The Great Game is Over: What Became of Squid Game's Boldest Players?

Remember the raw tension, the dizzying highs, and the crushing lows of 'Squid Game: The Challenge'? It felt, for a moment, like the whole world was holding its breath alongside these brave, sometimes reckless, individuals. Now that the dust has settled, and the iconic piggy bank has (almost) been emptied, a very natural question lingers: what on earth happened to them? Where did our favorite players, and yes, even the ones who ruffled a few feathers, end up?

First, there’s Mai Whelan, Player 287, who quite literally played the game to win. And win she did! All $4.56 million of it, a sum that still feels almost unreal to say out loud. Though, honestly, there was a bit of a wait for that hefty prize money to actually land in her account, a detail that surely kept her on edge. Her plans for it? Sensible, you could say: some home improvements, maybe a new pier, and, rather beautifully, a significant chunk earmarked for charity. It’s a good look, really, after such a grueling experience.

Then we have Phill Cain, Player 451, the charming runner-up. Life for Phill, it seems, has continued its harmonious rhythm, even if he didn’t quite snatch the grand prize. He’s still immersed in his music, which is just as we’d expect, and has apparently been globe-trotting, soaking up new experiences. And get this: he recently got engaged! It’s a lovely, wholesome update for someone who endured so much under the watchful eyes of the Squid Game guards.

Sam Lantz, Player 016, also made it to the final three, and in truth, he feels like a winner, too. He’s wisely used his earnings to tackle some existing debts, which is always a smart move, and has also shared his good fortune with various charities. Plus, a well-deserved vacation was definitely on the cards. It just goes to show, you don’t always need to be number one to feel triumphant.

But not every journey after the game has been quite so straightforward, has it? Take Ashley Tolbert, Player 278, whose actions during the Glass Bridge challenge sparked a quite fierce debate among viewers. The internet, as it often does, became a bit of a wild place, and she’s had to contend with a wave of negativity. It’s tough, honestly, to navigate that kind of public scrutiny, and she's been trying to move past it all, focusing instead on her family and her burgeoning career. A difficult lesson learned, perhaps, about the brutal nature of reality TV fame.

And what about TJ Stukes, Player 182, whose elimination in the marbles game felt particularly heartbreaking? Well, good news: he's still out there on the basketball court, doing what he loves. Plus, he's leveraged his newfound fame into a podcast and a pretty active social media presence. It’s clear he’s making the most of the spotlight, which is truly fantastic to see.

Jackie Stebbins, Player 390, another Glass Bridge casualty, has also seen her life change dramatically. She works in travel, which feels incredibly fitting for someone who clearly has a zest for adventure. And, naturally, she’s become a bit of a social media influencer, embracing the fresh opportunities that have come her way. Who wouldn’t want to follow her journeys?

Finally, we can’t forget the heartwarming father-son duo, Chad and Rick (Players 202 and 232). Their bond was one of the most genuine things in the whole competition, and while their run ended in the cruel marbles game, their relationship, thankfully, only grew stronger. They're back home, running their gym, and probably sharing more than a few stories about their time in the Squid Game arena. It’s a testament, perhaps, to the enduring power of family, even amidst the most cutthroat of games. The game might be over, but for these players, life, in all its messy, unpredictable glory, certainly goes on.