5 Shocking Twists And The $4.56 Million Winner Of Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2

The global phenomenon of high-stakes reality television returned with a vengeance, and as of the most recent finale on November 18, 2025, the world has a new champion. The second season of the Netflix reality series, Squid Game: The Challenge, delivered on its promise of bigger drama, more cutthroat alliances, and an even more intense psychological toll on its 456 new contestants vying for the record-breaking $4.56 million prize.

The latest season, which premiered on November 4, 2025, pushed the boundaries of the competition, introducing a set of fresh, terrifying games and ending with a surprising twist that saw one player claim the largest cash prize in game show history. Beyond the games, the show continues to be plagued by behind-the-scenes controversies, with the welfare of contestants and the integrity of the format under intense scrutiny.

Winner Profile: Perla Figuereo (Player 72) and The Final Five

The ultimate champion of Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 is Perla Figuereo, known in the game as Player 72. Her victory in the final round secured the life-changing $4.56 million prize. Perla’s journey was arguably the most emotionally charged of the season, marked by a devastating sacrifice made by her brother early in the competition.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

Her win was a testament to her quiet strategy and resilience, navigating a field of 456 players to emerge victorious. The final episode, which aired on November 18, 2025, saw her triumph over four other formidable finalists.

• Full Name: Perla Figuereo
• Player Number: 072
• Age: 25 years old
• Profession: Model (based in Los Angeles)
• Key Personal Detail: Entered the competition alongside her brother, who was eliminated during the pivotal Marbles game.
• Religious Background: She was born into the Mormon Church, a detail that added a layer of complexity to her personal narrative throughout the intense social dynamics of the show.
• Prize Winnings: $4.56 Million USD.

Perla was one of the five players who made it to the final stage of the competition. The other finalists who came agonizingly close to the massive cash prize included:

• Vanessa (Player 017)
• Steven (Player 183)
• Dajah (Player 302)
• Trinity (Player 398)

The 3 New Games That Redefined Season 2’s Brutality

While classic challenges like ‘Red Light, Green Light’ and ‘Marbles’ returned, Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 introduced several new, psychologically brutal games and social tests. These challenges were specifically designed to break down alliances and force players to make impossible moral choices. The new games solidified the show’s reputation for high-stakes drama and unexpected eliminations.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

1. The Six-Legged Pentathlon (The First Challenge)

The season kicked off with a massive elimination challenge known as the Six-Legged Pentathlon. This game was a variation of the classic tug-of-war, but with a complex twist. Teams of five were chained together at the waist, forming a six-legged unit, and had to complete a grueling obstacle course that tested both their physical stamina and their ability to move as a single, cohesive unit. The penalty for failure was swift and brutal, eliminating entire teams in the first episode. This challenge immediately set the tone, demonstrating that individual strength was worthless without absolute teamwork.

2. Mingle and The Scripted Controversy

The 'Mingle' challenge was a social elimination game where players had to quickly form new, temporary alliances under extreme pressure. This challenge became the focal point of controversy when Season 1 winner Mai Whelan (Player 287) publicly claimed that the dramatic "Mingle riot" shown in the episode was entirely scripted. Whelan alleged that the chaos and sudden eliminations were predetermined by the producers, casting a shadow over the show's authenticity. Producers have not directly addressed the specific 'scripted' claim but consistently defend the integrity of the competition.

3. Catch and The Final Gauntlet

One of the most intense new additions was 'Catch,' a high-pressure, elimination-based version of a classic playground game. Players had to navigate a complex, moving set while coordinating with teammates to 'catch' or 'tag' opponents, all while under the watchful eyes of the guards. The final challenge, which determined the winner among the five finalists, was a variation of the iconic 'Red Light, Green Light,' stripped down to its most basic, nail-biting form, requiring perfect timing and nerves of steel to cross the finish line.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Behind-The-Scenes Drama: Lawsuits, Welfare Claims, and Producer Responses

Despite the success of Season 2, the production continues to face serious allegations regarding contestant welfare and safety. These claims largely stem from the filming of Season 1, but they remain a critical entity in the ongoing conversation about the show's ethics.

The Contestant Lawsuit Threat

A UK-based law firm, Express Solicitors, has been in contact with several former Season 1 contestants who are threatening legal action against Netflix and the show's producers. The core of the claims alleges that players suffered significant injuries due to poor health and safety standards during the grueling filming conditions.

• Alleged Injuries: The most common and severe injuries cited include hypothermia and nerve damage, particularly during the initial ‘Red Light, Green Light’ game, which was filmed in extremely cold conditions.
• Contestant Thomas Nguyen: One former contestant, Thomas Nguyen, has spoken publicly about the legal drama, shedding light on the harsh realities behind the scenes.

The Producer’s Official Response

The producers and Netflix have consistently defended the safety protocols of the show. A spokesperson for Squid Game: The Challenge has repeatedly asserted that no lawsuit has actually been filed by any of the contestants, only threatened.

They maintain that appropriate safety measures were in place throughout the entire production. Executive producers, including John Hay, have pushed back against the criticism, stating that the show takes the welfare of our contestants seriously and refuting the allegations of unsafe conditions. They argue that while the environment is intentionally challenging to match the tone of the original drama, it is not genuinely life-threatening.

The Future of The Challenge and The $4.56 Million Legacy

The conclusion of Season 2 solidifies Squid Game: The Challenge as a powerhouse in the streaming reality space. The sheer scale of the $4.56 million prize and the intense, unpredictable nature of the games continue to draw massive viewership and attract thousands of applications for future seasons.

Perla Figuereo (Player 72) now holds the title and the immense responsibility of managing the winnings. While she has yet to disclose her exact plans for the millions, she has spoken about the emotional weight of her brother’s sacrifice and the desire to use the money to provide security for her family. Her victory is a powerful reminder that in this game, strategy, social acumen, and a little bit of luck are the true keys to survival.

As the show moves forward, it will inevitably continue to balance the entertainment value of its high-stakes format against the growing scrutiny of contestant welfare and ethical production practices. Fans eagerly await news on the casting and premiere date for a potential Season 3, hoping for even more shocking twists and unforgettable players.