Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales didn’t just win each other’s hearts — they also won over Love Island USA fans across the nation. The couple was crowned the winners of the hit Peacock dating series on Sunday, July 13, taking home the coveted $100,000 prize after a whirlwind summer of romance, re-couplings and jaw-dropping villa drama.
Following their victory, Amaya and Bryan revealed how they plan to use the money — and spoiler alert: they’re not blowing it on a shopping spree.
“I do want to donate to a charity. I want to give back to a community — that’s one of my biggest passions,” Amaya shared during the finale chat with host Ariana Madix. “I want to make a positive impact on a group of people who are in need.”
Bryan echoed the desire to do good with their newfound fortune, telling Ariana that he intends to use the money with purpose. “I want to invest the money,” he said. “It is extremely important to me. I went through it when I was younger. I definitely want to help little kids face their emotions.” He emphasized his dedication to mental health awareness, citing his own past struggles as motivation.
Love Island fans are well aware of the emotional rollercoaster the couples face each season, and Amaya and Bryan stayed strong through it all — emerging not only with each other, but also with the majority of America’s votes.
For those unfamiliar, Love Island USA — a spinoff of the original U.K. series that premiered in 2002 — brings together a fresh group of singles every season. The goal? Find a romantic connection, stay coupled up, and survive eliminations in a luxe villa under 24/7 surveillance. At the end, one couple wins the public’s vote and the $100,000 prize.
Season 7 wrapped with Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen finishing in second place, Chris Seeley and Huda Mustafa taking third and Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia landing in fourth.
It was a turbulent ride to the finale, including the headline-making departure of Islander Yulissa Escobar just two episodes in after past controversial comments surfaced online. Despite the drama, fans and former contestants alike rallied around Amaya and Bryan.
“I think that Amaya and Bryan are gonna win, to be honest,” TJ Palma told Us Weekly before the finale aired. “I support all of the couples, but I think Amaya and Bryan will probably take it home.”
And take it home they did — hearts full, money in hand and plans already in motion to make a difference beyond the villa.
