Winner revealed for Squid Game: The Challenge
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, and now all episodes have finally landed!
⚠️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).
What is the prize money for Squid Game: The Challenge?
In what is the biggest cash prize EVER from a reality show, the life-changing prize money was $4.56 million.
Who was in the final of Squid Game: The Challenge?
Three players have made it to the final, including Sam (Player 016), Mai (Player 287), and Phill (Player 451).
When did the final episode of Squid Game: The Challenge come out?
Five episodes landed on 22nd November, 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?
So far the players have participated in six main 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 game, 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.
When did Squid Game: The Challenge start?
The brand new series hit Netflix on Wednesday 22nd November 2023.
Bosses confirmed the news in social media post on 22nd September, sharing a trailer alongside the words: '456 real people. 4.56 million dollars. Squid Game: The Challenge begins November 22'. (sic)
Watch the official trailer below:
Will there be a second series of Squid Game: The Challenge?
There sure will be! The news of a second series was announced on Wednesday 6th December, 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.
At the moment it's not yet known when the second series will arrive.
How do I apply for Squid Game: The Challenge?
Applications for series two are now open!
The application website states: 'Now it’s your chance to take part in Netflix’s biggest ever social experiment! This supersized unscripted show turns the scripted world of the drama into reality. Real-life players will be immersed in the iconic Squid Game universe and will never know what’s coming next. Here they’ll compete in a series of heart-stopping games in order to become the sole survivor* and walk away with a life-changing $4.56 million dollar cash prize.
'With a fortune up for grabs, who will be an ally, who will you trust, and who will you betray in this ultimate test of character?
'*Please note: Win or lose, all players will walk away. But if you win, you win big!
You can apply for Squid Game: The Challenge right here.
Check out which other TV shows you can apply for:
Apply to be on The Traitors
Although applications for series three closed in March this year, BBC bosses have now renewed the hit show for a fourth series, and applications are now open! Filming is due to begin in 2025.
Apply for The Traitors right here.
Closing date: 9th February 2025
Bullseye
ITV/STV bosses have rebooted classic gameshow Bullseye for a one-off special this Christmas, and now they are on the hunt for contestants. You must apply in pairs, as teams need a 'thrower and a knower'.
You can apply to be on Bullseye right here.
Applications close Friday 1st November.
Apply to be on Bake Off
With the 2024 series airing every Tuesday night, bosses are on the hunt for aspiring bakers to take part in the 2025 series of The Great British Bake Off.
Apply for Bake Off right here.
Applications close on 9th December 2024.
Apply to be on Deal or No Deal
Following the success of the first series in 2023, bosses were quick to commission Deal or No Deal for a second series, and now applications are open!
Apply to be on Deal or No Deal right here.
Closing date: 1st November 2024.
Apply to be on MAFS UK
Although the 2024 series hasn't aired yet, bosses are on the lookout for singletons to apply for the 2025 series of MAFS UK! If you are currently single and fancy marrying a stranger, this one could be for you!
Apply to be on MAFS UK right here.
Closing date: 1st February 2025.
Apply to be on My Mum, Your Dad
Applications for ITV/STV dating show My Mum, Your Dad are now open! Grown-up children are being encouraged to nominate their single parents for the show, which is hosted by Davina McCall. Although there's been no official confirmation of a third series just yet, you can register your interest now.
You can apply for My Mum, Your Dad right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Love Island
Bosses are on the lookout for applicants for the 2025 series of Love Island.
Apply for Love Island right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Come Dine With Me
Come Dine With Me bosses are now on the hunt for new contestants to appear on the upcoming new series, with the winning dinner party host in with a shout of winning the £1,000 prize money!
Apply to be on Come Dine With Me 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 2023.
Apply to be on The Chase right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on The Apprentice
Following the series 18 final in April 2024, bosses opened up applications for the 20th series of the show, which is expected to air in 2026.
Apply to be on The Apprentice right here.
Closing date: 1st December 2024.
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 hasn't aired yet, 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
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 Love Is Blind: UK
Following a successful first series, Netflix confirmed in August that Love Is Blind: UK has been renewed for a second series which will air in 2025.
Apply to be on Love Is Blind: UK right here.
Closing date: Unknown
Apply to be on Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star
If you are an aspiring make-up artist with a creative eye and artistic flair, BBC bosses want you to apply for the next series of Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star.
Apply to be on Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star right here.
Closing date: 27 October 2024
The news of Squid Game: The Challenge arrived just days after Netflix bosses confirmed a second series of the original drama.
Sharing a video of the iconic doll's red eye, Netflix wrote on Sunday 12th June 2022: 'Greenlight! Squid Game continues, only on Netflix.'
Squid Game: The Challenge is available on Netflix now.
Now read:
Netflix officially confirm Squid Game series 2
All of the TV shows we can’t wait to return
All of the popular TV shows looking for applicants right now