Step into the spotlight and eliminate yourself! This intriguing twist in the world of MrBeast and Beast Games is raising eyebrows, as it reveals a deeper fascination with self-sacrifice. As viewers, we’re beginning to sense, even in Season 2, Episode 2—aptly titled “Choose Your Fate”—that regardless of team dynamics, alliances, or the camaraderie enjoyed over Feastables in the heart of Beast City, the ultimate focus remains on individual gain. Here, time operates within a unique framework, and inevitably, every player’s journey boils down to how they can secure their own win. The show’s penchant for ultimatum challenges, such as the enticing “$100K to leave” offer in Episode 1, is a testament to its love of watching money trump the slim odds of clinching the grand prize.

This theory finds validation with the introduction of The OG’s. When Brent, contestant #24, decides to step out of the game for a payday, he nominates Deano, #380, as his successor. Deano is a familiar face, having famously turned down a cool million in Season 1. Meanwhile, Nate, #192, also steps forward, citing his admiration for Jeff, #831, the previous season’s winner known for his integrity. Jeff, in turn, pledges to honor Nate’s trust, signifying his commitment to playing the game with respect rather than succumbing to greed. This sentiment reflects the contestant’s desire to challenge the show’s focus on individual profit.

It seemed inevitable that all ten returning “Legends” would eventually rejoin the fray, and indeed, they do. The new lineup now includes Jeff, Deano, Twana (#830), JC (#566), Karim (#406), and Akira (#830), whom MrBeast dubs “The Assassin” for his impressive track record in the previous season. Each $100,000 departure makes room for an OG to maintain the player count at 100—for now, at least.

GAME CHANGER

The circular room, accessible via a portal from Beast City, transforms into a variety of games. This time, MrBeast has arranged four sections: Balls, Balance, Bluff, and Blocks. In each game, half of the participants will face elimination, with the numbers breaking down to 18, 22, 20, and 40 players respectively. The dodgeball round kicks off with an added twist reminiscent of musical chairs; contestants must keep moving around the circle until the line of scrimmage appears, possibly pitting them against allies. Tensions rise as players find themselves in a three-way split, leading some to drop balls instead of targeting teammates or friends. Yet, Akira, the formidable Season 1 player, shows no allegiance, withstanding a barrage of dodgeballs as his fellow contestants aim and miss. MrBeast exclaims, “How did you all miss?!”

But the tide turns quickly—Avery, #133, lands a decisive hit on Akira, sending the seasoned assassin out of the competition.

The Balance portion of the game requires players to judge the weight of a big glass heart, and those hearts soon shatter along with the reconstituted Beast Games dreams of OGs like #991 and fan favorite, the big-bearded Jeremy. Bluff, in its very name, assures that contestants will be required to lie. Again, self-preservation as this show’s biggest driver. But MrBeast is a little miffed when they won’t do it. Round after round ends with players refusing to lie to each other about the colored discs on the back of their heads, and the impatient host takes drastic action. “It’s time for Plan B: Bring out the box!” The box of chance, that is, and his random number picks eventually conclude the game.

And before we get to Blocks, which becomes the highest-stakes portion of this episode in more ways than one, we need to mention the love connection that has roiled Beast City. Fellow Strongs Monika, #152, and Jim, #173, have rocketed from mutual attraction to going steady in one-and-a-half episodes. But despite the grousing of their fellow contestants, there might be power in their instant love connection – both players survive their Balance and Bluff challenges. 

HUMAN JENGA

The circle room cannot contain the magnitude of Blocks. It’s back to Beast City for everybody who picked this portion, where players must unite to build a tall tower out of large random shapes. MrBeast denotes captains from the Smart and Strong ranks – they are pro Pokémon player Johnny, #11, and US Navy veteran Cory, #191 – and each builds his team with a custom mix of Strongs, Smarts, and OG’s. “Uncle Deano, where you at?” Johnny’s going with experience. But Cory sees brawn as the power in this game, and picks guys like Mitch, #117 and a bodybuilder, who says “I don’t get tired. Ever.” A player in a harness and helmet will be on top, aiming to reach the green flag high above the City’s sand playground, while the rest of the team will pick and haul the shapes that build the rickety tower.  

“‘Sup, Mitch?” It’s funny when Johnny catches up to his opponent, because it’s another dig at who has the realest power in this Beast Games dynamic, the big brains or the bicep-pilled. But the going for both is tough, and full of instant peril. One slip and the contestant atop the tower eliminates his entire squad. They’ve got MrBeast in a scissor lift, complete with megaphone. “One of our hardest games ever!” he’s shouting from up there. “Five million on the line!” Johnny is calmly, carefully preparing to take a standing position on the tower, because drawing up any more shapes from his teammates below could wobble the whole thing into tumbledown tragedy. The Smarts’ captain chances a glance at the Strongs’ tower. They’ve got a few feet of shapes on him, but if he jumps, Johnny’s physical height could be the balance. The green flags dangle above. So close, so elusive, just like this show’s constant visual aid of its five-million-dollar cash pile. Cue the latest Beast Games cliffhanger.

70 players remain. 

Johnny Loftus (@johnnyloftus.bsky.social) is a Chicago-based writer. A veteran of the alternative weekly trenches, his work has also appeared in Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, The All Music Guide, and The Village Voice.