Netflix is handing power to the audience. The streaming service has launched a special fan vote for Squid Game: The Challenge, giving viewers the chance to bring one eliminated contestant from Season 2 back to compete in Season 3. This “Second Chance Fan Vote” allows fans to directly impact the lineup of the next season, offering a single player a shot at redemption and another try for the $4.56 million prize.
How the Fan Vote Works
The voting process is straightforward and happens in two clear stages. Fans can participate by visiting the official Netflix Tudum website to submit their choices.
The first stage is the nomination period, which began on November 11, 2025, and runs until November 17, 2025. During this time, viewers can nominate their favorite eliminated Season 2 contestant as many times as they want by submitting the player’s number. Once the nomination window closes, the five players who receive the most nominations will move on to the final round.
The second stage is the final voting period, which starts on November 18, 2025, and ends on November 23, 2025. In this round, fans can vote unlimited times for their preferred contestant from the top five nominees. The player who receives the most votes at the end of this period will earn a guaranteed spot in the cast of Squid Game: The Challenge Season 3.
A Second Chance for Eliminated Players
This unique opportunity means that any contestant eliminated during Season 2 could get another shot. Some players were sent home in games that relied heavily on luck or team performance rather than individual skill. For instance, certain eliminations occurred during group challenges like The Count or the Six-Legged Pentathlon, where strong players could be eliminated due to the struggles of their teammates. This fan vote allows audiences to give a deserving player a chance to prove their abilities without those limitations.
The return of a veteran player would also add a new dynamic to Season 3. This player would bring firsthand knowledge of the game’s mechanics, the mental stress of competition, and the strategies used by producers. This insider knowledge could make them a valuable ally or a marked target for new contestants.
Fan Reactions and Campaigns
On social media platforms, fans have already begun discussing which players they believe deserve a second chance. Some viewers are advocating for contestants who were eliminated very early in the season, arguing they never had a real opportunity to play.
One fan on Reddit expressed this sentiment, stating, “I’d give the people killed from the first game a real shot at playing. They all got screwed.”
Another supporter mentioned a different strategy, commenting, “I picked 415 personally. I respect someone who’ll do whatever it takes to survive.”
These discussions show that viewers are not only considering game skills but also the memorable personalities and personal stories of the contestants.
The Future of Fan Engagement
This interactive voting initiative marks a significant shift in how reality competition shows can engage their audience between seasons. It encourages fans to stay connected with the show and its contestants long after the episodes have aired. The buzz on social media as fans campaign for their favorites also provides Netflix with valuable data on which types of players resonate most with the audience.
The move suggests that future contestants might focus not only on winning games but also on building a strong fan base, blending the lines between a pure skills competition and a popularity contest.
Casting for Season 3 of Squid Game: The Challenge is currently underway, with applications open to the public. This means the returning fan-voted player will be joining a mix of new faces when the competition returns. The dramatic conclusion of Season 2 is set to premiere on November 18, 2025, on Netflix.
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