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Spoilers of Squid Game Season 2 are included in this article.
Squid Game has become an international hit series thanks to its exceptional story, filled with twists and turns. Following a series of strangers who are thrust into a game for their lives and a giant cash prize, Squid Game has been tied to its eerily similar connection to a reality television competition. It even spawned its own real-life reality competition game on Netflix, Squid Game: The Challenge.
With the game breaking into the world of reality television, it's clear that some reality television stars and icons might be a force to be reckoned with for the Front Man. While we wouldn't want to see them face the torment and torture of the fictionalized game, these reality stars have the potential to dominate until the end. Here are ten reality stars who could win Squid Game. And no, we're not going to include Squid Game: The Challenge winner Mai Whelan, because we already know she can win!
10 Cheryl Burke
'Dancing with the Stars'
Image via ABC
In order to survive Squid Game, sometimes all it takes is to be a hero with a good moral compass. Oh, and maybe some dexterity wouldn't hurt. For years, fans knew Cheryl Burke as one of Dancing with the Stars' biggest and brightest pro dancers. Her tenure on the show has proven that not only is she a champion, but she can essentially work with anyone.
Her DWTS resume has been filled with a mix of names ranging from Emmitt Smith to Rob Kardashian, boy banders to athletes; Burke's ability to adapt to the playing field has proven her worth as a competitor. Hell, she can even work with rowdy children, as proven by her taking over for Abby Lee Miller on Dance Moms. Cheryl Burke has overcome adversity and would be able to hold her own in a competition like Squid Game.
Release Date June 1, 2005
Cast Carrie Ann Inaba , Bruno Tonioli , Len Goodman , Tom Bergeron , Cheryl Burke , Tony Dovolani , Derek Hough , Mark Ballas , Karina Smirnoff , Maksim Chmerkovskiy , Kym Johnson , Sasha Farber , Val Chmerkovskiy , Emma Slater , Sharna Burgess
Main Genre Reality
Seasons 33
9 Paige DeSorbo
'Summer House'
Image via Jocelyn Prescod/Bravo
The end of 2024 has not been the best for Paige DeSorbo. DeSorbo shot to stardom when she joined the cast of Summer House for Season 3. This spitfire is a no-nonsense kind of girl. She is willing to stand up for herself when the odds are against her. But perhaps her best trait is her immense loyalty.
She is almost loyal to a fault. She stands up for what she believes is right and will forever defend a friend when others are against them. On and off the show, her friendships with the likes of Amanda Batula, Ciara Miller, and Hannah Berner, her fellow Giggly Squad cohort, prove that she would go all the way until the end with her ride of die. Now that she has split from Southern Charm's Craig Conover, DeSorbo is focused and on her own. The Front Man may think he could pull a fast one on Paige DeSorbo, but this firecracker would give him a run for his money.
Summer House
Release Date January 9, 2017
Cast Kyle Cooke , Lindsay Hubbard , Stephen McGee , Carl Radke , Jaclyn Shuman , Everett Weston , Ashley Wirkus , Lauren Wirkus
Seasons 8
Franchise(s) Summer House
8 Captain Jason Chambers
'Below Deck Down Under'
Image via Bravo
Seong Gi-hun is a hero on Squid Game. His traits and attributes led him to be victorious in Season 1 and eager to disrupt the game in Season 2. He is resilient, trustworthy, a steadfast leader with the best intentions, and persistent. If those aren't traits that describe Captain Jason Chambers, then I don't know what does! As the hunky Aussie helming Below Deck Down Under, Captain Jason is the face of heroism. Season 2 of Squid Game focuses on dismantling the evils within by fighting and sticking up for those in need.
By no means a one-to-one comparison, Captain Jason has proven that he, too, will stand up for those in need. After BDSY was rocked by sexual misconduct scandals during Season 2, Captain Jason stood firm in dismissing the individuals whose actions were unwarranted. Captain Jason Chambers is the hero you want to see succeed. And chances are, he will. He will persevere even when the worst is thrown his way.
Release Date March 17, 2022
Cast Jason Chambers , Aesha Scott , Culver Bradbury , Tzarina Mace-Ralph
Main Genre Reality
Seasons 2
7 Laurel Stucky
'The Challenge'
Image via MTV
True grit and determination is what it takes to make it far in Squid Game. As one of the franchise's biggest physical beasts, Laurel Stucky has proven that she has what it takes to defeat any obstacle standing in her way. Well, maybe not love, but every other. The Challenge superstar has one of the best track records in the game's history, Stucky has fought tooth and nail to be the very best and dominates the physical and social aspects of the game.
While some might perceive her actions as villainous, it's gotten her to the top more often than not. In a game that is a mix of team and solo challenges, Stucky excels in the latter, but she has been known to win alongside strong teammates. Just don't become her enemy. She will do what it takes to bring you down. Just ask Cara Maria Sorbello.
The Challenge
Release Date April 20, 1998
Cast David Rainey , David Edwards , Gladys Sanabria , Eric Nies , Mark Long , Jonny Moseley , Dave Mirra , T. J. Lavin
Main Genre Reality
Seasons 39
Creator(s) Mary-Ellis Bunim , Jonathan Murray
Writers Mary-Ellis Bunim , Jonathan Murray
Streaming Service(s) Paramount Plus
Franchise(s) Road Rules
6 Derek Xiao
'The Amazing Race'
Image via CBS
Sometimes, it takes multiple tries to become a champion. And sometimes, it takes three separate franchises to achieve it. Derek Xiao is a story of resiliency and determination. During his first foray into the realm of reality television competition, the odds were stacked against him. Big Brother 23 found one of the greatest alliances in any reality competition dominated to the end, where Xiao was a casualty of circumstance.
He was a brilliant player, but it was a futile feat. He then journeyed over to The Challenge: USA to take on some of the best reality stars from the CBS reality franchises. Again, the potential was there, but The Algorithm was staked against him. So why not The Amazing Race? Joined by his girlfriend and fellow Big Brother Housemate Claire Rehfuss, the couple endured the tough race with brilliance and panache to win it all. Derek Xiao is a consistent and versatile competitor who can handle any challenge tossed in his path. With his ability to showcase a strong social prowess, he would have what it takes to defeat the Front Man's little game.
Release Date September 5, 2001
Cast Phil Keoghan
Seasons 37
Network CBS
Showrunner Elise Doganieri , Bertram van Munster , Jonathan Littman
5 Nina Twine
'The Anonymous'
Image via USA Network
Like mother, like daughter. Sandra Diaz Twine is one of the greatest Survivor winners of all time. Her reputation as a reality great has dominated the genre for decades. So, naturally, one might think that it runs in the family. And to no surprise, it does. Nina Twine first rose to reality TV prominence when she competed in Australian Survivor: Blood v Water. With her first shot in the game, she was eager to step out of the shadows of her mom, but an injury knocked her out. She came back as a hero in Australian Survivor: Heroes v Villians but fell short of the win.
With grit, tenacity, and a worthwhile strategy, Nina Twine joined the first season of the underrated series The Anonymous, where she officially became the inaugural winner. She floated under the radar long enough to keep her identity as Sandra's daughter under wraps. Her charisma and natural ability to play the dueling games brought her victory in the end. She can solve a puzzle, she can charm the pants off of anyone, and she does it all with strategic deception. Nina may seem like an underdog, but isn't that what is at the heart of Squid Game?
Release Date August 19, 2024
Cast Andy King , Marcel Cunningham , Sidney Dorsey , Christopher Shefstad , Jack Usher , Xavier Prather
Main Genre Game Show
Seasons 1
Character(s) Self
4 Monet X Change
'RuPaul's Drag Race'
Image via Paramount+
When the RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 4 winner dropped the Survivor reference during the all-winners season of Drag Race, you just knew this queen is more than just a brilliant artist, she's a fervent competitor. Monet X Change has become one of the most beloved drag queens in the world. With exceptional talent in the industry, she brings out the best in the audiences watching her.
The opera-trained artist would feel right at home with the soundtrack of Squid Game, but Monet X Change has come out of the gates swinging when the competition is underway. Drag Race is not a game of alliances, but she was the first in the Werk Room to propose one. As a huge fan of Survivor, she's eager to play a competitive physical and mental competition. Monet X Change would be a formidable opponent should she be thrust in Squid Game. She has the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to take the crown.
Release Date February 2, 2009
Cast RuPaul
Seasons 15
Awards Nominations Primetime Emmy Awards, Critics Choice Awards
Awards Won Critics' Choice Real TV Awards: Best Competition Series
Producer Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, RuPaul, Steven Corfe, Mandy Salangsang, Chris McKim
Production Company World of Wonder
Number of Episodes 200
3 Will Kirby
'Big Brother'
Image via CBS
Spoiler alert. Season 2 of Squid Game provided a massive twist that kept viewers on the edge of their feet. The Front Man deceived the players by pretending to be one of them. He was a villain out in the open. That's how Dr. Kirby would play Squid Game. Though, he would likely let everyone know he was playing them as he saw them face their demise. Dr. Will Kirby is one of the most notorious strategic masterminds in reality television history.
After winning Big Brother 2, he returned for the first All Star season in hopes of helping his ride or die Chill Town alliance member, Mike "Boogie" Malin, earn the season's win. And he did. Dr. Will openly called for the house to vote him out. He survived. He openly mocked the gameplay of others to their face. With others, he manipulated them through love. Dr. Will may not be everyone's cup of tea, but in a game of survival that takes a bit of strategy, Dr. Will have it on lock. Returning to the battlefield on Deal or No Deal Island 2, it's time to see which version of Dr. Will will emerge. Even if he doesn't win, his presence is enough to make you squirm.
Release Date July 5, 2000
Cast Julie Chen Moonves
Seasons 26
Writers John de Mol
Network CBS
Directors Mark W. Roden , Quinn Saunders
Showrunner Allison Grodner
2 Parvati Shallow
'Survivor'
Image via CBS
Parvati Shallow is the gift that keeps on giving. As one of the most beloved Survivor players, Parvati Shallow is the mastermind behind the Black Widow Brigade. The alliance formed on Survivor: Micronesia saw the women slaughter the men in the game. Her game and social prowess allowed her to earn the victory in glorious fashion. From there, she continued to top lists of the greatest Survivor players ever, even if she lost two more times. She returned to television in brilliant fashion when she joined the cast of the second season of The Traitors. She tried to shed her devious ways. That was until she was chosen to be a traitor.
She was banished, but she proved that she had the ability to play any game she steps foot in. Now, trying her hand on Deal or No Deal Island, Shallow is up to her old tricks, all thanks to her fellow competitors' willingness to let her get away with murder. Parvati Shallow's ability to play a solo game within a group setting is masterful. Others are drawn to her. When she wants you to be a part of her alliance, she's loyal. Cross her, and you're gone. She's got the traits to shock all in a game like Squid Game. It'll be too late before you catch on that she bested you.
1 Wes Bergmann
'House of Villains'
Image via MTV
Now I know what you're thinking. The self-proclaimed "Sexiest Ginger" is the most likely reality star to potentially win Squid Game? Wes Bergmann's tenacity is what bestows him this honor. First appearing on The Real World: Austin, Bergmann was the epitome of what the sister series, The Challenge, was looking for. After making a splash during his first season, he would go on to be one of the most notorious players the game has ever known. He is a physical threat. But what makes him more dangerous is the social capital he brings. The thing with The Challenge is every season's dynamics are determined by the veterans playing. Wes Bergmann may be a villain in the game, but the title was pushed on him by his enemies and rivals. So, he took it and ran with it. Knowing his fellow veterans would likely not want to work with him, he began to implement a strategy of working with the rookies and underdogs.
If you look back on the history of the game, it may not have always been successful, but it helped establish many players' futures and story trajectories on the show. When he appeared in the second season of House of Villains, he brought his brilliance to that game. On paper, he was the best player. He should have won, but when you ask a jury of bitter villains to vote on who to give money to, Wes Bergmann was robbed. Now, he's back on two series. First, Worst Cooks in America, where he's proving that perhaps he deceived producers because he's more than capable in teh kitchen. The second was one of the episode 2 twists on The Traitors, entering the game late as a faithful. That game will likely be a bit harder for him, but his adaptability to take on any genre would allow him to get to the top and win. He can win with weak players. He can win with excellent players. He can win as a team. He can win on his own. Wes Bergmann is one of the greatest strategic reality stars ever. Front Man, beware!
Release Date October 12, 2023
Main Genre Reality
Seasons 2
Keep Reading: The 10 Most Underrated Players in 'Squid Game,' Ranked
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