Love Island USA’s First Latino Winners, Amaya and Bryan, Reveal Heartfelt Plans for Their $100,000 Prize
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
14 July 2025
Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales claimed victory on the July 13 finale of Love Island USA Season 7, securing America’s hearts and a $100,000 prize for a love story rooted in vulnerability, resilience, and cultural connection.
At 25 and 28, respectively, the pair made history as the first Latino winners of the show, celebrating their triumph with tears, laughter, and a romantic jungle date where they officially became exclusive. Bryan ultimately chose the envelope containing the full prize, rejecting Amaya’s choice of the empty envelope so he could distribute the money fairly. With that gesture, they split the winnings, each taking home $50,000 and each has plans to make their share count.
Amaya, a cardiac nurse from New York City, expressed her desire to use the money altruistically. While speaking to host Ariana Madix in a post-finale interview, she said, “I actually do wanna donate to a charity. I wanna give back to a community... my biggest passion is leaving a positive impact on a group of people who are in need” Drawing from her medical background, Amaya’s choice underscores a commitment to service that extends far beyond the villa’s spotlight.
Bryan, a Boston native with Puerto Rican and Guatemalan roots, shared his own thoughtful intentions. He revealed his focus would not only be on personal investment but also on supporting mental health awareness for children. “I went through it when I was younger,” he confided, implying that his past struggles fueled his determination to uplift young individuals facing emotional challenges.
Their announcement resonated deeply with viewers. Across social media, fans praised the duo’s maturity and compassion, praising how they transformed a reality show windfall into instruments for change. The season itself was marked by intense drama multiple contestants exited following revelations of past racist remarks, and dramatic relationship shifts kept audiences guessing.
Yet through highs and lows, Amaya and Bryan’s partnership remained a steady beacon of authenticity. Their journey began in Episode 4 when Amaya entered the villa as a bombshell, and Bryan arrived later during Casa Amor but their bond grew quickly, fueled by emotional openness and mutual support. Their final date sealed it: champagne in hand, they promised to prioritize each other after leaving Fiji.
Their love captivated the public, earning them not only the grand prize but also a surge in social media followers. The finale’s emotional speeches and pool-jumping celebration echoed across platforms, cementing their status as fan favorites. As one of the season’s most powerful closing statements, their win symbolized both representation and heartfelt storytelling.
While Olandria Carthen and Nic Vansteenberghe placed second, and Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley finished third, Amaya and Bryan stood out with more than just romance, they demonstrated purpose. Their victory felt like the start of something bigger, as they outlined how they intend to leverage their platform and prize for community care.
Meanwhile, social discourse following the finale reflected mixed viewer reactions. The couple’s historic win was hailed, but some fans suggested Bryan “got lucky,” or that Amaya’s mature voice carried the pair; others lamented elimination results involving Nic and Olandria. Yet as reconciliation with the audience began, Amaya and Bryan's narrative centered on reconciliation, hope, and direction.
In the wake of the finale, Peacock has already announced a reunion special set for August 25, a sign that Amaya and Bryan’s journey is far from over. The upcoming event promises to unpack lingering drama, clarify unresolved storylines, and show how the couple is building their future beyond the villa.
What sets them apart isn’t just winning the show, it’s winning with intention. Their heartfelt plans to donate and advocate for mental health reflect a broader shift in reality TV culture: personal gain that transforms into communal responsibility.
Comments