After weeks of heated romance, unexpected twists, and emotional farewells, the seventh season of "Love Island USA" wrapped up on Sunday, July 13, 2025, with Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales crowned as the winners. The popular Peacock reality dating series concluded its supersized finale with a dramatic reveal of America’s favorite couple, who not only captured hearts but also took home the coveted $100,000 grand prize, which they chose to split.
Season 7 of "Love Island USA" set the stage for a rollercoaster ride of relationships, challenges, and controversies that kept viewers glued to their screens since its June 3 premiere. The season quickly became a streaming sensation, breaking records as the second most-watched streaming show on TV during its second week, amassing an astonishing 1.2 billion minutes viewed across nine episodes in early June.
As the finale unfolded, the final four couples were Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley, Iris Kendall and Jose "Pepe" Garcia-Gonzalez, and Olandria Carthen and Nicolas "Nic" Vansteenberghe. These couples had battled through the villa’s intense social dynamics, recouplings, and eliminations, with America ultimately deciding who had the strongest connection.
Amaya and Bryan, who first met during the Casa Amor segment but only truly connected after returning to the main villa, quickly became fan favorites. Their relationship blossomed in the final weeks, with Amaya’s emotional openness and Bryan’s supportive nature creating a powerful bond. Their final date was an intimate evening under the stars, where they flipped through a photo album filled with childhood memories and moments from their time on the show, culminating in Bryan asking Amaya to be exclusive—a commitment she eagerly accepted.
Following the announcement of their victory, Amaya celebrated with her signature energetic run around the villa, expressing, "I feel like I’m flying in the sky right now. I just feel so seen and validated, and for people to see how powerful our connection is. I would do this ride all over again if it led me to him." Bryan echoed her sentiments, saying, "Meeting Amaya here has turned my experience around ridiculously. I’m so thankful to meet this person, and I’d do this experience 100 times over." Bryan was the lucky recipient of the $100,000 prize envelope and chose to share the winnings equally with Amaya, emphasizing, "This isn't even a question for me. Of course, I'm splitting this money with Amaya."
The other finalists also had memorable moments during their final dates. Nic and Olandria enjoyed a romantic beach walk, reading heartfelt notes from fans that brought tears to Olandria’s eyes. Iris and Pepe went on a boat ride, toasting to their first date outside the villa and planning a casual outing to In-N-Out and the beach. Meanwhile, Huda and Chris shared what would become one of the most awkward and poignant moments in "Love Island USA" history—a candlelight dinner during which they decided to end their relationship. Their breakup was a shock to viewers but reflected the season's raw emotional honesty.
Throughout the season, Huda’s journey was particularly dramatic. Initially paired with Jeremiah Brown, their relationship faltered, leading to an emotional crash out. Huda was twice saved from elimination by fellow Islanders and later found a connection with Chris Seeley in Casa Amor. Despite their growing bond, differences in communication and expectations ultimately led to their split during the finale.
Season 7 was not without its controversies. Early in the season, original Islander Yulissa Escobar was removed following the resurfacing of racist posts. Similarly, Cierra Ortega departed abruptly about a week before the finale amid backlash over a social media post containing racial slurs. Both have since publicly apologized, but the incidents cast a shadow over the season. The show's producers and cast addressed these challenges with a focus on accountability and respect, with the official "Love Island USA" social media accounts reminding fans to maintain kindness and support for the Islanders.
Despite these hurdles, the season delivered on the drama and romance fans expect. The villa saw numerous recouplings, unexpected departures, and heartfelt connections. Notably, the final four couples had only recently paired up exclusively, highlighting the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of the show. The last couples eliminated before the finale were Taylor Williams and Clarke Carraway, who had become exclusive but were voted out by fans, and Chelley Bissainthe and Ace Greene, affectionately known as "Chellace," who were dumped in the penultimate episode.
Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen’s story was a fan favorite, often dubbed "Nicolandria" by viewers. Their relationship evolved from a playful friendship to a romantic connection, with moments like Nic’s blindfolded kiss in the first episode and their eventual coupling after Cierra’s departure reigniting interest in their bond.
Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez, who entered the villa as bombshells mid-season, also captured attention. Their friendship blossomed into romance after both found themselves single following multiple recouplings and eliminations. Their chemistry and shared California roots added a sweet dimension to the season's narrative.
Looking ahead, Peacock has announced that the "Love Island USA" Season 7 reunion will air on August 25, 2025, hosted by Ariana Madix and Andy Cohen. This special will bring together winners, fan favorites, and bombshells to reflect on the season’s most talked-about moments. Additionally, Madix will host Season 2 of "Love Island Games," set to premiere on September 16, 2025, promising a fresh twist on the franchise with fan-favorite Islanders competing in new challenges.
Season 7’s finale was a testament to the highs and lows of reality dating, blending heartfelt romance with moments of tension and growth. As fireworks lit up the villa and the final couples jumped into the pool in celebration, viewers were reminded why "Love Island USA" continues to captivate audiences — a mix of genuine connection, unpredictable drama, and the enduring hope of finding love in the most unlikely places.
