After a summer filled with romance, drama, and unexpected twists, the seventh season of Love Island USA has finally crowned its winning couple. The much-anticipated finale aired on Sunday, July 13, 2025, exclusively on Peacock at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (6 p.m. Pacific), marking the end of a season that captivated viewers across the nation and beyond.
Since its premiere on June 3, 2025, the series has been a standout success for Peacock, becoming its most-watched entertainment series on mobile devices. The show’s unique format, which brings together young singles in a remote Fijian villa to explore romantic connections under constant surveillance, continues to enthrall audiences with its blend of heartfelt moments and reality TV spectacle.
This season was not without controversy. Two contestants, Cierra Ortega and Yulissa Escobar, left the villa after resurfaced social media posts revealed the use of racial slurs, sparking discussions about accountability and the pressures of public scrutiny. Ortega, who was part of one of the season’s strongest couples, exited just a week before the finale and publicly apologized in a nearly five-minute TikTok video, acknowledging her past mistakes.
Despite the turbulence, the show maintained its signature mix of romance and competition. The villa’s dynamics shifted constantly with the arrival of new “bombshell” contestants and the infamous Casa Amor twist, which separated established couples to test their loyalty and spark new connections. Contestants faced challenges ranging from kissing contests to caring for baby dolls, designed to test their compatibility in entertaining and sometimes emotional ways.
As the season approached its climax, the final four couples emerged, each with their own compelling stories:
- Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales: Amaya, a 25-year-old registered nurse from New York City, entered the villa early and quickly became a fan favorite for her emotional intelligence and authentic personality. Bryan, 28, joined later during the Casa Amor twist and immediately connected with Amaya. Their relationship was marked by quiet conversations, mutual respect, and a genuine bond that resonated deeply with viewers.
- Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley: Huda, 24, a fitness coach and the first mother to compete on the show, initially coupled with Jeremiah Brown but later found a connection with Chris, a 27-year-old professional basketball player. Their relationship developed through shared vulnerabilities and support, despite occasional tensions, such as disagreements over public displays of affection during the villa’s baby challenge.
- Iris Kendall and Jose “Pepe” Garcia-Gonzalez: Both bombshell entrants, Iris and Pepe formed a connection after navigating various relationships within the villa. Their friendship blossomed into romance, offering a comfortable and steady partnership that contrasted with the season’s more dramatic pairings.
- Olandria Carthen and Nic Vansteenberghe: Their journey was unconventional, with initial interest in other partners before being dumped from the villa and then offered a lifeline to return as a couple. Although they explored a romantic connection, they ultimately decided to remain friends, showcasing the complexities of relationships under the villa’s intense spotlight.
The season also bid farewell to Ace Greene and Chelley Bissainthe in a heartfelt elimination during Episode 24. Their departure was marked by mutual respect and gratitude, with Chelley expressing fulfillment in her journey and Ace appreciating the comfort and authenticity their relationship provided.
The finale episode featured the last coupling decisions, final dates, and declarations of love, culminating in the announcement of the winning couple based on a nationwide fan vote. The prize at stake was $100,000, awarded with a twist: the winning couple receives two envelopes—one containing the money and one empty. The person who picks the envelope with the cash must decide whether to keep it or share it with their partner. Historically, all winning couples in the U.S. version have chosen to split the prize, emphasizing the show’s focus on genuine connection over competition.
According to reports from Vocal Media and Geek, Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales were confirmed as the winners of Season 7, a decision that sparked widespread acclaim. Their love story was hailed as the most authentic in the show’s history, resonating with fans who appreciated their steady, heartfelt connection amid a season often characterized by drama and spectacle.
Social media erupted in support for the couple, with hashtags like #AmayaAndBryan and #LoveWins trending across platforms such as Twitter (now X), Instagram, and TikTok. Within 24 hours of the finale, Google searches for “Who won Love Island Season 7 USA” spiked by over 300%, underscoring the couple’s impact on the audience. Fans praised their journey for its emotional depth, vulnerability, and refusal to succumb to the typical whirlwind romance trope.
Amaya and Bryan’s connection was built on gradual trust, honest conversations, and consistent support. Bryan, who entered the villa during the disruptive Casa Amor twist, and Amaya, who had been a steady presence since the beginning, defied the odds by forming a bond that grew stronger despite the challenges. Their victory was seen as a refreshing departure from the usual reality TV narratives, offering a story of love that felt earned rather than manufactured.
Looking ahead, the couple is expected to continue their journey beyond the villa with appearances on post-show interviews, talk shows, and potential involvement in the new spinoff series, Love Island: Beyond the Villa, which premiered the same night as the finale. This spinoff follows Season 6’s main cast as they navigate life after the villa, relationships, and newfound social media fame in Los Angeles.
The season also highlighted the presence of Floridian contestants Nic Vansteenberghe and Chelley Bissainthe, who were among the final contestants and contributed to the season’s dynamic energy. The show’s setting in a stunning Fijian villa provided a picturesque backdrop for the unfolding romances and rivalries, adding to the escapist appeal that has made Love Island USA a summer staple.
With 33 episodes this season, the journey from initial coupling to the finale was packed with emotional highs and lows, challenges, and moments that sparked viral social media trends. The show’s ability to blend genuine human connection with the excitement of competitive reality TV continues to engage a diverse audience.
As the sun sets on Season 7, Love Island USA leaves behind a legacy of memorable moments and a hopeful message about love’s complexities. Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales’ win reminds viewers that amidst the drama and spectacle, authentic connection can prevail.
