The Real Squid Game Diva: 5 Shocking Moments That Made Player 72 The Ultimate Reality TV Villainess

The search for the ultimate "Squid Game Diva" has finally ended, and the crown belongs to Player 72, Perla Figuereo. In the world of reality television, a "diva" is less about glamour and more about high-stakes drama, unyielding ambition, and a willingness to clash with anyone who stands in their way. As of December 2025, fan conversations are dominated by the Season 2 winner of *Squid Game: The Challenge*, whose emotional intensity and strategic gameplay earned her the infamous title, catapulting her into a new level of viral fame.

The term "Squid Game Diva" is a fan-dubbed nickname, but it perfectly encapsulates the polarizing, dramatic energy that certain contestants bring to the brutal competition. Perla Figuereo, a model from the Dominican Republic, is the newest and most prominent figure to embody this persona, securing not only the $4.56 million prize but also a reputation as one of the most compelling and controversial players in the show's history. Her journey was filled with tears, heated arguments, and a fierce determination that left viewers both rooting for her and calling her the ultimate reality TV villainess.

Perla Figuereo (Player 72) Biography: The Model Who Became a Millionaire

Perla Figuereo, known to millions as Player 072, is the latest winner of the Netflix reality competition series *Squid Game: The Challenge*. Her background as a model and her roots in the Dominican Republic provided a compelling narrative as she navigated the intense social and physical games.

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• Full Name: Perla Figuereo
• Player Number: 072
• Hometown/Origin: Santiago de Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic (raised in the Bronx, New York)
• Occupation: Model
• Season: *Squid Game: The Challenge* Season 2
• Final Result: Winner (Secured the $4.56 Million Grand Prize)
• Notable Relationships: Entered the competition alongside her brother, Jeffrey (Player 283).
• Post-Show Activity: Has amassed a significant social media following on Instagram, where she shares her work and life updates, and has spoken about her plans to share the prize money with her family.
• Fan Nickname: The Diva, The Villainess, The Crying Winner.

The 5 Most Dramatic Moments That Earned Player 72 The "Diva" Title

Perla Figuereo’s run on *Squid Game: The Challenge* Season 2 was a masterclass in emotional gameplay and strategic maneuvering, which is why the "diva" label stuck. Unlike the stoic, calculated players, Perla’s dramatic reactions and intense focus on her personal narrative provided the high-octane reality television that fans crave. These five moments stand out as the most "diva-like" and controversial of her season.

1. The Emotional Outbursts and "Crying Winner" Persona

Perla was consistently one of the most emotionally expressive players in the competition, often breaking down in tears during high-pressure moments or after conflicts with other contestants. While this vulnerability was genuine, critics and fans quickly labeled it as "dramatic" or "annoying," suggesting she relied too heavily on emotion rather than pure strategy. This contrast between her tearful demeanor and her ruthless endgame play cemented her "Diva" status—a player who is unapologetically emotional yet fiercely competitive.

2. The Brother-Sister Dynamic and Early Conflict

Entering the game with her brother, Jeffrey (Player 283), immediately set Perla apart. Their relationship became a central theme, providing a powerful emotional anchor but also a source of early tension. The pressure of protecting her brother, combined with the reality of the game’s individual nature, led to several intense, high-stakes conversations that showcased her passionate, sometimes overbearing, personality. This family-first, high-emotion approach was a stark contrast to the cold, calculated alliances of other players.

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3. The Heated Arguments and Confrontations

A true reality TV diva is never afraid of confrontation, and Perla certainly wasn't. She was involved in several heated exchanges with other contestants, defending her actions and alliances with a fiery intensity. These moments, often driven by her strong convictions and deep-seated desire to win, were gold for the cameras. Fans reacted strongly to her willingness to engage in conflict, seeing it as either a sign of her passion or her inability to compromise—both classic "diva" traits.

4. The Strategic Use of Vulnerability

One of the most strategic, and therefore most "diva," aspects of Perla's game was her ability to leverage her vulnerability. In a game where showing weakness is usually fatal, Perla's tears and emotional appeals often seemed to disarm her opponents. Whether intentional or not, her dramatic expressions made her seem less threatening to some players, allowing her to fly under the radar during crucial elimination rounds. This blend of high drama and shrewd strategic positioning is the essence of the "Squid Game Diva."

5. The Controversial Endgame Victory

Winning the entire competition is the ultimate power move, and Perla's victory in the Season 2 finale was a dramatic conclusion that solidified her legend. The final game, a tense rock-paper-scissors challenge, was the culmination of her emotional and strategic journey. Her win, while celebrated by some, was immediately met with backlash from a segment of the audience who felt a less "dramatic" or "annoying" player deserved the prize. This polarizing reaction to her victory—the ultimate sign of a reality TV diva—ensured that the conversation around Player 72 would continue long after the season ended.

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Beyond Player 72: Other Fan-Dubbed "Squid Game Divas"

While Perla Figuereo is the current reigning "Diva," the nickname has been applied to other contestants whose dramatic flair captured the audience's attention, showcasing the breadth of the "diva" archetype across the franchise.

Player 229 (Phalisia Boothe) - The Season 1 Villainess

In the first season of *Squid Game: The Challenge*, Player 229, Phalisia Boothe, earned her own reputation as a controversial figure. Phalisia was dubbed a "villain" by fans for her strategic and unapologetic gameplay, particularly during the Marbles game where her actions led to the elimination of a tight-knit duo. Her dramatic, take-no-prisoners attitude and willingness to make the hard, unpopular decisions positioned her as the first true "Diva" of the reality series.

The Drama Confusion: Player 308 (Kim Seung-hee)

A significant source of confusion for fans searching for the "Squid Game Diva" is the overlap with the original Korean drama. The number 308 is often mentioned, but this refers to a minor character in the fictional *Squid Game* TV series, portrayed by actress Kim Seung-hee, who was playfully dubbed a "background diva" by fans on social media. This confusion highlights how the "diva" title is an organic, fan-driven phenomenon that crosses the boundaries of both the fictional and reality versions of the show.

Ultimately, the "Squid Game Diva" is a testament to the power of a compelling television personality. Whether you loved her or hated her, Player 72, Perla Figuereo, played a game that was impossible to ignore. Her emotional, strategic, and often controversial journey to the $4.56 million prize secured her place as the most talked-about, and most dramatic, player of the latest season, making her the undisputed reigning diva of the *Squid Game* universe. Her story proves that in the world of high-stakes reality competition, sometimes the biggest drama queen gets the biggest reward.