Suvechha Sarkar
Season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ introduces 456 new contestants, facing games of wit, strength, and strategy. Among the players, one who instantly stood out was Michael Mroz, Player 89. In the very first episode, during the initial mini-challenge, where half of the participants were eliminated, he stepped up to take charge of counting the numbers for his team. His quick thinking helped secure a crucial win, earning him the gratitude and respect of his teammates. However, the tides turned in the next episode, where Michael found himself among the slower competitors, and a vote was held to decide their fate. He believed that his team would stand by him. Yet, in a shocking twist, the votes turned against him, and his journey on the show ended far too soon.
Michael Mroz is Rocking the Stage as a Guitarist of His Band and a Filmmaker
Hailing from Texas, Michael Mroz has always been a man driven by rhythm and a desire for excellence. Before building his legacy in the music industry, he learned to perform in a band at Winona State University. Today, he is the founder and Guitarist of the Back in Black Dallas band, which is an electrifying tribute that masterfully recreates the energy of the AC/DC rock band. Every performance Michael gives truly leaves his audience in awe. It is all thanks to his stage presence, which is charged with decades of experience. However, he is not just a performer but also a storyteller. Michael is the Director, Writer, and Producer of the acclaimed music documentary, ‘My Stupid Tribute Band.’ It is a film that chronicles his band’s 20-year journey, which reached new heights when their lead singer auditioned for AC/DC itself.
The documentary premiered on November 10, 2021, and made its debut at the prestigious 25th annual Dances With Films festival at the legendary TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood, California. It is available for streaming on major platforms like YouTube and Roku, as well as on DVDs. It continued to make waves, screening at several renowned festivals in 2022, including the Cannes International Film Festival and GTX Film Festival, among many others. Apart from that, Michael’s dedication to his art is evident in every note he plays. Throughout 2025, his band took their music to new heights while performing in Alaska and the Dominican Republic.
The band also performs several tours and concerts, with one of their most notable being a tour across Texas from October 4 to October 25, 2025. In the same month, Michael had the opportunity to open for Cheap Trick, who also invited his band to sing “Surrender” on their show. On November 1, his band made their way to the iconic Dosey Doe The Big Barn to conduct a show in Woodlands, Texas. It is worth noting that Michael also participated in ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ alongside his bandmates. True to his grounded nature, he stays closely connected with his fans. He often shares behind-the-scenes glimpses with them on Instagram, expressing gratitude for their endless love and support. Whether it’s on stage or online, Michael continues to live out his dream steadily and passionately.
Related
Michael Mroz’s Life Today Revolves Around His Family, Band, and Furry Pups
When Michael Mroz is not busy impressing crowds with his music, he knows how to savor life to the fullest. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and frequently reminisces about his childhood days spent playing street hockey with his friends. Although those carefree days have long passed, his love for sports has never faded. As of writing, Michael keeps the spirit alive by attending the ice hockey playoff matches, with his most recent visit being in October 2025. There, he passionately cheered for the team, the Dallas Stars, from the sidelines. As a true music enthusiast, Michael can often be spotted in the front row of concerts, completely immersed in the performances of his favorite singers and instrumentalists.
Yet, Michael’s most profound joy comes from spending time with his son, Alex, who also shares his love for music. They often meet their favorite artists backstage whenever they get the opportunity. Apart from that, Michael shares an unbreakable bond with his band members, just like his own family. Together, they have traveled to several destinations, such as Fairbanks, Alaska, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in September 2025, to perform and relax under the Hawaiian sun in October. Their adventure also takes them to local places, like the State Fair of Texas and the Hard Rock Casino Rockford. The band members and their families further created cherished memories during their memorable trip to Maui, Hawaii, and a scenic road trip to New Mexico.
Above everything, Michael’s life would be incomplete without the presence of his two beloved pups, named Emma and Gerty. They are his constant companions, and he often shares sneak peeks of their playtime online. Expressing his love for them, he wrote, “Life with Jack Russell’s.. Doesn’t get any better than these two.” Moreover, Michael harbors a fascination with history. In April 2025, he fulfilled his dream of visiting the Tower of London in England, where he was captivated by its centuries-old architecture and its legendary cannons. Michael continues to live each day with gratitude and joy, always making new memories with the same vigor that first led him to the stage.
