Vietnamese player wins $4.56 million in 'Squid Game: The Challenge'

Mai Whelan, 55 years old, was the first person to win the prize of 4.56 million USD (more than 110 billion VND) on the reality show "Squid Game: The Challenge", on December 7.

* Article reveals program content

Trailer "Squid Game: The Challenge", released on Netflix on November 22. Video: Netflix

In episode 10 of Squid Game: The Challenge , contestant number 287 - Mai Whelan - beat out Sam Lantz (number 016) and Phill Cain (number 451) to take home the top prize. At the end of the episode, Mai said: "Today's events prove that anything is possible. Even when you feel down and scared, you have to pick yourself up and become a strong and focused person. Whatever your fear is, fight with what you have. And you can accomplish anything."

According to Esquire , Mai won thanks to her ability to carefully observe her opponent's body language. Player Ashley (No. 278) praised: "Mai is so smart", and also said that Mai's progress is "a wake-up call for everyone".

In the first episodes, Mai did not stand out much but gradually asserted herself in the decisive games. She continuously showed her sharpness in the rounds that required patience and accurate judgment. In one episode, Mai said that she would buy an apartment if she won.

Mai Whelan, who won $4.56 million in "Squid Game: The Challenge". Photo: Netflix

The final episode is split into two parts, largely based on the player's luck. While Phill and Sam are best friends, united to continue, Mai believes she must overcome on her own with the desire to win.

In the first task, the top 3 will take turns choosing people to press the square, circle and triangle shaped buttons. If the button turns green, that person moves to the final game and chooses someone to go with them. Gray has no effect and red corresponds to being eliminated. Mai was the first to step up, her triangle button turned gray. Next it was Sam's turn, but he had to leave because he chose the red square.

Mai and Phill moved on to the final game. They had to play rock-paper-scissors to choose the key to open the box containing the bank cards. If the key was correct, the player would win, if not, the game would continue. After many rounds, Mai finally opened the safe and received a credit card worth 4.56 million USD.

According to the content of the final episode on Netflix, Mai said that she was born in Vietnam, came to the US at the age of eight, and currently lives in Fairfax, Virginia. After finishing high school at the age of 18, she joined the US Navy because she wanted to escape the strict protection of her parents. But then, she soon became pregnant with her first child at the age of 19. Because of the incident, the family disowned Mai and she had to take care of the baby herself. Since then, she has done all kinds of jobs to make a living.

Mai Whelan (center) and two opponents in the final episode of "Squid Game: The Challenge". Photo: Netflix

The reality TV show Squid Game: The Challenge consists of 10 episodes, simulating the series that caused a global fever in 2021. The show was recorded at Wharf Studios in London, with the participation of 456 contestants.

According to Netflix statistics, episode one attracted 1.1 million viewers across the US after its release in late November. Squid Game: The Challenge is the most streamed show in the UK, according to a report from Deadline . On December 5, a Netflix representative said that the show's second season is open for global casting.

Vnexpress.net