Like the popular (like, super popular) 2021 South Korean show “Squid Games,” contestants played exaggerated versions of children’s games for a cash prize of $4.56 million.
The major difference is that — while controversial, in its way — the reality TV show was definitely less lethal. Eliminated contestants get to go home, whereas in the show they are killed on the spot.
The winner was announced in the final episode, which was released on Netflix Dec. 6 at 9 p.m. ET. Here’s what happened.
Who were the final three contestants?
The last three people remaining on “Squid Game: The Challenge” are Mai Whelan (player 287), a 55-year-old immigration adjudicator from Virginia; Sam Lantz (player 016), a 37-year-old artist from Florida and Phill Cain (player 451), is a 27-year-old scuba instructor from Hawaii.
“At no point in the process did i ever think I’d make it this far,” Phill told TODAY.com at a press junket ahead of the finale. “But if I go out, I’m at peace. But then I just kept winning. Being in this position is a shock for sure.”
Mai said she “didn’t have any high expectations,” but was motivated to move forward to see the set.
Who won ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’?
Mai’s sneaky and smart gameplay, in particular, has garnered fan reactions — some hoping she wins, and others hoping she doesn’t. Ultimately, following a high-stakes game of rock, paper, scissor, Mai walked away with the entire cash prize.
Who is Mai and what is she going to do with her prize money?
Mai spoke to Netflix’s Tudum about the experience of victory and her life now.
After the show, Mai returned to her husband, two kids, grandkid and dog. She did say that she spent money on a beaded Ralph Lauren gown to wear to the premiere.
“It’s a beautiful dress. I couldn’t help it,” she said. “But that’s about as frivolous as I want to go.”
She’s also planning a small home renovation and adding a dock for her boat, then donating to efforts surrounding animals and climate change.
