Shivangi Sinha
Contestants on reality TV often rely on strategy and alliances to secure their place in the game. With the massive stakes of Netflix’s ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ those tactics become even more intense. In the show’s second season, Eric Eldredge entered with a clear goal and unwavering conviction to claim the life-changing prize. He refused to make any compromises. He observed, adapted, and executed his strategies with precision. His ability to think quickly and adapt to the game’s shifting nature helped him move efficiently from one challenge to the next. It demonstrated not only his competitive drive but also his strong understanding of how the game, and its psychological pressure, truly worked.
Eric Eldredge Was Not Shy of Fabricating Stories to Keep Himself Safe
Eric Eldredge advanced smoothly through the early challenges, maintaining a calm and strategic approach. However, his real gameplay came to light during the Russian Doll challenge, where contestants were required to pass the doll, containing hidden advantages or disadvantages, to others. The stakes were high, and this was when Eric’s cunning strategy truly emerged. He fabricated a story, claiming it was his birthday, which made everyone celebrate and made it emotionally challenging for anyone to pass the doll to him and risk his elimination.
Building on that momentum, he even falsely announced that his girlfriend was pregnant and that he wanted to win the prize money for their future together. Later, he admitted that both stories were lies but explained that he was willing to say and do whatever it took to survive in the game. Eric also opened up about his upbringing and said that he was raised by two mothers and had since discovered a large extended community of about 100 people who shared the same sperm donor. His adaptability carried him further into the season, and in the Mingle challenge, he continued to play smart, staying alert, aligning with the right players, and ensuring his safety round after round.
Eric Eldredge is Using His Experience as a Game Designer for Innovative Projects Today
Eric Eldredge began his professional journey in 2012 as a Marketing Intern at SprinkleBit, where he gained early experience in communication and branding. Between 2012 and 2018, he also worked as a tutor and tennis coach and balanced mentorship with his growing interest in media and production. His formal entry into video production began in 2019 when he joined Bullhorn as a Video Production Intern, quickly advancing to Associate Video Editor and later Digital Content Manager. Over the course of two and a half years, he scripted, directed, and edited videos that highlighted the human side of recruitment, managed Bullhorn’s YouTube channel, and analyzed performance metrics to refine future projects.
In 2021, he became a Video Producer at Notarize, where he oversaw all aspects of video creation from scripting and filming to editing and motion graphics. His storytelling flair and technical expertise made him a key player in crafting the company’s media identity. The following year, he worked as a Solutions Consultant at Wistia, using his sales and video marketing skills to help brands maximize their online video presence. Currently, he is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and has completed his Master’s degree in Game Science and Design at Northeastern University in August 2025.
His academic focus bridges the fields of entertainment and psychology. He studies how game design principles can shape audience engagement in reality competition shows like ‘Survivor’ and ‘Big Brother.’ His thesis, Designing Reality (TV): How Game Design Can Make or Break Your Show, explores how game mechanics influence ratings and viewer satisfaction. Beyond academics, Eric has co-designed and filmed fan-made versions of reality competition shows, as well as created tabletop strategy game prototypes, demonstrating his innovative spirit and deep understanding of gameplay dynamics. His blend of production experience and design expertise now positions him as a promising emerging game designer in the intersection of television and interactive media.
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Eric Eldredge Has a Special Interest in Unscripted Reality Competitions
Eric Eldredge continues to live a full and meaningful life and shares a close relationship with his two mothers, who have always been his biggest supporters. They were proudly by his side when he graduated in October 2025, celebrating the milestone together. Along with Pat Eldredge, Eric has enjoyed memorable trips to Cape Cod and Arizona and these moments made memories for a lifetime for him. Eric remains deeply involved in the world of reality competition. In July 2024, he participated in Survival Challenge, a live-action reality competition held in Macomb, Illinois, known for simulating the intensity and strategy of shows like ‘Survivor.’
Earlier that year, in March 2024, he also took part in Surviving Bloomington, a charity-based game that raises funds and awareness for Beacon, an organization dedicated to helping individuals affected by homelessness. Eric went a step further by personally raising donations and using his platform to advocate for the cause, reflecting his compassion and community-driven spirit. He has a background in tennis as well and has worked at Tennis Willowbend Country Club and Weston High School, giving private tennis lessons to kids between the ages of 4 and 12.
In August 2025, he channeled his hosting skills to emcee a ‘Big Brother’ watch party, a nod to his long-standing love for unscripted competition shows. Through it all, Eric’s girlfriend, Victoria Brown, has been a steady presence in his life. Their relationship is filled with humor and love. Eric even joked that the white lie he told on the season was her “early birthday gift.” Together, they continue to support each other’s ambitions while enjoying the simple joys of life.
