When the gripping South Korean thriller Squid Game exploded onto Netflix in 2021, it captivated audiences worldwide with its chilling tale of desperation and survival. In this dystopian nightmare, 456 debt-ridden players battle it out in twisted children’s games for a life-changing prize of 45.6 billion won—over $31 million USD—where losing means death. The show’s runaway success spawned two more seasons, a multiplayer video game franchise, and even a real-world spin-off in 2023: Squid Game: The Challenge. This reality series mirrors the high-stakes drama but swaps fatal consequences for elimination, pitting contestants against each other for a jaw-dropping $4.56 million jackpot.
Last season, Rhode Island’s own Camilla Dilan Akbas gave it her all but fell short of victory. Now, in this explosive new season, two more bold Rhode Islanders—Robin Ruggieri and Giovanni Canales—are diving headfirst into the chaos. We caught up with these fearless competitors to get the inside scoop on their wild ride, their pride in repping the Ocean State, and what they’d do with that massive windfall if they emerge victorious. Buckle up—their stories are packed with heart-pounding moments, unbreakable bonds, and the raw thrill of the game.
Q: Are you born-and-raised Rhode Islanders?
RR: Absolutely—pure Rhody through and through!
GC: Yep, born and raised right here in the smallest state with the biggest heart. I’ve called Rhode Island home for all 24 years of my life. It’s that tight-knit vibe where everyone knows your name that really molded me into who I am today.
Q: What do you do for work?
RR: I’ve been shaping young minds as a public middle school teacher in Cranston for 25 incredible years. On top of that, I run one of Rhode Island’s biggest balloon businesses, RJB Balloons—turning celebrations into unforgettable spectacles.
GC: I’m gearing up for a government career that’s got me fired up and ready to tackle new challenges. Before this, I chased dreams on the professional baseball field, but after getting released, I pivoted to something even more ambitious that keeps pushing my limits.
Q: Walk us through the selection process—how did you land a spot, and what was that “yes” moment like?
RR: It all kicked off in December 2023. My husband and I were obsessed with the original Squid Game drama—we binged it over and over—then dove straight into the reality version. He mentioned applying, so I secretly did too without telling him. Six months later, I got the call asking if I was still game. Turns out, he never even hit submit on his app! From there, it was a rollercoaster: endless paperwork, medical checkups, background digs, social media scrutiny, and intense psych evals. The emotional highs and lows were brutal. Right before Christmas, they called to say I was in—selected from a staggering 100,000 applicants! That alone felt like the ultimate win. Arriving in London? Total surrender: hand over your phone, belongings, even your underwear. It was surreal.
GC: It started as a whim—I tossed in an application thinking, “Why not?” But then the emails kept coming, followed by interviews, video submissions, and nonstop calls. When they finally said I’d made it, I was floored. It didn’t hit me until I was mid-flight to the UK, staring out the window like, “This is actually happening.”
Q: How does it feel representing Rhode Island on this massive global stage?
RR: Being chosen to rep our tiny but mighty state was an absolute honor. I went in committed to staying authentic, making sure my family and students could watch and feel proud of every move I made.
GC: It’s mind-blowing, man. Rhode Island may be small, but our pride runs deep. Putting us on the map in a Netflix juggernaut like this? Surreal. I’m thrilled to prove that folks from our little corner of the world can shine bright on the biggest platforms.
Q: Any standout moments from filming that still give you chills?
RR: One game-changer was getting teamed up with four strangers, realizing my performance could send them all packing—ending their shot at the prize. The pressure was crushing. In my toughest challenge, I had to dig deeper than ever, pushing through insane stress to clinch a win for the team. That unbreakable willpower, turning “impossible” into triumph? It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I hope it inspires someone out there to never quit.
GC: Too many to count—intense showdowns mixed with laugh-out-loud absurdity. The tension in that arena was electric, but it also highlighted everyone’s raw humanity. Those memories are etched in my brain forever.
Q: What have been the biggest highlights of this entire wild journey?
RR: Connecting with Gio from Cranston was pure magic—we bonded instantly over our shared roots. Forming lifelong friendships that feel like family at this stage in life? That’s the unexpected treasure I’ll cherish most.
GC: Rubbing shoulders with people from every corner of the globe, forging unbreakable bonds, and soaking in the sheer madness of it all. Now, sharing the experience post-filming and watching reactions pour in? That’s the cherry on top.
Q: If you snag that $4.56 million, what’s the plan?
RR: Every dime I’ve ever earned goes straight to my family, and this would be no different. I’d prioritize taking care of my loved ones before anything else—making sure they’re set for life.
GC: I’d pour it into my passions, like building out my YouTube channel and creating killer content for the long haul. But family first—they’ve been my rock, so I’d make sure they’re taken care of in a big way.
Q: What did you miss most about home while stuck filming in the UK?
RR: Hands down, my family topped the list. But honestly, my own underwear, plus the simple freedoms like showering or using the bathroom in peace and privacy? Those little things hit hard.
GC: My family, without question, and my two energetic Australian Shepherds. I craved the everyday stuff too—cruising familiar roads, bumping into old friends, and devouring my mom’s home-cooked meals. Distance really amps up your love for home.
Q: What should fans brace for this season?
RR: Buckle up for the unexpected—twists that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
GC: A whirlwind of shocks: raw drama, clever strategies, gut-wrenching emotions, and sidesplitting hilarity. Viewers will latch onto the players, root hard, and gasp at how it all unravels. It’s unmissable!