The Challenge Winner Hasn't Received Prize Money After Almost A Year

Even though she doesn't have the $4.56 million in her bank account just yet, nothing is stopping Mai Whelan from planning out how she'll spend it when it finally arrives. She discussed her plans during her chat with The Times, sharing that a new home could be on the horizon. "I'm thinking about a retirement home somewhere. We don't know where yet, and we are happy with where we are. We live on the water. It's very peaceful," she said. Whelan currently resides in Fairfax County, Virginia, with her family.

Additionally, Whelan has also expressed her intention to do some charitable work with her "Squid Game: The Challenge" winnings. She plans to give some of the money to charities for those in need, as well as those protecting wildlife and working to combat climate change. However, Whelan unfortunately noted that her fellow contestants shouldn't expect a consolation prize from her. In their "Squid Game: The Challenge" contracts, it's explicitly stated that they're not to share their earnings with their competitors. Still, she hopes to at least stay in contact with the likes of Chad Van Horn and Ashley Tolbert — Player 286 and Player 278, respectively.