Who is Stephen in Squid Game: The Challenge?

Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge is a reality competition inspired by the hit South Korean drama Squid Game. Unlike the original show, in which fictional characters were placed in a deadly game, this show features real contestants competing in intense challenges—but without any real danger. The show has 456 participants competing for a massive $4.56 million prize. It is one of the biggest reality TV competitions ever produced.

The players face a series of childhood-inspired games like Red Light, Green Light, with new twists that test contestants' physical abilities, strategic thinking, and social skills. Since its release, Squid Game: The Challenge has gained massive attention and has topped Netflix’s global charts. Among the many contestants, Stephen has emerged as a notable figure, gaining attention for his gameplay and unique personality. Let’s take a look at who Stephen is and his role in the competition.

Stephen in Squid Game: The Challenge

Stephen Goku Lomas is player no. 243 in Squid Game: The Challenge. He is a moving company owner from Missouri, United States, and he was 30 years old at the time of the competition. He was looking forward to making friends with many people at the start of the competition. Stephen became a part of the Gganbu Gang with his close friend Rick (player no. 232). He became a fan favorite because of his bond with Rick.

Stephen was eliminated in episode 5 of the show. He and Rick were eliminated by Phalisia (player no. 229), as she was given the opportunity to eliminate 3 people during the Jack in the Box game. In an interview with Screen Rant, he talked about how he got eliminated because of his friendship and said, “Oh, that was a stab in the heart, dude. I know, the whole time, I was trying to stay near Rick and do what I could to get not only myself but [also] him as far into the show as possible. Getting eliminated in spite of that… that one got me right in the heart.”

Where is Stephen now after Squid Game: The Challenge?

In an interview with Netflix Tudum, Stephen shared that his experience in the show helped him change his mindset about living in the moment and said, “I was finally able to form a really close bond with my youngest daughter, who was just attached to [her] mom at the hip. Just strengthening that bond and watching them develop is definitely what I feel like what I’m meant to do in life.” He also talked about his elimination and said, “As much as it sucked to be eliminated because of politics or whatever, I’m just happy it wasn’t of my own doing, but that’s just my competitive nature. I played conservatively and I regret it.”

Stephen was eliminated early but he is grateful that he gained a lifelong friend Rick. He talked about Rick and said, “What really attracted me to him was just how he was with his family. It made me feel like, ‘Holy crap, I see how a dad is supposed to be.’ He was, in a way, filling that void I have with my dad, who I haven’t had a relationship with in two decades, so I really leaned towards him in that regard.” After the show, he decided to prioritize his family, focus on growing his social media business, and play rugby.

Currently, he is a social media influencer and his family is famous on Tiktok. He has 246K followers on Instagram and he also has a family account called @alixandstephenshow with his wife Alix Blahnik. Their family page has 363K followers and they share their daily lives with their children through their videos. He also has a page called KC Boys with his friends which has 130K followers.

Also read: Who is Hallie in Squid Game the Challenge?