Who is Austin Carpenter from Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2?
Austin Carpenter, also known as Player 153, is a 36-year-old medical salesman and a standout contestant on Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2, eliminated during ‘Mingle.’ Born with special abilities, Austin has double organs on the right side of his body: urinary tract, kidney, and bladder.
How old is Austin Carpenter?
Austin is 36 years old as of 2025, and his zodiac sign is Aries. However, his date of birth, month, year, and place of birth have not been publicly disclosed. He has maintained a low public profile, with most available information centered on his gameplay and reflections during the competition rather than his personal background.
Personal Information Summary
| Real Name | Austin Carpenter |
| Gender Identity | Male |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Age | 36 years old as of 2025 |
| Birth Place | Not publicly disclosed |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Nationality | Not publicly disclosed |
| Ethnicity | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Not publicly stated |
| Occupation | Senior Health and Science Specialist/Medical Salesman |
| Reality TV Appearance | Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 (Netflix, 2025) |
| Social Media | No verified accounts linked by Netflix or major outlets |
Early Life and Education
As of now, there is no publicly available information about Austin Carpenter’s early life, and no verified sources have disclosed where Austin Carpenter grew up/details about his childhood. In addition, his background remains private, and neither Netflix nor entertainment outlets have released biographical details beyond his gameplay in Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2. However, he is a 2010 graduate of Indiana University–Purdue University Kelley School of Business, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management with a minor in Chemistry.
| Parent’s name | Father: Information currently unavailable Mother: Information currently unavailable |
| Siblings | Information currently unavailable |
Austin Carpenter’s Wife
Carpenter is married to his wife, Erika Carpenter. Together, they are proud parents of three children: two daughters and a son.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Partner | Erika Carpenter |
| Children | Two daughters and one son |
Career Background
Austin earns his living from working as a Senior Health and Science Specialist at Pfizer (since 2019 to date). Previously, Austin spent several years at Horizon Pharma, where he gained valuable experience in the health industry. Notably, he served at Warner Chilcott, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and also held the position of Rheumatology Specialty Representative to the National Sales Training Manager
Austin Carpenter, Squid Game: The Challenge’ Season 2
Austin entered Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 with a confident mindset and a strong social game of giving it all. He quickly aligned with a trusted group of allies, including Player 21, Marcus. His most pivotal relationship was with Marcus (Player 21). In Episode 4, Marcus received a secret note revealing the next game, “Mingle,” and the first number to be called. He chose to share this confidential information with Austin. In a private confessional, Austin expressed how much this alliance meant to him, especially given his disadvantaged position. He stated, “Because of getting the nesting doll, I’ve got a disadvantage. And this almost doesn’t even level the playing field, but this, this is huge. Out of every player in that dorm, 21 is the one I trust the most.”
It is worth noting that Austin was eliminated from Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 as a consequence of the Russian nesting doll twist, which imposed a significant disadvantage. The odds were against him, and despite his calculated planning, he ultimately lost the round and was eliminated. Even though the exact nature of the penalty wasn’t fully detailed, it was described as a “heavy price” that disrupted his strategic momentum. In addition, the twist introduced new disadvantages that disrupted his plans and strained his alliance dynamics. The exact moment of Austin’s elimination wasn’t, however, heavily featured on-screen.
After his time on the show, Austin reflected on the emotional and psychological toll of the competition. He has also reflected on his time in Squid Game: The Challenge with deep appreciation, emphasizing the meaningful relationships and unforgettable experiences he gained. While he acknowledged that the disadvantage he faced may have cut his journey short, he has no regrets, as he places value on the bonds formed and the memories created in the competition.
All you need to know about “Squid Game: The Challenge’ Season 2”
Squid Game: The Challenge is returning for another high-stakes outing on Netflix, with the second season now available to watch on the streamer. The season contains 9 episodes; the First four premiered on November 4, 2025, then four more episodes premiered on November 11, 2025, and the season finale will premiere on November 18, 2025. Inspired by the original scripted series, this season will once more feature 456 contestants who will all compete for a life-changing $4.56 million prize, the largest single prize in reality TV history. The season introduces a mix of returning and new games. Familiar challenges like Red Light, Green Light, Marbles, and Mingle return, while new additions such as Slides and Ladders, Six-Legged Pentathlon, and The Count make the competition even more interesting because of their complexity. Each game is designed to test different aspects of the contestants’ abilities, whether it’s trust, logic, teamwork, or deception.
Season 2 was filmed in the United Kingdom, using elaborate sets that replicate the surreal and colorful aesthetic of the original Squid Game. It features a diverse cast of 456 players from across the globe, including the U.S., UK, Ireland, and beyond, each identified by a number and with a story of their own. The contestants’ age range from 21 to 77, with expertise ranging from creators, nurses, athletes, an NFL cheerleader, poker champions, bartenders, four family duos, and even Robert Pattinson’s stunt double in Twilight. With each player facing elimination at every turn, players must master alliances, adaptability, and emotional control to survive in the game. Some of the notable contestants include;
- Sydney Belle, player 016
- Jeffrey Figuereo, Player 283
- Perla Figuereo, player 072
- Samantha Chan, Player 352
- Natalie Hortz, Player 75
- Zoë Naggar, Player 369
- Michael Mroz, Player 089
- Curt Stinson, Player 370
- Mark Levy, Player 100
- Isaiah Brooks, Player 410
- August Schroeder, Player 111
- Eric Eldredge, Player 415
- Jonti Crisp, Player 118
- Raul Gibson, Player 431
- Viper Glanton, Player 152
- Jacob Gibson, Player 432
How Tall is Austin Carpenter?
Carpenter is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, equaling 1.75 meters.
Austin Carpenter Net Worth
As of 2025, Austin Carpenter has not publicly shared his net worth. No verified financial estimates are available, and his earnings from Squid Game: The Challenge Season 2 remain undisclosed, as contestants were not compensated unless they won the grand prize.
Social Media
Carpenter’s social media profiles have not been publicly confirmed or linked by Netflix or major entertainment outlets. As of now, there are no verified Instagram, TikTok, or other platform handles associated with him.