Warning: This post contains spoilers for the season 7 finale of Love Island USA.
The dramatic and emotion-filled season 7 finale of Love Island USA finally arrived on Sunday, July 13, and after weeks of intense relationships and heartfelt moments, a winner was crowned. Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales were named the season 7 champions, receiving the most votes from the public.
Amaya and Bryan: The Season’s Winning Couple
Amaya, 25, and Bryan, 28, have had a wild ride to the finale, but their connection was undeniable. After a suspenseful decision over the $100,000 cash prize, Bryan let Amaya pick the first envelope, which turned out to be $0.
Bryan then opened the second envelope, revealing the grand prize, and agreed to split the $100,000 evenly with Amaya, a gesture that marked the beginning of their journey together as a couple.
In a celebratory moment, Amaya was filled with emotion, expressing how much this win meant to her. “I feel like I’m flying in the sky right now,” she said, reflecting on her path to finding Bryan, whom she called her “Prince Charming.” “Don’t ever settle for nobody,” she encouraged viewers who feel “misunderstood” like she had earlier in the season.
Bryan shared his gratitude, acknowledging how much meeting Amaya changed his experience on the island. “I don’t even know how to put it into words. Meeting Amaya here turned my experience around ridiculously,” he said. “It feels surreal.”
The Runners-Up and Final Moments
Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen took second place in the competition but were full of praise for Amaya and Bryan. Nic, 24, expressed his admiration for Amaya’s journey, saying, “I think she was really misunderstood by a lot of people… I’m so happy for this genuine connection.”
The third-place couple, Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley, made Love Island USA history with a touching moment when they mutually decided to part ways, despite still having strong feelings for each other.
Huda, 24, explained, “Even though we didn’t end up being a match, we get to apply everything we learned in this villa to the real world, which I think is much more valuable.”
Chris commended Huda for her strength as a mother and a participant on the show, saying, “Your daughter is one lucky girl to have you as a mom, and I hope you know that.”
Ace and Chelley’s Bittersweet Farewell
Before the finale, Ace Greene and Chelley Bissainthe were sent home, just shy of making it to the final round. Reflecting on their journey, Chelley told PEOPLE, “We went through it all, had so much fun with it, and then in the end, we get to walk out together.”
She added that while leaving the villa was bittersweet, she and Ace were “happy” to have each other and the friendships they made during the season.
A Glimpse of the Past
Amaya and Bryan inherit the crown from last season’s winners, Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, who won the $100,000 prize in season 6.
Kordell, 22, shared some wisdom for the new Islanders before the start of season 7, advising them to be themselves and not worry about creating a persona for the audience. “Just be comfortable with yourself,” he said. “They’ll love you for you.”
Final Thoughts on Love Island USA Season 7
As season 7 of Love Island USA concludes, fans can catch all the drama, romance, and unforgettable moments on Peacock. Will Amaya and Bryan’s relationship stand the test of time? Only time will tell, but for now, they are enjoying their win, the $100,000 prize, and their newfound love.
