Who is Mai Whelan? Squid Game's first winner awaits millions amid tax tangle

The first season of Squid Game: The Challenge reached a nail-biting climax on December 6th as Mai Whelan, a Vietnam-born resident of Virginia, emerged victorious, claiming the title and a staggering USD 4.56 million in prize money. The groundbreaking reality show, adapted from the immensely popular South Korean TV series Squid Game, captivated audiences worldwide with its high-stakes games and compelling narratives. Whelan's triumph not only made history as the largest cash prize ever awarded in reality TV but also drew attention to a surprising twist in her victory - the delay in receiving her winnings.

Despite her resounding win against 455 competitors in the challenging series, Whelan finds herself in a waiting game, eagerly anticipating the promised payout. The 55-year-old immigration adjudicator humorously likened her situation to a famous movie line, expressing her impatience: “I feel like Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire. Show me the money!” Sources close to the production shed light on the delayed payment, citing a predetermined plan that ties the disbursement to the airing of the show’s season 1 finale.

In contrast to its deadly fictional counterpart, the reality TV adaptation hosted 456 contestants engaging in a gamut of challenging competitions, including familiar games like Red Light, Green Light from the original series and new ones like a life-sized version of Battleship. Whelan's victory, clinched in a tense final round against two other formidable contestants, Sam Lantz and Phill Cain, painted a portrait of resilience and triumph.


Whelan's personal journey, from being a Vietnamese refugee to a US Navy veteran and immigration adjudicator, adds depth to her victory. Her life experiences, including escaping the turmoil of the Fall of Saigon in 1975, were highlighted in the show, underscoring her resilience in the face of adversity. Despite her triumph, the financial reality is less glamorous due to US tax implications. As an American citizen, Whelan is subject to significant taxation, with estimates suggesting her ultimate earnings may reduce to around USD 2.8 million after tax deductions.

The resounding success of the reality show on Netflix, topping charts across 93 countries and consistently ranking in the Top 10, has led to the official announcement of a second season. Brandon Riegg, Netflix's VP of Nonfiction Series, expressed enthusiasm about continuing the Squid Game franchise, confirming the renewal with a nod to the series' popularity. Casting for the upcoming season has already commenced, promising another intense battle among 456 players vying for the coveted USD 4.56 million prize.

The anticipation surrounding the delayed payout to Mai Whelan after her historic win in Squid Game: The Challenge underscores the complexities behind reality TV's staggering prizes. As the show gears up for its much-awaited second season, the spotlight remains on Whelan's journey and the intricacies of wealth in the world of reality entertainment.