Squid Game's Popular Contestant: From Meme to Fan Favorite

In a recent episode of A Squid Game: The Challenge, a viewer noticed a fascinating detail about a beloved player - they were previously a popular internet meme. Netflix's spinoff competition series, Squid Game: The Challenge, has captivated audiences worldwide, with real players competing in high-stakes games. Despite the lack of fictional deaths, certain contestants have emerged as fan favorites and others as antagonists throughout the competition.

Trey, also known as Player 301, and his mother LeAnn, Player 302, delivered a touching subplot that reached its peak in an emotional game of Marbles. Ashley (Player 278), on the other hand, was labeled a "coward" for refusing to participate with her team - although she didn't seem too bothered by the criticism.

Another player who left a lasting impression was Stephen, a Gganbu Gang member and Player 243, whose friendship with Rick (Player 232) melted our hearts. If Stephen seemed familiar to you, there's a good reason for it.

Squid Game: The Challenge player was once a meme

Prior to participating in Squid Game: The Challenge, Stephen (Player 243) gained recognition on TikTok as the "dad who held his baby with one hand in Target" – a not-so-catchy title, but the video went viral, accumulating an impressive 22 million views.

The video, which surfaced earlier this year, captures Stephen strolling through a Target store with his infant. The cameraperson prompts, "Let’s see how you were just holding her," to which Stephen responds, "What, this?" as he holds up his baby with one hand.

X/Twitter

"OH MY GOD WHY IS HE HOLDING THE BABY LIKE THAT," another commented in response, echoing the feelings of many viewers when the clip first surfaced. In a TikTok video that garnered 6.9 million views, a woman criticized the fact that Stephen's baby had just come out of the NICU.

Several viewers have commented on Stephen's appearance on Squid Game: The Challenge. One person said, "My boy Stephen from Squid Games!!" Another viewer mentioned, "Wait.. is this the dude from the Squid Games reality show." A third person referred to Stephen's content showcasing his life as a proud father of two children, writing, "This guy is an amazing dad. He is always with his girls, cuddling, playing, whatever it is. Everyone judging without even knowing him."

Squid Game: The Challenge Episodes 1-9 are available on Netflix now. You can check out our other coverage below:

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Squid Game, I was thrilled to learn about the intriguing background of one of the fan-favorite contestants in Squid Game: The Challenge. Stephen, also known as Player 243, gained recognition on TikTok as the "dad who held his baby with one hand in Target." This viral video, which garnered millions of views, showcased Stephen's unique parenting style and sparked discussions about child safety. It's fascinating to see how Stephen's internet fame has led him to become a beloved contestant on Squid Game: The Challenge, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide.

Stephen's journey from a viral meme to a fan-favorite contestant highlights the unpredictable nature of reality television and the power of social media. His appearance on the show has generated a buzz among viewers, who are eager to see how his skills and personality will play out in the high-stakes games of Squid Game: The Challenge. As the competition unfolds, I'm excited to witness Stephen's growth and cheer him on as he navigates the challenges that lie ahead.