Where is Mai Whelan now? ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ winner plans to buy herself ‘home’ with cash prize
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Meet Mai Whelan, a 55-year-old immigration adjudicator, who is currently residing in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Mai had a massive fan base rallying for her victory, and their cheers paid off big time. She outshone both Phillip Cain and Samuel Wells, seizing the colossal prize of $4.56 million (£3.57 million) – a record-breaking cash jackpot in TV history. The cheers echoed, and Mai made her mark as the ultimate champion in the debut season of the show.
Now, Mai isn't a Virginia native — she was born in Vietnam and moved when she was 8. The Vietnam War, particularly the capture of Saigon in 1975, was the game-changer that led her family to make the move.
On Episode 9 of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Mai opened up about her life as a refugee. She shared a memory that shaped her way of playing the game—kind of like her survival strategy.
Mai also spilled the beans about wanting to use the prize money to find a cozy place for her retirement. So, it's not just about the competition for Mai; it's about securing a sweet spot which she can call "home" and relax in the future.
Ex-players of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ root for Mai
In the game, former players like TJ Stukes and Ashley spilled the beans on Mai's potential to snatch the victory. TJ, who was in the game at the same time, straight-up said that Mai's got what it takes to be the winner.
Even Ashley, who was Mai's rival in the game, is keeping her fingers crossed for Mai's final victory. It's like a game of chess in the final moments, with only a few pieces still on the board.
"Sam is my dog, I love Sam. And Phill is awesome. But I'm not even gonna lie, I hope that Mai wins. I felt that she was my biggest competition, and she is so wise and she is a very loving and caring person. And she played the game so well," Ashley said to Entertainment Weekly.
‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Mai caught lying by viewers several times
As 'Circle of Trust' was wrapping up, Mai, Sam, and Phill Cain are making their way to the finale.
Now, after securing a spot in the final round, Sam was left scratching his head about a mysterious box on Roland's desk. He turned to Mai with wide eyes and blurted out, "Did you put that box there?"
Quick as a flash, Mai shook her head and confidently replied, "No." But Sam, not entirely convinced, pressed on, "Whose box did you put on the desk?"
Thinking on her feet, Mai knew the blame game was coming her way, so she smoothly threw Amanda's name into the mix.
‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Mai was in the US Navy
Before Mai became the person deciding immigration matters, she had a whole other adventure – she was in the US Navy!
Mai was born in Vietnam, but when she was just 8, her family decided to move. Their move happened after the capture of Saigon in 1975 during the Vietnam War by the People's Army of Vietnam and the Viet Cong. So, from Vietnam to the US Navy, Mai's life has been quite a journey!
