Introduction
Debbie Zeidner Goldberg — better known to her friends as Jersey Debbie — brought heart, hustle, and competitive fire to Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2. A digital advertising sales professional from New Jersey, Debbie is a reality TV superfan, lifelong strategist, and proud mom who entered the game with big dreams and even bigger motivation. From trusting her instincts to learning tough lessons in teamwork, Debbie’s Squid Game journey is one rooted in resilience, reflection, and raw determination.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Debbie Zeidner Goldberg
Nickname: Jersey Debbie
Hometown: New Jersey
Occupation: Digital Advertising Sales
TV Show: Squid Game: The Challenge
Season: 2
Player Number: 140
Life & Career
Q: What do you do for a living, and how did you get into it?
A: I work in digital advertising sales. I got into advertising sales right after graduating college because I wanted to make money and be in media. My father was in PR, and I always knew I wanted a career where I could talk to people rather than sit at a desk all day. I love networking and pitching ideas. I majored in Speech Communications, so it was a natural fit.
Q: Where are you from?
A: New Jersey, born and raised.
Squid Game: The Challenge Experience
Q: What season of Squid Game: The Challenge were you on?
A: Season 2.
Q: What number were you?
A: 140.
Q: What games did you compete in?
A: I competed in the counting test where I was an X, and then the Pentathlon where I did Ball and Cup. I was originally going to do Flying Rock — which I had practiced — but I switched roles at the last minute with someone on my team. Looking back, it wasn’t a good move, and I should have trusted my gut.
Q: What made you want to apply to Squid Game: The Challenge?
A: I watched all the drama in Season 1 and absolutely loved it. I’m a reality TV superfan and a true gamer at heart. Competing, socializing, and strategizing are in my blood.
I also wanted to tell my story — being a Lyme Disease survivor, being raised by a single mom after my father passed away from leukemia, and everything my family has been through. I wanted to win the money for my kids, my family, my future, and to give back to causes I care about.
I love meeting new people from all over the world, and as an extrovert, that environment was perfect for me. I’ve slept outside before playing man-made Survivor-style games, so I knew the dorms would be something I could handle.
Challenges & Lessons
Q: What was the toughest game you played, and why?
A: Ball and Cup — without a doubt. It took me way too many tries to get the ball in the cup. The entire time, I knew I wasn’t just letting myself down but also my team.
I didn’t realize Ball and Cup would be a game to practice for, so I didn’t have a solid technique. Meanwhile, I had Flying Rock down on the first try. I also switched positions due to height order, which in hindsight wouldn’t have mattered. I was trying to be a team player, but losing absolutely devastated me. I knew my dream of winning the money was shattered.
Q: What did you learn about yourself from competing?
A: So much. First and foremost, I learned to always go with my gut. I need to trust myself more and not overthink everything. I’ve realized I need to let things go instead of harping on them.
I also learned that I’m capable of far more than I ever gave myself credit for.
Reality TV Dreams
Q: What other competition shows would you want to compete on?
A: Big Brother, Survivor, and The Traitors are my dream shows. I’d also love to compete on Fear Factor, Beast Games, The Amazing Race — honestly, I’m in for all of it.
Q: What was your favorite part of the show?
A: Meeting people from all walks of life that I would have never gotten the chance to meet otherwise.
Q: If you could pick a childhood game to play on a future Squid Game season, what would it be?
A: Red Rover.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were chosen to compete?
A: I was the most excited I’ve ever been in my life. I screamed and cried tears of joy. I was about to live my dream — being on Netflix and reality TV has always been on my bucket list.
Life Outside the Game
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I’m a huge barre and yoga enthusiast, and I love gym classes — especially planks. I also love karaoke, going out with friends, and spending time at bars.
Most importantly, I love hanging out with my two sons and my family. I’m a proud sports mom. And yes, I’m also a shopaholic — I can shop till I drop.
Q: What is your go-to show to binge?
A: Older seasons of Big Brother.
Q: If you could meet any celebrity dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: Anne Hathaway. I look up to her, love her movies, and admire her style. I’d love to hear her story and pick her brain.
Looking Back
Q: If you could replay Squid Game: The Challenge again, would you do anything different?
A: Absolutely. I would do Flying Rock and choose a different position on my team. I’d be more strategic and stick to one alliance instead of trying to meet and work with everyone.
Q: What’s a fact about you people would be surprised to learn?
A: I’m a Lyme Disease survivor, I can hold a plank for 11 minutes and 30 seconds, and I know every single word to “Shoop” by Salt-N-Pepa for karaoke.
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