Squid Game: The Challenge, the reality TV game show based on the gritty Korean drama hit, has revealed its top 3 contestants, and it’s time to get to know them a little better. While there have been shocking twists and turns throughout, including allegations Squid Game: The Challenge‘s filming conditions were inhumane, it was impossible to predict who would make the top three contestants. The last few challenges were brutal, including the notorious Squid Game glass bridge and the final circle of truth challenge.
Certain players have emerged more popular than others. Bryton (432), a college football player, came off as insensitive and cocky, ultimately getting eliminated through no fault of his own in the warship game challenge. On the flip side, LeAnn’s (302) elimination by her son, Trey (301), during a game of marbles felt particularly cruel, and Phalisia’s (229) brutal elimination of Stephen (243) proved Squid Game: The Challenge was heating up before the final release of episodes. However, the eliminations became more difficult as the last couple of episodes unfolded. With many failed favorites, which three players made it to the top 3?
Sam Lantz
Player 016
Sam Lantz, player 016, flew under the radar until recent episodes. Preferring to stay quiet and lying low over taking control of the group, the artist from Broward County, Florida, made his way to the top 3 through luck, good connections, and staying calm under pressure. In a talking head, the 37-year-old revealed growing up, he was ashamed of his sexuality and eventually was forced to cut ties with his family due to being a gay man.
Today, Sam owns two businesses: one, Uncle Sam, showcases his art, and the other, Beard Giant, is a health and beauty brand promoting beard care. He’s married to a morning television producer and lives in Fort Lauderdale with his husband and adorable dog. Fans of the newly-minted reality TV star can follow him on Instagram @paulbunyan_ish, a play on his impressive beard. Whether he wins Squid Game: The Challenge remains to be seen, but he’s played an impeccable game thus far.
Phill Cain
Player 451
Phill Cain, a scuba instructor from Honolulu, surfaced as a key player throughout the episodes but came into his own in the final few. After successfully guessing Ashley (278) and Rose (051) each gave him the gift in the circle of trust challenge, Phill solidified himself as a force to be reckoned with in the finale. While Phill seemed to lose hope after his closest alliance, Jackie (393), he was able to motivate himself to continue to play with class, strategy, and a positive attitude.
Born in Brazil, the Hawaiian resident also plays four instruments and is a part of a modern pop/punk band called Six Ways to Saturday. According to their Instagram, Phill uses he, she, and they pronouns and is partnered but in a poly relationship. Impressively, Phill is also a quadball gold medalist and has stated that they will donate winning proceeds to ocean conservation. Due to her stronger relationship with Sam over Mai, seeing how the finale plays out will be interesting. Phill proved he has what it takes to win Squid Game: The Challenge.
Mai Whelan
Player 287
Mai Whelan, an immigration adjudicator from Fairfax County, Virginia, is a formidable and fascinating opponent. After buddying up with Chad (286), Mai revealed herself to be a calculating, strategic, and bold player ready to fight until the end. Though Chad was willing to self-eliminate in the dice game, Mai attempted to eliminate Ashley, who she felt had not been a team player during glass bridge. It seemed the remaining players lost their trust in Mai after her ordeal with Ashley, but she still came out on top in the circle of trust.
The 55-year-old immigrated from Vietnam in 1975 and was even threatened by a soldier with a gun at eight years old. Mai is fearless and intelligent in the game, but Sam and Phill may have a better relationship than she has with either of them. However, as has been the case throughout the game, Squid Game: The Challenge‘s finale will likely combine skill and luck.
Given that the parameters of the finale challenge are relatively unknown aside from mirroring the dinner scene in the original Squid Game drama, Mai, Phill, and Sam all seem to have an equal chance of winning. All will be revealed during the Squid Game: The Challenge finale, which airs on December 6, 2023, on Netflix.
