Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 — how to apply and everything we know

Squid Game: The Challenge episode 4 contestants looking worried
Could this be you in season 2 of Squid Game: The Challenge? (Image credit: Netflix)

Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 has been confirmed by Netflix following the huge success of the first installment.

On Wednesday, December 6, Squid Game: The Challenge crowned its first winner after the tense competition whittled players down from 456 to just three final contestants.

Now, you could be among the next 456 players hoping to follow in the footsteps of the three finalists, taking home a huge cash prize. In the first season, it was a whopping $4.56 million.

Announcing the news, Brandon Riegg, Netflix VP of Nonfiction Series said: "There was no red light in our decision to greenlight season two of Squid Game: The Challenge, the most ambitious unscripted show we've premiered at Netflix. 

"We're so excited to continue the franchise of Squid Game with our team in Korea, and producers at Studio Lambert and The Garden for this epic competition series."

Here's what we know about Squid Game: The Challenge season 2...

Who won Squid Game: The Challenge season 1?

Squid Game: The Challenge players Sam, Mai and Phill

The final three players in Squid Game: The Challenge: Sam, Mai and Phill. (Image credit: Netflix)

After a nail biting season, Squid Game: The Challenge episode 10 revealed that Mai (Player 287) is the winner of the huge $4.56 million prize after a very tense game of rock, paper, scissors. 

55-year-old Mai was born in Vietnam before she moved to the US where she spent two decades in the navy, then worked as an immigration adjudicator before retiring. And with a huge cash prize in hand, she's going to have a brilliant retirement! 

Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 release date

It's too early for a release date as season 2 has just been announced. We'll keep you updated when that changes!

Which games will feature in Squid Game: The Challenge season 2?

Squid Game: The Challenge episode 2 - a gamesmaster stands next to an umbrella symbol

Will the umbrella make an appearance in season 2? (Image credit: Netflix)

Right now it's unclear whether contestants will be playing the same games as season 1, which featured a number of iconic Squid Game scenes such as Red Light, Green Light, Sugar Honeycombs (not the dreaded umbrella!), and the most tense game of Marbles you'll ever witness.

Season 2 could choose to keep the same format or surprise contestants with some brand new games. As soon as Netflix has confirmed it, we'll give you updated with all the latest news. 

How can I apply for Squid Game: The Challenge season 2?

Players from all over the world are invited to apply for Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 and there are sections on the website for US, UK, and Global players.

Hopefuls can visit SquidGameCasting.com and follow the right link, where you'll be taken to an application form. All the terms are outlined on the website, but you must be 21 or older and available for a four-week period.

Is there a trailer?

Not yet! We'll have to be patient.

Lucy Buglass
Senior Staff Writer

Lucy joined the WhatToWatch.com team in 2021, where she writes series guides for must-watch programmes, reviews and the latest TV news. Now she works for our sister site TechRadar in the same role. Originally from Northumberland, she graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Film Studies and moved to London to begin a career writing about entertainment.

She is a Rotten Tomatoes approved film critic and has a huge passion for cinema. She especially loves horror, thriller and anything crime-related. Her favourite TV programmes include Inside No 9, American Horror Story, Stranger Things and Black Mirror but she is also partial to a quiz show or a bit of Say Yes to the Dress