Squid Game: The ChallengeWinner Mai Whelan Has Her $4.56 Million Prize — Finally (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Mai Whelan in season 1 of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’.Photo:Pete Dadds/Netflix

Pete Dadds/Netflix

Mai Whelanhas finally received her long-awaited payout after winning Netflix’sSquid Game: The Challenge!

Despite the television personality’s previousclaim of a 10-month delayin the funds, PEOPLE can confirm Whelan was aware of a payment plan that stated she would receive the payday once the show’s season 1 finale aired.

Mai Whelan in ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’.Pete Dadds/Netflix

In December 2023, the television personality toldThe Times, “I feel likeTom CruiseinJerry Maguire, show me the money!"

At the time, she also told the outlet that she already spent some of her expected winnings on a new look for theSquid Gamegala — including a short haircut,Ralph Laurendress andJimmy Chooshoes.

“I still have buyer’s remorse from that, but I think it’s well-deserved,” she shared.

In terms of her other plans, the Virginia native revealed her hopes to find “a retirement home somewhere,” adding, “We don’t know where yet, and we are happy with where we are. We live on the water. It’s very peaceful.”

“I don’t know whether to cry or to cheer. I don’t know what to do,” she admitted to Cain after winning the big prize.

Sam (Player 016), Mai (Player 287), and Phill (Player 451) on ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’.netflix

netflix

“Today just validates that anything is possible,” she said in a confessional interview. “Even when [you] feel down and afraid, you have to pick yourself up, be a strong person and focus. Whatever you fear is, fight it with everything you got, and you can accomplish anything. And I’ve proven that tonight. I am the winner.”

In addition to her personal plans, Whelan revealed she wanted to do good with the payday, tellingEntertainment Tonight, “I have charitable causes I wanna contribute more to” including “sponsoring kids receiving education and helping the elderly with their basic needs and health care. And also the wildlife and the climate.”

“I think those are very important to how we see the world so that way we can live in it and enjoy it for everybody, not just us at the present moment,” she explained.

Since winning, Whelan has been active on social media, kicking off the new year “helping animals in need” and taking photos with her fans. “I love meeting my supporters; Squidos❤️” shecaptioned a shoton Jan. 6 with a fan.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Season 1 ofSquid Game: The Challengecan be streamed in full on Netflix. Recruitment for season 2 is now openhere.

source: people.com