TV + Movies

‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Finale Recap and Fan Reactions

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'Squid Game: The Challenge' | Netflix/IMDb
‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ | Netflix/IMDb

The Squid Game: The Challenge finale kicked off with three players left in the game that began with 456 competitors: Mai, Phil, and Sam. After receiving fancy-schmancy black and white tuxedos, the trio sat down for a meal consisting of a giant slab of steak and some scallops. Not too shabby following the meager rations they had been receiving until that point. 

Spoiler Warning for Squid Game: The Challenge finale

Viewers also received a little more insight into the three players. Phil has lived from paycheck to paycheck for quite some time, jumping from job to job. He noted a desire to help those who have helped him over the years. Mai discussed her teenage pregnancy, which led to a rift in her family. She became a mother without any support from those who are supposed to love and support us unconditionally. Sam discussed growing up in a religious community and how the death of his father in his teen years was quite difficult, yet ultimately led to a liberated life outside the confines of a world that would have squelched his true identity. He also discussed the hate letters he received from his mother after he came out. 

In short, the episode aimed to tug at the heartstrings — it yearned to make viewers feel all the feels. It also had a way of making us root for all the contestants when only one could win. 

To no one’s surprise, while enjoying their lavish meal, the three faced another test. Three buttons laid before them on a small table. When pressed, one button would turn gray, which had no consequence. One button would turn red, which would eliminate the person who pressed it. And, one button would turn green, which would save the presser and allow that individual to pick someone to go head-to-head with in the finale. Mai went first and pushed a button that turned gray. Sam went second and pushed a button that turned red; thus, Mai and Phil went head-to-head in the final challenge, which just so happened to be *drumroll please* rock, paper, scissors. 

Yet, it wasn’t a best-of-three or a one-and-done. Rather, each time someone won, they got to select a key from a box filled with many keys. And, if the key unlocked a safe resting a few steps away, they would win. Mai won most of the rock, paper, scissor draws, and she ultimately picked the key that unlocked the safe that had a credit card waiting inside (very subtle). Mai seemed to have unlocked Phil’s pattern. Always the smart one, this came as no shock. Mai won season 1 of Squid Game: The Challenge. 

As the season came to a close, viewers witnessed little scenes from the home lives of some of the final contestants. We also got to see Mai, who’s rocking a new hairdo, approach an ATM, insert her card, look at the screen, and see a $4.56 million account balance. Just icing on the cake at this point. 

So, how are fans responding to Mai’s win and the season’s ultimate conclusion? 

Why do so many families stink?

They never played Squid Game in a show named after the game…

Mai deserved the win

Some feel the finale fell a little short (and dragged on)

https://twitter.com/redlotuslilly/status/1732758795661533245

https://twitter.com/redlotuslilly/status/1732758795661533245

Rock, paper, scissors felt like a letdown

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About the author

Josh Lezmi

Josh is an entertainment writer and editor at Thought Catalog.