Suvechha Sarkar
One of the most distinctive contestants on season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ was Player 230, Maxwell Orkin, popularly known as Max. He was different from the others, as he never involved himself in dramatic confrontations; instead, he approached every challenge with remarkable calmness and composure. He admittedly had a “laid-back” attitude that seemed casual on the surface. However, in reality, he was smart in his own way. While others scrambled to overthink every move, he trusted his instincts and moved at his desired pace. Max’s easy nature allowed him to read situations clearly and adapt without panic, which was a quality that carried him far into the competition.
Max Orkin’s Brave Sacrifice Led to a Bittersweet End to His Journey
Maxwell Orkin, AKA Max, was one of the Top 22 competitors after he won the Marble challenge. His courage and curiosity came into focus again when he volunteered to be one of the three monitors, alongside Isaiah and Kate. He made the risky move without hesitation, unaware of the responsibilities or consequences awaiting him. After stepping into his new role, the game took an unexpected turn. The position came with privileges, including premium bedding and a better breakfast than the standard meals. For a brief moment, Max basked in that comfort and even enjoyed being a monitor because it made him feel like a “boss.” Additionally, he didn’t feel bad for the other players since they had willingly chosen him, Isaiah, and Kate. Soon after, they were summoned to the game room.
The monitors’ confidence was replaced by uncertainty as they saw a black box kept before them. It was followed by an announcement that tasked Max, Isaiah, and Kate to choose three players to put at risk of elimination. In another twist, it was revealed that the monitors were also at risk of being sent home. The elimination depended on one player from each team sacrificing themselves by placing their number patch into the box. The individual who put it first would save the other two people on their team, leading to the exit of the other group. When Isaiah suggested that he and Max should decide between themselves, leaving Kate out of it, he initially hesitated. However, in the end, he chose to act selflessly. After a game of rock, paper, and scissors, Max lost the match and sacrificed himself to save his team.
Max Works in the Hospitality Industry as a Food and Beverage Specialist
Max hails from the bustling city of Campbell, California. Before he participated in the show, he was quietly shaping his life with dedication and a strong work ethic. Since 2021, he has been pursuing his Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts at West Valley Community College, balancing academics with his ambition. Max further expanded his horizons in 2023 as he enrolled at San Diego State University to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. His studies reflected his deep interest in understanding people, which is a skill that later served him well in the game. Max’s professional trajectory began early in 2019, when he took on the role of Head Waiter at Sorelle Italian Bistro, a place where he developed leadership skills and patience.
Between 2023 and 2024, Max also worked as a Food Runner for the Huntress Restaurant, where his position involved bridging communication between the kitchen and the dining floor, as well as assisting bartenders and servers to maintain the restaurant’s rhythm. In June 2024, Max became the Food and Beverage Specialist at Sorelle Italian Bistro, sharpening both managerial and interpersonal skills. After he moved on from his position of Head Waiter in May 2025, he found himself meeting with the CEO of J.P. Morgan in October. There, his communication expertise and fluency in French helped him land an opportunity, but he took a bold step and let it go.
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Max Loves His Mother Dearly and Considers His Friends an Integral Part of Life
Max leads a life that is refreshingly private and grounded beyond the competition. Despite his newfound fame, he maintains a low profile, sharing only fleeting moments of his world through carefully chosen photos on Instagram. One of the few things that Max has openly expressed is his incredible bond with his mother. Shortly before his sacrifice in the game, he shared that his biggest motivation to win the prize money was none other than her. Outside of family, Max’s wide circle of friends holds a very special place in his heart.
Max’s social media captures snippets of their laughter-filled house parties, sunny weekend brunches, or nights spent bar-hopping around town. Staying true to his Californian roots, he considers the ocean his sanctuary. His love for the turquoise sea often leads him to swim in the waters and soak up the melody of the waves. Max is also an avid traveler who made his way to culturally rich Thailand in March 2024, followed by a memorable trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the following month. For Max, life isn’t just about grand gestures, but also about these small, meaningful ones. Hence, he always embraces every experience with gratitude and joy.
