The ranking, put together by PlayFame Social Casino, looked at wealth, innovation, and business performance to figure out which states are thriving. For Connecticut, that meant strong incomes, plenty of millionaire households, and a workforce that’s heavy on science and tech. Pair that with steady business survival rates and a push for innovation, and suddenly we’re not just hanging on—we’re excelling. Now, sure, we weren’t first, but cracking the top 10 is no small feat.

Here’s the full list of the top 10 most successful states:

1. Massachusetts

2. California

3. Maryland

4. Washington

5. Delaware

6. Virginia

7. New Jersey

8. New Hampshire

9. Connecticut

10. New York

Wait a second—California is “successful”? I’m sorry, but we’re going to need PlayFame Social Casino to run those numbers again. Either that, or just take Connecticut off the list entirely and bump the next state into our spot. Honestly, I’d sleep better at night if we weren’t sharing a headline with them.

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I’m really trying here. I’m trying to wrap my arms around this concept and give it a fair shake. Maybe California aced one category—like millionaire households—and that was enough to drag them into the so-called winner’s circle. Because if this is a big-picture evaluation, then… come on. California, as California does, is a dumpster fire.

We’re talking about a state that’s managed to fumble politics, taxes, prices, and basic infrastructure since before most of us were born. Their governor? A punchline. Their roads? A pothole safari. Their treatment of residents? Let’s just say you’re paying top dollar for bottom-shelf service. Even Hollywood, their crown jewel, is cracking under its own weight—streaming, strikes, and dwindling box office numbers have that empire circling the drain.

And don’t even get me started on the cultural exports. Walk down any major street in L.A. and you’ll spot more face and neck tattoos than Starbucks locations. That’s not style, it’s a warning label.

So yeah, Connecticut, ninth place is fine. We’ll happily sit here. But California as “success”? Please. California, get bent.