The Unusual Desperation in 'Squid Game: The Challenge' That Led Players to Resort to Lubricated Condoms for Chapstick
Squid Game: The Challenge participants resort to unconventional measures for lip care, resorting to the use of lubricated condoms as a substitute for chapstick Desperation drives their creativity in this intense competition
Courtesy of Netflix
With a grand prize of more than $4 million, participants in Squid Game: The Challenge are willing to go to extreme lengths — even resorting to using lubricated condoms to keep their lips hydrated.
Player 301, Trey Plutnicki, confirmed to Entertainment Weekly in an interview published on Thursday, November 30, that the information is indeed authentic. Plutnicki stated that unlike some players, he did not resort to using rubber to keep his mouth moist, questioning those who would think otherwise.
The reality series, which debuted at the start of the month, is an adaptation of the South Korean Squid Game web series originally produced for Netflix. The show follows a covert competition in which 456 participants, all facing financial struggles, put their lives on the line to engage in a series of perilous children's games.
Similar to its fictional inspiration, Squid Game: The Challenge also commenced with 456 players from various countries. In the Red Light, Green Light game, 259 contestants were eliminated as they tried to navigate an arena without getting caught by a massive robot doll.
Courtesy of Netflix
Upon arrival at the dorm, the remaining players each received a personal bag of toiletries, in addition to communal supplies available in the bathrooms. Strangely, lip balm was not included, leading to desperate attempts to soothe dry lips.
Upon arriving on the set, some of the players resorted to using the condoms given to them to moisten their dry lips. Plutnicki, 25, joined by his mother LeAnn Wilcox Plutnicki, tried using other items to relieve his chapped lips during the challenge.
"First, I tried lotion and conditioner, but they didn't work. Then, all the condoms were taken, leaving no other options. It was ridiculous and still didn't solve the problem!" In the end, players received their own lip balm tins. Plutnicki used his before being eliminated in the tenth game, Glass Bridge, while his 65-year-old mother was eliminated in the ninth game, Marbles. Before leaving, contestants simulated their own deaths.
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Only three contestants are left in Squid Game: The Challenge. Mai, known as player 287, is a 55-year-old immigration judge from Virginia. She hopes to win in order to buy a home for her retirement. Phill, also known as number 451, is a 27-year-old scuba instructor and musician from Hawaii. His plan is to donate a large portion of his prize money to ocean conservation if he emerges victorious. Sam, referred to as contestant 016, is a 37-year-old artist from Florida who has decided to keep his plans if he wins a secret.
The trio will be competing for the largest cash prize in reality TV history, a sum of $4.6 million. The season-ending tenth episode of Squid Game: The Challenge will be available for viewing on Netflix starting Wednesday, December 6, as stated by Esquire.
