The Shocking Truth About Who Won Love Island USA Season 7 And Why Their Victory Was Short-Lived

The seventh season of *Love Island USA*, which premiered on June 3, 2025, delivered one of the most dramatic and unexpected endings in the show's history. Fans were glued to their screens as the Islanders navigated new twists, intense Casa Amor drama, and the guidance of new host Ariana Madix. The winning couple, who walked away with the $100,000 prize, were fan favorites Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales. However, as of this current date in December 2025, the reality of post-villa life has proven to be a greater challenge than the villa itself, with the winning relationship dissolving almost immediately after the cameras stopped rolling.

The season culminated in a dramatic finale that saw the final four couples—Amaya and Bryan, Nic and Olandria, Huda and Chris, and Iris and Pepe—face the public vote. While the romance between Amaya and Bryan seemed strong enough to secure the victory, their journey outside the villa became a cautionary tale about finding lasting love on reality television. This deep dive explores the winners, their shocking split, and the current status of the other key couples from the season.

The Love Island USA Season 7 Winners: Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales

Amaya Espinal, affectionately known as 'Amaya Papaya' by fans, and Bryan Arenales were crowned the winners of *Love Island USA* Season 7. Their journey was a rollercoaster of high highs and dramatic lows, ultimately winning the hearts of the American public. Their victory was sealed on the final night, but the celebration was incredibly short-lived, leading to one of the most talked-about breakups of the year.

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Amaya Espinal & Bryan Arenales: Post-Villa Biography and Relationship Timeline

• Season: *Love Island USA* Season 7 (2025)
• Status in Villa: Coupled and won the series.
• Final Prize: $100,000 split between them.
• Breakup Announcement: Two days after the reunion episode aired in August 2025.
• Reason for Split: Amaya confirmed on Instagram that their "visions didn't align" and that post-villa life revealed fundamental differences in their goals and expectations.
• Current Status (as of December 2025): Both are single and focusing on their careers and social media presence, with Amaya launching a new fitness and lifestyle brand.

The swiftness of the breakup sent shockwaves through the *Love Island* community. Just days after confirming they were still together at the reunion, Amaya took to social media to announce the split. She clarified that despite their connection in the villa, the transition to the real world—with its pressures, distance, and differing career paths—proved too difficult to overcome. The reality star cited an incompatibility in their long-term "visions," suggesting that the bubble of the villa had masked underlying differences.

Where Are the Other Love Island USA Season 7 Couples Now?

While the winners' flame quickly extinguished, the true success stories of *Love Island* often emerge from the runners-up. Season 7 was no exception, with several couples showing promising signs of longevity months after leaving the villa. The post-show life reveals who was truly in it for love and who was there for the experience.

Nic and Olandria: The Runner-Up Relationship

Nicolas Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen were the season's runners-up, finishing second to Amaya and Bryan. Their relationship was a fan favorite, marked by a strong emotional connection and Olandria's memorable moments, including the intense drama with Huda Mustafa early in the season. Their journey was tested, notably by Nic's brief kiss with another Islander, Hear, which Olandria surprisingly knew about, adding a layer of maturity to their bond. As of late 2025, Nic and Olandria are still together. They have been frequently posting content together, traveling, and spending time with each other's families, solidifying their status as one of the season's most successful couples.

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Chelley and Ace: Exclusive and Going Strong

Chelley Bissainthe and Ace Greene were a late-game connection that blossomed into something serious. They finished the season as one of the strongest pairs and have continued their relationship outside the villa. In post-show interviews, Chelley confirmed they were "still exclusive" and were simply waiting for the "perfect moment to be official." Ace, known for his charismatic yet sometimes controversial presence, has been teasing big plans for their future together. Their relationship is a testament to finding love even when entering the villa later in the process.

Huda and Chris: The Finale Breakup

Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley’s journey was a tumultuous one. Huda, who was involved in some of the season's most intense drama—including a high-profile spat with Jeremiah Brown and an earlier conflict with Olandria—ultimately found a connection with Chris. However, in a shocking turn of events, the couple broke up during the finale episode. Huda made the difficult decision to end the relationship, realizing they were not meant to be a long-term match. This on-air split was a major talking point, highlighting the pressure and emotional toll of the final days in the villa.

Iris and Pepe: Quietly Moving Forward

Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez finished in fourth place. Their relationship was one of the quieter, more stable connections in the villa, often overshadowed by the bigger dramas. While they haven't been as publicly visible as Nic and Olandria, the couple has maintained a low-key presence, suggesting they are navigating their relationship away from the public eye. Their commitment to privacy is often seen as a good sign for long-term success in the reality TV world.

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The Biggest Drama and Most Memorable Moments of Season 7

Season 7 was packed with unforgettable moments and high-stakes drama, thanks in part to new host Ariana Madix and a clever new twist to the infamous Casa Amor segment. This season was a masterclass in reality TV production, delivering consistent entertainment and controversy.

The Casa Amor Twist and Strategic Chaos

The biggest twist of *Love Island USA* Season 7 came during Casa Amor. Producers maximized the drama by introducing a new strategic element that amplified the temptation and potential for heartbreak. This year, the twist led to more Islanders straying than in previous seasons, creating intense "stick or twist" decisions at the fire pit. The fallout from Casa Amor was a central theme for the rest of the season, testing the foundations of couples like Nic and Olandria.

The Olandria vs. Huda Feud

One of the earliest and most memorable feuds involved Olandria Carthen and Huda Mustafa. The tension between the two women provided some of the season's most explosive reality TV moments. Olandria, known for her calm demeanor, was pushed to her limit by Huda, leading to a confrontation that was widely discussed on social media. This drama set an aggressive tone for the season, proving that not all relationships formed in the villa are romantic.

Amaya and Ace's Beach-Front Beef

The winners, Amaya Espinal, were not immune to the drama. She had a high-tension confrontation with fellow Islander Ace Greene on the beach. Their "beef" was a powerful moment that showcased Amaya's strong personality and her willingness to stand her ground. It was an important storyline that humanized the eventual winner, showing her navigating conflict just like any other Islander.

The Jeremiah and Austin Shepard Meme Moments

Beyond the romantic and confrontational drama, the season delivered some iconic comedic moments. Islander Austin Shepard became an instant meme for his hilarious side-eye and reaction shots, particularly during a confrontation involving Jeremiah Brown. These lighter moments provided necessary relief from the intense emotional rollercoaster of the villa and cemented certain Islanders, like Austin and Jeremiah, as fan-favorite personalities.

In conclusion, while Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales won the $100,000 prize and the title of *Love Island USA* Season 7 champions, their victory was fleeting. The true success stories of the season belong to couples like Nic and Olandria, who proved that a strong connection forged on the island can survive the pressures of the real world. This season, hosted by the brilliant Ariana Madix, will be remembered not just for its winners, but for its intense drama, shocking finale breakup, and the rapid post-show split that reminded everyone that finding lasting love on reality TV is the ultimate challenge.