Squid Game: The Challenge Interview: Mai, Sam & Phill Reflect On Their Gameplay Choices

Squid Game: The Challenge finalists Mai, Sam, and Phill discuss their gameplay choices, what they’d do with the 4.56 million dollars, and more.
The second batch of Squid Game: The Challenge episodes were released on November 29th, and the final batch drops December 6th. Read our full interview and article here: screenrant.com/squid-game-the...
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[@paulkem1130]

Mai looking rich as hell now lmao

[@gabbynatsuki]

cos she is rich as hell now

[@blurbbbb8397]

@@gabbynatsukisadly not she still hasn’t been paid 10 months later

[@vic7939]

Shooting ended in February and she still hasn't been paid.

[@karitakesoff]

she said taxes took half the money

[@blurbbbb8397]

@@karitakesoff hasn’t even got it yet

[@Sisima13]

Mai gave me some "be nice, but trust no one at all cost until proven worthy of trust" I also loved how she was able to analyze people during the circle of trust! That was awesome ❤

[@yfbnjio5364]

She was mean... good player but not a nice person.

[@c_pelukis_potret5399]

​@@yfbnjio5364good person but in this game u cant be nice. U need to be optimistic and realistic. Mai still play fair till the end

[@yfbnjio5364]

​@c_pelukis_potret5399 everything is fair as long as you don't break the rule. But you can tell she is very deceiving and she lost all the trusts towards the end of the game. She has two faces and pretend to be nice outside. She cries after stabbing your friends. I was rooting for her in the beginning but realized she isnt different from ashley. Wouldn't want to be around person like that in real life

[@Readysetgo2007]

​@@yfbnjio5364 I think she's a nice person when not placed in this extreme situation. But yeah, she played the game, even lied cause it would make her look better. Not the person I would pick as winner but I did still like her more than Ashley. If I would choose winner I would probably choose Hallie or Sam.

[@JenniferHales]

Haha Mai is not nice. You are falling for it like the other players. She won because she's cunning, disloyal, yet sympathetic, and an underdog

[@anniem2777]

Mai said “we are going to build a dock” 😂 she definitely won! So happy for her

[@stevelouie5928]

I thought so too but only because her looks changed so much compared to the others.

[@guy8646]

@@stevelouie5928she hasn’t received the money so that didn’t affect her look at all. All the women look much more different out of the game because they actually have access to their clothes, make up, etc. The uniforms are less likely to change the men’s appearances because uniforms are masculine by nature.

[@charlieribbit8253]

Scripted or not I think the best contestant won it at the end of the day, the most skilled and entertaining.

[@saydee24]

scripted how

[@retireby40_lalala]

games like pressing buttons based on chances is easy for producers to manipulate... so who knows.@@saydee24

[@jayturla4397]

@@saydee24 the dinner table when they had select a button. It's electronic and could be programmable to show red, green, or no light. I don't think the show wanted Sam and Phil to go in the finals since they are buddies

[@stevelouie5928]

@@jayturla4397 I was thinking the same thing. Someone in the control booth could control the colors but the final challenge was legit. You can't fake that.

[@saydee24]

true but before that I dont think so@@jayturla4397

[@jadetiger88888]

Glad Mai won and Phil is a good guy

[@yfbnjio5364]

Mai was deceiving and mean... no one prolly wanted her to win

[@seldom24]

​@@yfbnjio5364what you said is the reason why she deserves the win 😂 that is what this show is about, do all to win.

[@c_pelukis_potret5399]

​@@yfbnjio5364i did want her to win. He showed determination. Hes a strong mother. What shes been through is tough

[@LucyWhiskers]

@@yfbnjio5364I wanted her to win. She wasn’t mean. She was smart.

[@yfbnjio5364]

@LucyWhiskers she lied all the time and pretended to be nice outside with crocodile tear. In the competition all other players lost trust from her

[@evangelique5946]

Nobody deserves it better than Mai!! What a player!

[@ABChibi]

DELUSIONAL

[@123galaxy]

Phil became my fav after he eliminated ashley 😊

[@zandak3490]

No way you liked Ashley 💀

[@imaChickenYT]

@@zandak3490when did he ever say that he liked ashley

[@poochy1485]

I love Phil’s personality. I would be happy if he won also. But mai def deserves it.

[@LucyWhiskers]

Mai is just such an amazing person. I was crying watching the last few episodes cuz I felt her story so deeply and was so worried she would be eliminated. Really glad she won. She absolutely deserves it.

[@Readysetgo2007]

What about when she said she hadn't given the present to Roland? You didn't get annoyed about that lie?

[@user-sf9gs2pg1b]

@@Readysetgo2007 Nope, she was likely scared that the last challenge might be a social one and still didn’t want to appear like the type to stab someone in the back. I have no issue with lying in a game like this, unless it’s a stupid lie (like that guy who said he wanted to leave as a “strategy” 🙄).

[@Readysetgo2007]

@@user-sf9gs2pg1b I think I understand why Mai lied but I still got annoyed by it. I had more respect for Phill who told both the interviewer and the other people in the game he did try to eliminate Hallie and was successful with it. I agree that 374 was weird. I actually thought he for real wanted to go home. He should have understood that people were looking for easy targets. So why make yourself an easy target if you really want to stay? As soon as he said "ready to go home" I became sure he was gonna be voted out. :P

[@geo2man]

This show is awesome. I'm going Team MAI!

[@ABChibi]

DELUSIONAL

[@ronnieevan7861]

Mai looks 10 years younger , what happiness and money can do 😊

[@crispypares]

Nah. Stress from the game just made her 10 years older and after it, she went back to her true self.

[@saydee24]

makeup lol , I bet they coukdtn wear makeup in the show

[@saltyriz7734]

​@@saydee24yall r litterly haters

[@IntlManOfLeisure]

She just got the money this week.

[@evangelique5946]

I love how humble Phil is. Hes buying a second showerhead 😂❤

[@AdAstraStakePool]

Yeah, if I was Mai - I would buy him that second showerhead 😊

[@adrianflores9983]

People who think this is scripted have no idea how reality competition shows work. There are literal laws put into place to make these games fair. There were so many contestants that had compelling stories. This is because there are literal casting agents whose job is to find contestants from all walks of life and are going to make good tv. Loved this show. It was the most entertaining competition show I've ever seen.

[@biking7747]

It’s scripted

[@josewead1]

​@@biking7747how

[@missld6856]

100% fake show and I watch all reality shows. This one was not real even in all thier interviews these are not real genuine people. Actors the entire show watch it again . Fake every scene every interview is acting n not genuine reactions or words coming from them

[@TheCommandant-wb9tv]

@@biking7747it’s not.

[@biking7747]

@@TheCommandant-wb9tv it is.

[@Doors-and-Crosscheck]

LOVE MAI!!! I screamed when I saw the finale ❤

[@raquelfigueroa5539]

Im Happy with Mai, Sam and Phill been the last three. But I wish Tray would of have made it to the last three.

[@eratichumidity3843]

Same, but I’m glad that Mai won, she was the 2nd person that I was rooting for after Trey, and when Trey was eliminated, I’ve been rooting for Mai and I’m happy she won

[@GrandDuchyOfJ_Xyria]

no baby ass trey would never win.

[@sjsableye]

she stood up for trey as well when ashly chose not to go!

[@remoandreoli2819]

in the box game where they had to put the box on someones desk, mai guessed the guy and everyone got scared of her so no one picked her again!

[@WickedXombieDigiKing]

Just a joy to see these 3 anyone of them deserves it I'm still team mia she played the game so well

[@TomKloseMusic]

Mai is such a legend ❤

[@marielniegos5054]

What intrigued me with the show is how Mai started of very low-key then towards the end realising how smart she is and seem to know how to read people very well and that showed through the circle of trust and the final game when she made the comment 'most men pick rock or scissors' and that's exactly what Phil picked! its insane! I was blown away with what she knows. She definitely showed her strength through strategies and being savage sometimes. kudos to her! it all worked out in the end

[@kumaco432]

All three are very strong.Happy for mai

[@anfisign]

It's pretty obvious that Mai is the winner. The whole Netflix narrative was built for that. I'd be surprised if it's someone else.

[@user-we7lb1xg1v]

You guessed it right

[@biking7747]

Yup it was obvious.

[@TheHailstorm77]

I’m pretty sure you guys are a bunch of spoilers that like to come to a theater because you already saw the movie and start saying up this person is going to die this way.

[@shesoldmychicken7241]

So random to find you here Anfisa! Love your podcast!

[@Mana_Thief]

You don't seem particularly happy that she won. Is there a reason? 💝

[@merryvanity548]

I knew Mai is going to win. Wow!

[@jonathanlynch5095]

here after mai won 🏆

[@sher3808]

Phil I love your hair so much

[@user-fy7cv8rc6m]

im so happy mai won! and Phil is literally the lovliest person

[@Ghost0864]

She won in the best way possible

[@littlerose19]

i love these top 3, very satisfied with the ending :)

[@bigmoniesponge]

I’ve never been more angry at an ending

[@1Halaka41]

Hmm I predict even if Trey made it pass the glass bridge he would have been destroyed in circle of trust

[@eratichumidity3843]

Yeah I agree

[@codydhf3]

Yeah, Mai would still go after Roland but Hallie would definitely go after Trey instead of Amanda.

[@Bluewave2024X]

One main why I cheer for Mai at the start, is because she was a good soldier like me. When it came to the last 3, I didn't know who to cheer for cause I love them all the same and cry when one lost.

[@alexlazzerly3677]

Mai for the win

[@ABChibi]

DELUSIONAL

[@whothehelliscarlos7874]

Queen Mai❤❤❤❤

[@anelisaqase1168]

I'm so happy for Mai she deserved to win.

[@ABChibi]

DELUSIONAL

[@erfansvideos]

Mai manipulated her way to victory and every body loves her 😂 She even lied to the last two contestants about the previous game she put the box on their desk. Loved her crocodile tears..worked well in her favour 👏

[@caophuocthua8672]

The tears are real. She cries doesn't mean that she acts softly. Besides the tears, she also wants the prize.

[@erfansvideos]

@@caophuocthua8672 Looks like she fooled you too.

[@user-dm1nh8gl6f]

she lied because they will take advantage on that

[@lonelytears05]

You're team Ashley?🙄

[@archangel323118]

It's called Squid Game for a reason. Nothing wrong with manipulating and lying your way through.

[@klou3527]

I agree Mai deserves to win, but in heart I want Phil to win, coz he’s a kind person I can see his character in many ways he talks and reacts throughout the games.

[@ABChibi]

DELUSIONAL

[@charlietaylor7097]

Loved that by the edit especially in earlier episodes that you don't know who gonna make it to the end

[@ibakethangs3656]

Mai won guuuuuuuuuurl

[@tres7064]

They could've just split the money for Mai and Phil, both deserves it.

[@boo08963]

마이 축하해!!!!!!

[@007NowOnline]

I hope that maybe 5-10 of those that got eliminated get invited back for one more chance on season 2 of squid game challege.

[@user-ku6vk2md6d]

I would love to see these people, in small roles in movies, their personalities would be so great

[@knp44]

All three of them are incredible people!

[@vanessamirrorss4348]

Phill freaked me out, he never had tears when he "cried." Though he was nice when he lost so that sort of brings his points up a bit

[@roman.1862]

:] just finished the finale. Id apply but wouldnt pass the physical with certain injuries.

[@ji94games]

I try to avoid this until after the final but eh, Couldn't resist 😂

[@marissamm90]

Love that Mai won! She’s really a smart lady and did the damn thing! If I win I’d cut the top 3 some cash! If I could.

[@lukazagi9183]

if im top 3. im for sure making a deal with them that the winner gives other 2 at least 100k

[@georgestamelos9991]

200*

[@lm6568]

Maybe 25k

[@ObiWanIsCool]

I've never seen a $4.5 mil or a rock paper scissors championship before but, mai really fucked him up and deserved to win based off that performance.

[@AnthonyLSamuel]

The right person won and I'm happy

[@DunjinDragon]

All is well in the world now lol. The universe has balanced itself

[@johnkim6574]

What do you mean right person? Don't all 3 of them deserves to win?

[@biking7747]

@@DunjinDragon no

[@abdostarac1]

Sam is a gentleman as he**. What a beautiful personality ❤

[@michaelwojcieszek6902]

wow - you can already see the money on Mai

[@adrianasparvolli7986]

I love Phil, é noix irmão

[@benedictlopez1334]

Deseerving top 3

[@ABChibi]

DELUSIONAL

[@wanderingtin]

Congrats Mai!!!!

[@ABChibi]

DELUSIONAL

[@Zecos]

I would’ve loved to see Mai and Ashley in the final😭😭😭😭

[@user-hm6fn3mh9k]

I think the reason why people didn't put the box on Sam's desk is because they think he would be able to suss them out. They were probably afraid of him.

[@mrdobalina3451]

Both males were gray men or sleepers who were fortunate enough to get through 80% of the game. Phil proved himself a few times and Sam only did once which was in the button press challenge. He was extremely fortunate because he didn’t really earn a place in the top 3 imo. Sam saying he was an honest guy is BS too because he supported player 278 who was one evil b1tch. Mai on the other hand worked her butt off and consistently proved herself numerous times. I’m so glad she won.

[@brandonpeed]

Does the winner need to deal with the IRS for the winning? Hoping the 4.56m is already taxed

[@UrsusHorribilis]

doesnt matter , IRS taxes money 10 times before its in your pocket

[@misterk3722]

the best player won

[@JenniferHales]

Mai is a cunning, sneaky, devil, but that's the sort of character who'd win squid game. It makes sense.

[@wadechen5287]

I actually Hope Phill win because I imagine Mai’s character looks like 218-Cho antagonist in finals, win by trick, saw that her real face when play with 097-Jada in marvel, just like Cho did with Ali

[@TavsWorld]

Mai won they wouldn’t give the money to the two fruit cakes…..

[@sstacyss]

She played the game well

[@mgfunkera]

@@TavsWorldReally? That’s uncalled for. Grow up.

[@vn5520]

Shel spoiled it by saying their building a dock lol

[@user-sf9gs2pg1b]

That’s what I was thinking, lol. Like, the other guys gave kinda joke answers, and she gave a much more serious one. It’s not the dumbest splurge, building a dock is fine.

[@victoriagolston7514]

Mai is a bad chick she's awesome

[@ABChibi]

DELUSIONAL

[@remynatorrr5011]

Top 5 1er: Mai 2éme: Phill 3ème: Sam 4ème: Hallie 5ème: Ashley Good top

[@PcfulSol]

Look…she played the game as she was supposed too

[@user-ye3qz7jc4l]

Phil should have won😢

[@sjsableye]

MAI DID IT!!!!!!!!!!! SHE WAS THE BEST!!

[@ABChibi]

DELUSIONAL

[@theriawilliams818]

Sam talking about Ashley was his best friend Boi stop it

[@farahnoratiqah]

Dont tell me that all that was scripted

[@ionutcristian9650]

People still acting like this show wasn't more scripted than a movie ?

[@MyctiK]

i mean the button game pretty much made it obivious to me that this was scripted. i predicted the whole game from beginning to finish and what would happen if diffrent people decided to press :D Mai being first ment she was always going to get grey no matter what button she pressed because they wanted her to win the whole show, and pretty much the only way to get to the final after that was to just stay seated, because who ever pressed the button next was going to get red no matter what, and it just happend to be sam. (Mai also fking sucks at rock, paper, scizzors. everytime they showed her choice i beat hers. talking about strategy :D)

[@mcFronta1ot]

Bro playing rock paper scissors with the TV and wearin a tinfoil hat 😂

[@MyctiK]

@@mcFronta1ot nah just thinking about what i would pick if i was there😂 dont take it too serious

[@mcFronta1ot]

@fyt1882 bruh you writin the paragraph comments lol 😆 don't think too hard

[@MyctiK]

@@mcFronta1ot is it hard for you to read? Too much text for your small brain? Gtfo troll

[@zyppoboy]

The button game was predictable because it was rigged, not scripted. The first button pressed was always going to be gray, and the second button was always going to be red. It didn't matter which one you pressed. There was never going to be a green button, so there was never an option of choosing who you're going forward with. The first player to step up was safe, while the second to step up, whoever that would've been, was going to be eliminated. Pretty much what they did with the phone challenge too. First one to answer got a treat, while the second to answer got an impossible task and got eliminated. Yes, the first and second to answer were the same person, but it still foreshadowed the button game.

[@ehaanbutt8921]

Mai a rich girl now

[@ChrisannaDaye]

Never liked Mai, still don't. Not mad that she won, but I would have liked a different winner.

[@ABChibi]

know won LIKES YOU MAi. trip and fall.

[@Sailormoonc3038]

Hmmm 😅are you trying to write in English?

[@GeeHanShin]

진짜 토나옴

[@missld6856]

All acting even In these interviews no one can convince me otherwise the entire show n actors were fake

[@jadetiger88888]

So glad Sam got eliminated I hate him

[@TravisTaylorMusicTJT]

Why?

[@mcFronta1ot]

Like everytime they interviewed him he's like my family hates me because I'm gay and shit.. Like get over it and stop making being gay your whole identity. 😅

[@TravisTaylorMusicTJT]

@@mcFronta1ot Could be Netflix's fault for only choosing those clips to share, the interviews seem to go on for a while with the amount of clips they share so he probably did talk about other things, but that's what was presented to us - in the games he hardly mentioned it to the other contestants :)

[@RedLemonCola]

@@mcFronta1othe wasnt. He’s literally just saying he was kicked out of his families lives because he was gay. That’s the only time he would ever mention his sexuality and only mentioned it TWICE. Seems like y’all are homophobes.

[@lightening791]

Why? He is so likeable

[@ir6296]

J'aime pas du tout l'attitude de cette femme dans le jeu qui se fait passer pour une gentille alors que ce n'est pas le cas

[@johnlaughlin6167]

Didn’t like Mai, she had egg on her face when she trashed TJ and then he picked her 1st. I thought she was not a nice person, wished that she didn’t win.

[@anthonyquan7684]

There’s levels to trust, TJ admired Mai, with Mai, she understands trust can be finicky. It takes a lot of trust to win mai over and in the end it did.

[@mrgobbleton]

Its impossible to win the game and not have some haters at the end

[@wadechen5287]

Mai looks like 218-Cho, imagine she did in Marvel game with Jada, just like Cho did with Ali

[@robbycannavale]

This "criticism" is getting so old. All she said was that he was an entertainer, and let's be honest he was. Entertainers are hard to trust, especially in that kind of environment, and she was smart to be skeptical. But when he proved his loyalty to her and picked her during that round, she showed him her gratitude and admitted to being wrong about him.

[@TavsWorld]

Game is survival of the fittest the hell you talking about being nice for

[@Lucem7]

scripted .