One guy controls a game, traps new players in and they have to play to the death (spoiler maybe below)

[Hillary B. Taylor]

If I recall, the players found a way to bring two back out alive. People teamed up to beath the game, then had to split off to win. The winner has to control the game until there's another winner. Most players meet a violent death. It's not set in history or Asia, and not a government plot. I believe the first interaction was an invitation through a video game.

[Aliza]

Hillary B. Taylor wrote: "If I recall, the players found a way to bring two back out alive. People teamed up to beath the game, then had to split off to win. The winner has to control the game until there's another winner. ..."

[Aliza]

It sounds kind of like Rush by Eve Silver. Maybe it's something similar?

[Rosa]

Rush for the link.

[Hillary B. Taylor]

That's not it, but thank you. I don't think there were aliens, and I think that main character was male.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

When did you read it?
YA or adult?
Remember the cover?
Author female or male?

[Hillary B. Taylor]

I read it in 2016 or 2017, it could be YA but probably adult. I don't remember the cover or author.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Hillary B. Taylor, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

[Daisy]

It also sounds a lot like The Hunger Games - not enough to be your book, but enough that maybe you're conflating two books?