Intro
Ally Mershon thrives where performance meets pressure. From delivering elevated customer experiences in fine dining to stepping onto the global stage of Squid Game: The Challenge, Ally has always been drawn to environments that demand poise, personality, and resilience. While her time on the show was cut short unexpectedly, her journey proves that adaptability, gratitude, and drive define her far beyond one competition.
Quick Facts
- Name: Ally Mershon
- Occupation: Fine Dining Server (3 years)
- Show: Squid Game: The Challenge
- Season: Season 2
- Player Number: 397
- Notable Personal Fact: Former child actress signed with J.J. Abrams’ agency
- Major Milestone: Lost 90 lbs since competing
Career & Hospitality Journey
Q: What do you do for a living? And for how long have you been doing it?
A: I am a fine dining server, and I have been doing that for three years.
Q: How did you get into it?
A: My love for hospitality and elevating the customer experience blossomed a long time ago. I started hosting birthday parties at a kids park and worked my way up to fine dining restaurants.
Squid Game: The Challenge Experience
Q: What season of Squid Game: The Challenge were you on?
A: Season 2 of Squid Game: The Challenge.
Q: What number were you?
A: 397.
Q: What games did you compete in?
A: COUNT.
Q: What made you want to apply to Squid Game: The Challenge?
A: Once I saw the first season, my first thought was, “I would be great at this.” I have always loved acting and anything reality TV. It felt like an amazing opportunity to send in an application and try.
Q: What was the toughest game you played? And why?
A: COUNT. It was my only option unfortunately. I know the other games were brutal for people, but this one was tough simply because your life was in someone else’s hands.
Q: What was your favorite part of the show?
A: Meeting so many great people was a huge bonus, but being on set and seeing the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes was very special.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were chosen to compete?
A: Complete and utter euphoria. No part of me was calm. I was crying and thanking Jesus for the opportunity. I called my family freaking out and just kept saying “thank you” out loud around the house.
Q: If you could replay Squid Game: The Challenge again, would you do anything different? If so, what and why?
A: Everything honestly. I was not physically or mentally prepared at the level I needed to be. I didn’t even get eliminated—I had to self-eliminate because of Influenza A. If I could have done anything to prevent getting sick, I absolutely would have.
Mindset & Growth
Q: What did you learn about yourself from competing?
A: I learned that I’m more resilient and adaptable than I used to give myself credit for.
Q: What other competition shows would you want to compete on?
A: The Traitors, The Challenge, or honestly any other reality competition show.
Q: If you could pick a childhood game to play on a future Squid Game season, what would it be?
A: Chutes and Ladders. I’m so bummed I didn’t get to play that one. Honorable mention would be some version of Duck, Duck, Goose.
Life Outside the Game
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: Singing, dancing, creating, writing, traveling, and any outdoor activities.
Q: What is your go-to show to binge?
A: Below Deck.
Q: If you could meet any celebrity dead or alive, who would it be? And why?
A: Debbie Reynolds. I’ve loved her since I was a little girl. She is iconic in every way, and getting a personal master class from her would be an honor.
Fun Facts
Q: What’s a fact about you people would be surprised to learn?
A: I was signed with J. J. Abrams’ agency when I was a child actress, but I declined moving to LA to ensure I had a grounded childhood. I also lost 90 pounds since being on Squid Game: The Challenge.
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