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The $4.56 Million Question: Who Won 'Squid Game'? (Updated 2025)

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The question of "who won Squid Game" has two very different, yet equally compelling, answers, depending on whether you're talking about the fictional, deadly Korean drama or the real-life, high-stakes competition. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, the universe of the global phenomenon has expanded, crowning a new champion in the reality series and leaving us with a dramatic cliffhanger for the scripted show's protagonist.

The original series delivered a brutal narrative about desperation and survival, while the reality show, Squid Game: The Challenge, translated that tension into a non-lethal, record-breaking cash prize competition. We'll break down the definitive winner of the original series, and then introduce you to the two multimillionaires who conquered the reality TV version, focusing on the most recent champion, Player 072.

The Scripted Series Winner: Seong Gi-hun (Player 456)

The winner of the original 2021 Netflix series, Squid Game, was Seong Gi-hun, known by his player number, 456. His victory was not a celebration, but a tragic and morally complex ending that set the stage for the show's future.

Seong Gi-hun's Profile and Tragic Victory

Gi-hun, played by the internationally acclaimed actor Lee Jung-jae, was introduced as an unemployed, debt-ridden chauffeur and gambling addict living with his elderly mother. His primary motivation for entering the deadly survival game was to pay off his massive debt and regain custody of his daughter.

  • Player Number: 456
  • Prize Money Won: 45.6 billion South Korean Won (approximately $38 million USD at the time)
  • Final Game: The titular Squid Game, which he won by defeating his childhood friend, Cho Sang-woo (Player 218).
  • Post-Victory Status: Gi-hun initially refused to touch the money for an entire year, consumed by the trauma and grief of the games. He eventually used a portion of the prize to help the family of his deceased friend, Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067), before setting out to expose and stop the games.
  • Future Role: The character's journey in the upcoming Squid Game Season 2 is focused on revenge and a mission to take down the organization behind the games, rather than a pursuit of wealth.

Lee Jung-jae: The Man Behind Player 456

The actor who brought Gi-hun to life, Lee Jung-jae, is a veteran South Korean actor and former model. His performance in Squid Game earned him global recognition, including a historic Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, becoming the first Asian actor to win the award.

His recent career highlights include directing and starring in the spy action film Hunt (2022) and reprising his role as Gi-hun for the highly anticipated Squid Game Season 2 and a rumored Season 3.

The Reality Show Champions: Mai Whelan and Perla Figuereo

The success of the scripted drama led to the creation of the reality spin-off, Squid Game: The Challenge, which pits 456 real-life contestants against each other for a massive, non-lethal prize of $4.56 million—the largest cash prize in reality television history. The show has now crowned two champions.

Winner of Season 1: Mai Whelan (Player 287)

The inaugural winner of Squid Game: The Challenge Season 1 (2023) was Mai Whelan, a U.S. Navy veteran and immigrant from Virginia. Mai's strategic gameplay, quiet composure, and ability to form crucial social relationships were key to her survival across the numerous games and elimination rounds.

  • Player Number: 287
  • Prize Money Won: $4.56 million USD
  • Final Game: A dramatic game of Rock, Paper, Scissors against fellow finalist Phillip Cain (Player 451).
  • Post-Victory Plans: Mai, who finally received her prize money after a brief delay, planned to use the funds for several causes, including philanthropic initiatives, home refurbishments, and supporting causes related to the elderly and wildlife.

The Latest Champion: Perla Figuereo (Player 072)

The most recent and current winner of the reality competition is Perla Figuereo, the champion of Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2. Perla outlasted 455 other contestants to claim the record-breaking $4.56 million prize in a finale that aired in late 2024.

Perla Figuereo: Biography and Victory Details

Perla's victory was a surprise to many, as she maintained a low profile for much of the competition, proving that a strong social game and the ability to overcome obstacles quietly are often more valuable than being an obvious physical threat. Her journey highlights the theme of resilience and destiny within the survival game format.

  • Full Name: Perla Figuereo
  • Player Number: 072
  • Age: 26 (at time of competition)
  • Hometown/Background: Bronx, New York, with Dominican heritage.
  • Occupation: Model and former contestant on other reality shows.
  • Prize Money Won: $4.56 million USD
  • Final Challenge: Perla won the final game, a high-stakes key-and-lock challenge, against her final two competitors.
  • Plans for the Prize: Perla has been vocal about her plans to use the massive prize to achieve financial security for her family. Her initial priorities included paying off debts, purchasing homes for family members, and investing in her future.

The Future of the Squid Game Universe

The two separate worlds of Squid Game—the fictional Korean drama and the global reality show—continue to captivate audiences by exploring the dark side of capitalism and the desperate lengths people will go to for wealth. The winners, whether a fictional character or a real-life contestant, all share a common thread: they survived an intense psychological and physical gauntlet for a life-altering sum of money.

What to Expect Next

  • Scripted Series (Season 2): The next installment of the original series will follow Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) as he attempts to dismantle the entire operation. Fans are theorizing about his confrontation with the Front Man and whether he will truly turn into a revolutionary figure.
  • Reality Show (Season 3): Given the massive success and viewership of the first two seasons, Netflix has already greenlit Squid Game: The Challenge Season 3. Casting calls are underway, promising a new batch of 456 hopefuls ready to take on the challenge for the $4.56 million prize. This focus on social relationships and game mechanics ensures the reality show will continue to be a worldwide hit.

Whether you're rooting for Gi-hun's revenge or waiting to see the next millionaire crowned, the Squid Game phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down. The story of who won is merely the beginning of their new, often complicated, journey.

The $4.56 Million Question: Who Won 'Squid Game'? (Updated 2025)
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