Squid Game: The Challenge Winner Mai Whelan Has Her $4.56 Million Prize
Written by laserteam on January 31, 2024
(People) – Mai Whelan has finally received her long-awaited payout after winning Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge!
PEOPLE can confirm that the immigration adjudicator has received her historic $4.56 million prize after beating out 455 other players in a series of grueling trials inspired by the award-winning Korean drama series.
Despite the television personality’s previous claim of a 10-month delay in 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.
In December 2023, the television personality told The Times, “I feel like Tom Cruise in Jerry 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 the Squid Game gala — including a short haircut, Ralph Lauren dress and Jimmy Choo shoes.
“I still have buyer’s remorse from that, but I think it’s well-deserved,” she shared.
