The highly anticipated season two finale of Squid Game: The Challenge has left viewers emotionally reeling and fiercely divided, all due to one contestant's unexpected and controversial act of self-sacrifice.
The Final Showdown
Inspired by the hit Korean thriller, the Netflix reality competition once again pitted 456 players against each other in a series of gruelling games for a chance to win the staggering $456 million prize fund. After nine episodes of intense drama, the field was whittled down to just five final contestants ahead of the finale, which aired on November 19, 2025.
The remaining players were Player 183 (Steven), Player 398 (Trinity), Player 72 (Perla), Player 302 (Dajah), and Player 17 (Vanessa). In a stunning conclusion, it was Player 72, Perla, who ultimately triumphed, being crowned the 2025 winner and securing the life-changing cash prize.
Trinity's Game-Changing Decision
However, the victory was overshadowed for many by a pivotal moment involving Player 398, Trinity Parriman. In a move that shocked both fellow contestants and the audience, Trinity made the conscious decision to leave the competition, effectively sacrificing his own chance at the multi-million dollar jackpot.
This act of self-elimination proved to be a watershed moment, dramatically altering the course of the game's final stages and ensuring a different outcome than many had predicted.
A Fandom Divided
The reaction on social media platform X was immediate and intensely polarised. A significant portion of the audience expressed frustration and anger, feeling that Trinity's move undermined the competitive nature of the show.
One viewer criticised the decision, posting: "Yea Trinity genuinely deserves the world and he did a very beautiful thing but I can’t help but feel sorry for everyone else that got eliminated for him to just give up his space like that." Another bluntly stated that the "game is ruined", arguing that Trinity could have easily "sailed through" to the end.
Yet, the move also inspired a powerful emotional response from others. Many fans were moved to tears, with one commenting, "Can’t believe Trinity did that, why am I out here crying?" Another wrote, "Trinity got me sobbing. I can’t believe he did that," highlighting the profound impact of his sacrifice.
Some fans were caught in a moral quandary. One user perfectly captured this conflict, noting: "Trinity’s elimination was beautiful but tragic. Honourable but dumb? I wish I could be as charitable but I also think he was a fool. I would have left it up to chance." Despite the controversy, a vocal group of supporters believed Trinity's noble act meant he "deserved some of the winnings".
Squid Game: The Challenge season two is available to stream in its entirety on Netflix, inviting viewers to witness the dramatic and divisive finale for themselves.
