A full recap of Squid Game: The Challenge series one
Three players made it to the final!
Just days after confirming a second series of hit South Korean survival drama Squid Game back in 2022, Netflix excited fans across the world, dropping news of 'the biggest reality competition series ever', Squid Game: The Challenge.
One year later, Netflix released more details about the new series, including the start date, the trailer, and the whopping prize fund, before all episodes landed in November 2023. Now the second series has been confirmed, here's your ultimate recap of series one...
⚠️WARNING: The below article contains some major spoilers⚠️
Who won Squid Game: The Challenge?
The winner was announced during the final episode, with Mai Whelan (Player 287) being crowned the winner ahead of Phill Cain (Player 451) and Sam Wells (Player 016).
Who was in the final?
Three players made it to the final, including Sam (Player 016), Mai (Player 287), and Phill (Player 451).
What was prize money?
In what is the biggest cash prize EVER from a reality show, the life-changing prize money was $4.56 million.
When did Squid Game: The Challenge start?
The brand new series hit Netflix on Wednesday 22nd November 2023.
When did the episodes come out?
Five episodes landed on 22nd November 2023, with another four landing on Wednesday 29th November.
The final episode then landed on the platform at 2am on Thursday 7th December (UK time).
What is Squid Game: The Challenge?
Squid Game: The Challenge is a real-life reality TV version of Netflix show Squid Game, made up of 10 episodes.
The biggest Netflix show ever becomes the biggest reality series ever, with a cash prize of an incredible $4.56 million.
456 players take part in a number of games inspired from the main show, but of course, without the violence and murder, in an attempt to win the life-changing money.
Brandon Riegg, Netflix VP of Unscripted and Documentary Series, said of the show: “Squid Game took the world by storm with Director Hwang’s captivating story and iconic imagery. We’re grateful for his support as we turn the fictional world into reality in this massive competition and social experiment.
"Fans of the drama series are in for a fascinating and unpredictable journey as our 456 real world contestants navigate the biggest competition series ever, full of tension and twists, with the biggest ever cash prize at the end.”
What are the games on Squid Game: The Challenge?
The players took part in seven games taken from the main show, including Red Light, Green Light, Marbles, and Dalgona.
Game one: Red Light, Green Light
Game two: Dalgona
Game three: Warship
Game four: Marbles
Game five: Glass Bridge
Game six: Circle of Trust
Game seven: Rock, Paper, Scissors
As well as the games, the players were also given various tests throughout the show, which led to a number of contestants being eliminated.
Test one: Decision test
Test two: Phone test
Test three: Vote test
Test four: Jack-in-the-box test
Test five: Allegiance test
Test six: Die test
Netflix say: "As they compete through a series of games inspired by the original show - plus surprising new additions - their strategies, alliances, and character will be put to the test while competitors are eliminated around them. The stakes are high, but in this game the worst fate is going home empty-handed."
Where was Squid Game: The Challenge filmed?
Filming took place across two different studios in the UK. Red Light, Green Light was filmed at Cardington Studios in Bedford, with the rest of the game moving to six giant sound stages in Barking, London.
Will there be a second series?
There sure will be! The news of a second series was announced on Wednesday 6th December 2023, with bosses writing on Twitter: 'Squid Game: The Challenge is returning for a Season 2!', alongside a promotional video featuring footage and reviews from the first series.
Will there be a third series?
Yes! In July 2025, Netflix confirmed a third series of The Challenge has been commissioned.
How do I apply for Squid Game: The Challenge?
Applications for series two are now closed, but you can now apply to be on the third series.
Check out which other TV shows you can apply for:
Apply to be on The Traitors
Whilst we await the fourth series, BBC bosses are already on the lookout for applicants for series five of The Traitors! Filming is due to take place in Summer/Autumn 2026, so if you fancy it, apply now.
Apply to be on The Traitors right here.
Closing date: 31st May 2026.
Apply to be on The Great British Bake Off
Following the series 16 final in November, bosses are now on the hunt for aspiring bakers to take part in the 17th series, which is due to air in 2026.
Apply to be on Bake Off here.
Closing date: 15th December 2025.
Apply to be on DIY SOS
DIY SOS is returning to BBC and Nick Knowles is on the hunt for applicants. If you want to nominate a family, or apply for yourself, you can register online now.
Apply to be on DIY SOS right here.
Closing date: 19th December 2025.
Apply to be on The Apprentice
Although applications for series 20 of The Apprentice closed earlier this year, Lord Sugar is now on the hunt for applicants for series 21, which is scheduled to air in early 2027.
Apply to be on The Apprentice right here.
Closing date: 11th January 2026.
Apply to be on Married at First Sight UK
Applications are now open for the 2026 series of Married at First Sight UK. Channel 4 are looking for singletons who are hoping to find their forever partner.
Apply to be on Married At First Sight UK
Closing date: 1st February 2026.
Apply to be on Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly
Dog trainer Graeme Hall is on the hunt for misbehaved dogs for the new series of Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. If you have a naughty pooch, you can ask expert Graeme for help.
Apply to be on Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Dragons' Den
BBC bosses have confirmed Dragons' Den will return for a 22nd series next year, with applications now open! If you have a business or business idea that's looking for investment, this one is for you!
Apply to be on Dragons' Den right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on The Repair Shop
The BBC are looking for applicants for the upcoming series of hit show The Repair Shop. If you have a treasured item that's seen better days and you think the experts can help, get applying!
Apply for The Repair Shop now.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Countdown
Channel 4 are on the lookout for brain box contestants to appear on game show Countdown.
Apply to be on Countdown right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on The Chase
Bosses are on the hunt for contestant for series 15 of The Chase, with filming due to take place later in 2025.
Apply to be on The Chase right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Four In A Bed
If you're a hotel or B&B owner and you're interested in taking part in hit Channel 4 show Four In A Bed, applications are now open!
Apply to be on Four In A Bed right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Sort Your Life Out
Although series five of Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out is airing now, it looks like the show will be back for a sixth series, as bosses are urging applicants to register their interest online.
Apply to be on Sort Your Life Out here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Long Lost Family
Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell are looking for applicants for the new series of Long Long Family, for anyone looking for a missing family member.
Apply to be on Long Lost Family here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on You Bet!
80s challenge show You Bet! returned to our screens in 2024 with Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby. After a huge success, applications are now open for future series.
Apply to be on You Bet! here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on First Dates
Fred Sirieix and his team are looking for new contestants to set up on First Dates.
Apply to be on First Dates here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Location, Location, Location
Property experts Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer are now casting for the 25th anniversary series of Location Location Location.
Apply to be on Location, Location, Location right here
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on The Honesty Box
After series one of dating show The Honesty Box broke viewing records for Channel 4, bosses are now on the lookout for a potential second series of the show. If you fancy finding love and discovering if honesty really is the best policy when it comes to starting a relationship, this show is for you.
Apply to be on The Honesty Box right here.
Closing date: Unknown.
Apply to be on Squid Game: The Challenge
Ahead of the second series in November 2025, Netflix have confirmed there will be a third instalment of Squid Game: The Challenge, with applications now open for people over the age of 21.
Apply to be on Squid Game: The Challenge here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Love Island
Following the dramatic 12th series, Love Island bosses are now on the lookout for singletons for future series.
Apply to be on Love Island right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Squid Game: The Challenge is available on Netflix now.
Now read:
Squid Game: Will there be an American spin-off?
All of the TV shows we can’t wait to return
All of the popular TV shows looking for applicants right now