A Journey of Authentic Connection

Amaya Espinal, a 25-year-old nurse from New York City, and Bryan Arenales, a 28-year-old from Massachusetts, formed their connection during the infamous Casa Amor twist, a mid-season shake-up that often tests relationships. Despite joining the villa later in the season, Bryan’s immediate bond with Amaya resonated with viewers. Their relationship, built on heartfelt conversations and mutual trust, stood out for its authenticity in a villa often filled with drama. Amaya, known for her vibrant personality and emotional intelligence, quickly became a fan favorite, with her iconic “zoomies” celebrations endearing her to audiences.

The couple’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Amaya’s early days in the villa were turbulent, marked by a short-lived coupling with Ace Greene that ended in arguments. However, her connection with Bryan, rooted in shared Latino heritage—Amaya is Dominican, and Bryan is of Puerto Rican and Guatemalan descent—provided a safe space for both. “I often said how much I wanted to provide that safe place here for you, but little did I know that you would do that for me, too,” Bryan shared during his final speech before the winners were announced. Amaya echoed this sentiment, calling Bryan her “personal Prince Charming” who embraced her unapologetic self.

The Finale: A Celebration of Love

The Love Island USA Season 7 finale, hosted by Ariana Madix, featured the final four couples: Amaya and Bryan, Olandria Carthen and Nic Vansteenberghe, Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley, and Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez. Each couple went on final dates, reflecting on their journeys. Amaya and Bryan’s date, where they flipped through a photo album of their lives and bonded over family traditions, highlighted their deep connection. “With you, I don’t ever cry out of sadness. Every time I feel like a heightened emotion with you, it’s always just like happy tears,” Amaya said.

When the votes were tallied, Amaya and Bryan were crowned winners, with Nic and Olandria as runners-up, Huda and Chris in third, and Iris and Pepe in fourth. At the envelope ceremony, Bryan received the $100,000 envelope and chose to split the prize with Amaya, a decision reflecting the show’s emphasis on genuine connection. The entire cast celebrated by jumping into the villa’s pool, marking a joyful end to their Fiji adventure.

Plans for the Prize Money

In a post-finale interview with Ariana Madix, Amaya and Bryan shared their thoughtful plans for their $50,000 each. Amaya expressed her desire to donate to a charity, focusing on giving back to communities in need, such as through a Thanksgiving drive. Bryan, who emphasized the importance of mental health awareness due to his own experiences growing up, plans to invest part of his share while also supporting mental health initiatives for children. “I struggled with it as a kid growing up, so I just want to help kids face their emotions and know how to deal with them,” he said.

A Season of Highs and Lows

Season 7 of Love Island USA was a cultural phenomenon, ranking as the No. 1 streaming reality series for the week of June 9, 2025, according to Nielsen Media Research. However, the season was not without controversy. Two contestants, Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega, were removed from the villa after resurfaced online posts containing racial slurs sparked backlash. Both issued apologies, with Ortega addressing her exit in a TikTok video. Despite these challenges, the season’s focus on authentic connections, like that of Amaya and Bryan, kept viewers engaged.

Looking Ahead

Following their win, Amaya and Bryan have assured fans that their connection is genuine. “We’ve been like this since we sent chairs, so I don’t think you can really fake that,” Bryan told TODAY on July 15, 2025. Amaya added, “I’m a bad actress and a bad liar—I think people would be able to catch on quickly.” The couple, now back in the U.S., is navigating their newfound fame while planning to prioritize their relationship.

Fans can look forward to more from the Season 7 cast at the reunion special, set to air on Peacock on August 25, 2025, hosted by Ariana Madix and Andy Cohen. Additionally, Love Island Games Season 2, also hosted by Madix, will premiere on September 16, 2025, promising more drama and romance.

Amaya and Bryan’s victory marks a triumphant end to a season filled with emotional highs and lows. Their story, one of cultural connection and mutual support, has left a lasting impression on Love Island USA fans, proving that love—and a little bit of “zoomies”—can conquer all.