Rhode Island Residents Get Their Tentacles Dirty During the New Season of ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’

The set of Squid Game: The Challenge.

When the South Korean thriller series Squid Game premiered on Netflix in 2021, it took the world by storm and received critical acclaim. The fictional series is set in a dystopian world where 456 players compete in a deadly game for the chance to win 45.6 billion won, over $31 million USD. The show’s success has led to two more seasons of the show being released, a multiplayer video game series coming out and, back in 2023, a reality series version of the game, called Squid Game: The Challenge, hitting Netflix screens.

Squid Game: The Challenge follows the same formula as the fictional series but, thankfully, with no actual deaths. If a contestant or team fails, they are simply made to leave the show, losing their chance at $4.56 million. Last season Rhode Islander Camilla Dilan Akbas competed, though did not win. This season, two Rhode Islanders, Robin Ruggieri and Giovanni Canales are featured on the series. We chatted with the two contestants to hear what their experience on the show was like, how they felt representing Rhody and what they would do if they won that major jackpot. Read below to see their responses.

 Q: Are you born and raised Rhode Islanders?

RR: Yes!

GC: Born and raised right here in Rhode Island. I’ve lived here my whole life, 24 years now. Its home, you know? Everyone knows everyone, and that small-state energy kind of shaped who I am.

Q: What work do you do?

RR: I have been a Cranston public middle school teacher for 25 years. I am also the owner of one of Rhode Island’s largest balloon companies, RJB Balloons.

GC: Right now, I’m pursuing a career with the government, and I’m really excited about that path. I used to play professional baseball, but after being released, I wanted something bigger and something that still pushes me, just in a different way.

Q: Can you go over the process and how you got selected for the show? What was that moment like?

RR: The process began in Dec 2023. My husband and I loved the drama series and binged watched it multiple times before watching the reality series as well. My husband told me he was applying for the show and, without telling him, I applied also. Six months later I got a call asking if I still had interest in being on the show. When I asked my husband if he got a call, he told me he never really pressed submit on his application. Once I responded that I was still interested, the process was long, complicated and extremely emotional. There was tons of paperwork, medical exams, background checks, SM checks, and psychological exams. I was called and found out I was selected right before Christmas. Once you arrive in London you need to turn in all your belongings, including your phone and even underwear. They told us we were selected out of 100,000 applicants, so that in itself seemed to be the greatest compliment and achievement!

GC: It started with a random application that I honestly didn’t think would go anywhere. Then they kept emailing me back followed by interviews, videos, calls and it just kept moving forward. When I found out I made it, I was shocked. It didn’t feel real until I was on the plane to the UK.

Giovanni Canales and his team during a challenge.

 Q: How does it feel to be representing Rhode Island on such a massive platform?

RR: To be selected from Rhode Island and to represent our state was an honor. I went into the experience wanting to be mindful of staying true to who I am while participating. I also wanted to make sure my family, and students would be proud of how I played.

GC: It’s crazy honestly. Rhode Island’s small, but we’ve got pride. So being able to represent my state on a global level feels surreal. I’m just proud to show that someone from a little state like our can still make it on a Netflix show.

Q: Any standout moments while filming the show?

RR: Something that was life changing was being placed on a team of five and knowing I could be the reason four others go home and don’t get to compete for the money. It was daunting. In my challenge, the level of determination and digging down to the deepest I could reach to get the job done was the hardest thing I have ever done. It was the will to never give up under the most extreme pressure and eventually winning for my team meant everything. I hope it motivates one person to never give up on something even if they think it’s impossible.

GC: There were a lot. Some intense and some hilarious. The pressure in that room was real, but there were also moments that reminded me how human everyone was. It’s something I’ll never forget.

Q: What have been some highlights during this whole journey?

RR: Meeting Gio from Cranston was a standout moment for me. Knowing we had that in common immediately bonded us. Meeting the people and gaining so many wonderful friends that have become family later in life is an unexpected gift that I will treasure.

GC: Meeting all these people from around the world, the friendships, the experience itself – it was wild. Even after filming, getting to share it with everyone now and seeing their reactions has been a huge highlight.

At the season 2 watch party. Giovanni Canales (left), Ron Ruggieri (right), and Camilla Dilan Akbas (middle) with other contestants. Ruggieri’s business, RJB Balloon Designs, created the balloon art decor in the background.

Q: What would you use the money for?

RR: Any money I have ever earned, including any money I even win, will go right back to my family. I would love to make sure my loved ones are taken care of first before anything else.

GC: If I won, I’d use it to invest in my future, mainly YouTube and creating content. That’s something I’m passionate aobut and want to build long-term. I’d also take care of my family; they’ve supported me through everything.

Q: What did you miss about home while away filming in the UK?

RR: I missed my family, my underwear, and the ability to shower and use the bathroom freely and privately most.

GC: My family for sure, and my two Australian Shepherds. I missed the little things too, like driving around, seeing familiar faces, and eating my mom’s cooking. Being gone that long really makes you appreciate home.

Q: What should fans expect this season?

RR: Fans should expect the unexpected.

GC: A lot of surprises. There’s drama, strategy, emotion, just everything. It’s intense but also hilarious at times. I think people are going connect with a lot of the players and be shocked by how it all plays out.

Stay up to date on what’s happening in the show by following @squidgamenetflix on Instagram. Watch the trailer for this season down below.