Love Island USA Season 7 Winner Predictions | Can Amaya & Bryan Beat Nicolandria for the $100K?

Love Island USA Season 7 Final Predictions: Can Amaya & Bryan Win the $100K Prize?

 The Final Four Couples: After weeks of drama in the Fiji villa, Love Island USA Season 7 has its final four couples vying for the $100,000 prize. The finalists – Amaya & Bryan, Huda & Chris, Olandria & Nic, and Iris & Pepe – were confirmed after an emotional last dumping that sent home long-standing pair Ace & Chelley. Each of these couples has traveled a unique journey of recouplings, tests (from Casa Amor temptations to wild challenges), and heartfelt moments on the path to the finale. Now, as fans cast their votes via the Love Island app, the big question looms: which duo has captured America’s heart enough to be crowned winners?

(Note: Love Island’s winners are entirely decided by viewer votes, and in past seasons the fan-favorite couple invariably splits the prize money.

Looking back at previous seasons suggests what it takes to win: Season 5’s Hannah & Marco coupled up early and remained an “unwavering pair” that was an “obvious choice” for the win, while Season 2’s Justine & Caleb became beloved underdogs who hung onto each other through every test. Although Season 6 broke the mold with a rocky couple still triumphing, generally the crown goes to a duo that viewers see as genuine and strong by finale night. With that in mind, let’s analyze each Season 7 finalist couple – their villa journey, challenges overcome, social media buzz, and fan sentiment – before predicting who’s most likely to take home the $100K.)**

Amaya & Bryan: The Fan-Favorite Firecracker and Her Late Knight

From Bombshell to Beloved: Amaya Espinal entered as a bombshell on Day 4 and quickly made waves – she initially coupled with Ace, only to have that connection crash and burn by Week 2 amid tension with Ace’s next partner, Chelley. Far from fading into the background, the 25-year-old cardiac nurse became the villa’s undisputed personality powerhouse: Amaya wore her heart on her sleeve, dropped hilarious one-liners, and uplifted her fellow girls at every turn. While some Islanders early on complained she was “a bit too much,” viewers at home saw a different side – a warm, unfiltered friend who stood strong against any criticism.

A major turning point came post–Casa Amor when Amaya returned single and unfazed, even as several male Islanders (minus one notable exception) tried to tear her down during the “Stand on Business” challenge. Amaya’s refusal to be bullied – epitomized by her clapback, “I’m just not your cup of tea… so don’t f**king drink it,” delivered “10 toes down” – only endeared her more to the public. By the time Casa Amor ended, Bryan Arenales finally stepped forward to pursue Amaya, their once-platonic friendship blossoming into a romantic coupling that many say “fast tracked” them toward the win.

Chemistry or Strategy? As a couple, Amaya and Bryan have enjoyed some of the most heartfelt moments late in the season – from deep chats about feelings to a seamless meeting of each other’s families in the penultimate episode. Their connection “strengthened after Casa Amor,” suggesting a bond that solidified when tested. Fans on social media have been rallying behind #Bramaya (Bryan + Amaya) with an almost fervent devotion – Amaya’s candid personality and emotional journey clearly resonated, and Bryan’s steady, laid-back support of her has earned nods as well.

On Instagram and TikTok, Amaya’s following exploded into the millions by finale week (2.1M+ IG followers and counting), dwarfing that of any other Islander – a clear indicator of massive public support. Still, not everyone is completely sold on Bryan: some former Islanders and viewers have questioned his motives, noting that “he never once pulled her aside earlier in the season” and only showed interest after Amaya’s star began to rise. Fellow Islander Zak (who had a brief connection with Amaya) openly doubted Bryan’s sincerity, and even Bryan’s ex-match Andreina hinted she hopes he’s treating Amaya better than he treated her. On forums like Reddit, the debate rages – one fan declared they “love Nicolandria (Nic & Olandria) but you could never sway me to not vote for Amaya Papaya”, believing Amaya and Bryan genuinely “could last the long haul”.

Others, however, find the pair “obnoxious” as a couple and suspect Bryan simply coupled up to avoid elimination, calling Amaya “so desperate to find love” that she’ll take him at face value. In sum, Amaya & Bryan are undeniably the popular favorites heading into the finale – the question is whether that popularity (and Amaya’s larger-than-life appeal) can overcome lingering doubts about Bryan’s late-game heroics. Industry insiders like ex-Islander TJ are bullish on them, flat-out predicting: “I think Amaya and Bryan are going to win. She’s become so popular and they’ve built something real”. Even astrologers reading the stars have foreseen “a potential Amaya ‘Papaya’/Bryan victory,” noting their zodiac compatibility is off the charts (Scorpio + Capricorn for the win). All signs point to this fiery nurse and her finance-guy beau being the couple to beat on finale night.

Huda & Chris: A Controversial Connection Weathering the Storm

Casa Amor Sparks and Shockwaves: Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley’s romance was born in the chaos of Casa Amor, making theirs arguably the most dramatically forged bond of the finalists. When Casa Amor rolled around, Chris was in a cozy couple with his villa sweetheart Chelley – until he met Huda among the new arrivals and sparks flew. Chris returned to the main villa arm-in-arm with Huda, leaving a stunned (and heartbroken) Chelley suddenly single. This twist set the stage for tensions: not only had Huda effectively “stolen” her close friend’s man, but the fallout meant one of the season’s longest-standing friendships took a hit.

To their credit, Huda (a fitness coach and single mom) and Chris (a pro basketball player) did form a genuine bond beyond the initial lust – sharing deep conversations about insecurities and emotional support that some fans found “heartwarming”. Their physical chemistry was undeniable too, with observers noting Chris and Huda had “crazy sexual chemistry in every challenge” post-Casa, even earning a spicy reputation with their steamy kisses. However, cracks in “Chuda” (as fans dub them) soon appeared. A major flashpoint came during the infamous Heart Rate Challenge: Huda’s ultra-sultry performance for her friend’s partner Ace (yes, the same Ace who was Chelley’s new beau) raised everyone’s eyebrows.

Fellow Islander Andreina remarked that Huda “did a little too much” with Ace, especially given Huda’s supposed loyalty to Chelley. The incident sparked villa drama and a wave of viewer backlash – some fans were appalled that Huda would grind on her bestie’s guy (even if it was “just a challenge”), seeing it as a breach of girl code. Huda tried to downplay it, but even she later anxiously asked Chris if people would think it was okay “if she was ugly”, betraying her deep-seated insecurity about being valued for more than sex appeal.

Polarizing Fan Reactions: Out of all the final couples, Huda & Chris have the most divided public opinion. On one hand, they’ve “weathered controversy” and come out still together – a testament to their chemistry and maybe resilience. They have a segment of die-hard supporters (the self-proclaimed #TeamHuda crowd) who admire Huda’s candidness and the pair’s ability to overcome villa drama. In fact, when another Islander publicly criticized Huda over the lap-dance fiasco, many fans surprisingly rushed to Huda’s defense, insisting she did nothing wrong and that others overreacted. On the other hand, a larger swath of the audience remains skeptical. Huda has been “the most polarizing cast member… by a long shot” this season, with numerous viewers (and Reddit threads) calling out her behavior.

Critics argue that Huda’s self-esteem issues and tendency to equate her worth to sexual desirability make her relationship with Chris feel shaky. “Huda needs to learn to love herself before she jumps into a relationship,” one fan wrote bluntly, warning that unless she gets help, “I just don’t see her and Chris lasting”. Even within the villa, the past week brought signs of strain: in Episode 32, after Huda pressed Chris about showing more affection, Chris appeared visibly frustrated – “disgusted,” as one recap put it – with Huda’s need for reassurance. Though they made it through that spat and celebrated making the finals, viewers couldn’t miss the tension. In popularity polls, Huda & Chris have often lagged.

They’re seen as the biggest wildcards: a “dark horse” pair whose passionate connection is undeniable but whose messy journey may have alienated too many voters. Still, their fans are vocal – some appreciate that this couple is far from cookie-cutter and has confronted real issues like jealousy and insecurity head-on. Huda and Chris’s fate likely hinges on whether voters view their saga as an inspiring story of growth and “redemption” or a cautionary tale of a romance built on shaky ground. As one observer quipped, strength or opportunism – how the public interprets this duo’s journey will decide if they have any shot at the $100K.

Olandria & Nic: Slow-Burn Soulmates with Momentum

From Friends to Flames: Olandria Carthen and Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe might have had the slowest burn of all the finalists – but it’s a flame that fans fiercely adore. Both entered the villa early (Olandria on Day 1, Nic by Week 1’s end) and built a genuine friendship long before romance blossomed. Villa-watchers and even other Islanders sensed a spark between the Tuskegee grad and the male model-turned-nurse from the start, but for weeks the two remained in other couplings.

“There was something there from the start – they just didn’t have the space,” recalled dumped Islander Taylor, noting that Nic and Olandria were drawn to each other but were tangled up with other partners like Cierra and Taylor himself during the early game. Indeed, Nic spent a good chunk of the season coupled with Cierra (a bombshell who arrived earlier), while Olandria explored connections with newcomers like Clarke. Only after those “distractions” exited (Cierra and others were sent home by mid-season) did fate finally align for Nic and Olandria. In the final couple of weeks, Nic boldly made his move, and Olandria – who’d long harbored a crush on Nic – reciprocated with full heart.

Their official coupling happened relatively late, but felt inevitable. Viewers practically cheered “at last!” when these two got together, given the long build-up of chemistry. The couple themselves acknowledged their unusual path, joking that they “took forever to couple up,” but that it was worth the wait. Since pairing, Nicolandria (as fans have nicknamed them) have been steady and sweet, delivering playful banter and natural intimacy that comes from a foundation of friendship. They faced some minor hiccups – like a brief misunderstanding about Nic’s feelings early on – but nothing rocked their bond in the home stretch.

If anything, being friend-zoned initially made their eventual romance stronger: they know and trust each other deeply, giving off an authentic vibe that’s hard to fake. Even skeptical voices have struggled to find fault; while a few viewers questioned if Nic only turned to Olandria as a last resort, many more believe “it really works” between them and see genuine affection in every interaction. One Reddit fan pointed out how Nic “has been trying to get to know Ola since day 1”, and even Islanders confirmed post-villa that Nic had eyes for Olandria all along. Now that they’re a couple, that long-simmering chemistry is finally front and center – and it’s delightful. From goofy private jokes to Nic lifting Olandria during challenges, their connection exudes both fun and passion (no surprise they aced the villa’s salsa dancing challenge, for instance, with sizzling chemistry).

Rising Popularity and “Endgame” Vibes: Despite coming together late, Olandria & Nic have surged to become serious contenders to win – a fact backed up by both fan polls and betting odds. Early on, they flew under the radar, but in the past two weeks Nicolandria’s stock has skyrocketed. Former Islanders like TJ have voiced strong support for the pair, saying “they have fun together, and now that other distractions are gone, they might really make it work”. Crucially, the public seems to agree. Social media is now flush with #Nicolandria TikTok edits and Twitter threads gushing over their compatibility (“It’s always been Nic and Olandria,” one Instagram post swooned).

They’ve been described as the season’s “rising stars” – a couple whose organic progression won over viewers looking for a genuine love story. By the numbers, some experts actually give Nic & Olandria a slight edge: as of the finale weekend, odds-makers listed them as the top contenders with an implied ~38% chance to win, narrowly ahead of Amaya & Bryan. (Not bad for a duo that wasn’t even together at Casa Amor time!) What’s driving this momentum? For one, they’ve stayed clear of negativity and major fights – theirs is a low-drama romance built on laughter and support, which appeals to viewers tired of theatrics.

Secondly, there’s a sense of destiny around them; fans love a friends-to-lovers narrative, and Nic and Olandria’s story checks that box perfectly (shades of Olivia & Korey from Season 3, who likewise realized their perfect match late and went on to win). The authenticity of their connection has been highlighted repeatedly – one source called their chemistry “undeniable” and “authentic from the beginning,” praising how they built major fan support on that foundation. Still, there are a few lingering question marks. Some observers note that because Nic and Olandria coupled up so late, a tiny doubt remains about sincerity – was it a tactical move once others were gone, or truly long-harbored feelings finally acted upon?

A minority of skeptics on forums have even speculated Nic might reconnect with his old flame Cierra after the show (though there’s little evidence for that aside from conjecture). Overall, however, the sentiment around Nicolandria is largely positive. In the final vote discussions, many viewers express being torn between them and Amaya/Bryan for the win – a good sign for Nic & Olandria’s prospects. As one fan wrote, “I don’t care who wins between Bramaya and Nicolandria… the rest of them can go home!”. That encapsulates the mood: this once-understated duo has convinced a huge chunk of the fandom that they’re endgame material. If the late surge of love for them is strong enough, Nic and Olandria could very well steal the crown as this season’s most heartwarming surprise.

Iris & Pepe: The Low-Key Lovebirds and Dark Horse Hopefuls

Quiet Connection in the Background: Iris Kendall and Jose “Pepe” Garcia might not have dominated airtime or headlines throughout Season 7, but their steady, drama-free connection has carried them all the way to the finale. Both entered mid-season – Pepe arrived as a leather-clad bombshell on Episode 9, immediately charming the villa with his maturity and “Latin love” vibe, while Iris (a social media influencer) came in later as well, after some early exits created room for new couplings. Initially, Pepe coupled with Hannah (the public voted them together in a twist) and then explored things with a Casa Amor bombshell, Gracyn. Iris had her own journey – she was briefly paired with Jalen post-Casa Amor, according to villa scuttlebutt, but that fizzled out.

It wasn’t until the final stretch of the season that Iris & Pepe found each other, almost by process of elimination, yet their pairing felt refreshingly natural. Both having lost earlier partners (Pepe was quite affected by Hannah’s mid-season dumping, admitting her exit hit him hard), Iris and Pepe bonded over being “late bloomers” in the villa. Once together, they discovered a mellow chemistry and genuine respect for one another.

Their relationship may have lacked explosive twists, but that’s precisely its charm – Iris & Pepe have been consistently supportive and conflict-free. They navigated minor disagreements with maturity and often stayed above the fray while others were ensnared in drama. In villa games and challenges, they performed decently but never stole the spotlight. Indeed, many viewers would agree that this couple received relatively little screen time compared to the flashier storylines, making them easy to underestimate. Yet, those paying attention have noted the quietly strong bond between them – a relationship based on calm understanding and shared values, rather than lust or strategy.

Underdogs with a Loyal Niche: On social media and fan forums, Iris & Pepe haven’t generated as much buzz as their counterparts, but they do have a pocket of dedicated supporters. Fans fatigued by all the arguments and betrayals find this pair a breath of fresh air – “their low-drama approach could sway viewers who are tired of theatrics,” one analysis noted pointedly. Pepe, a retired pro basketball player turned trainer, and Iris, a content creator, both came in with life experience and it shows in their no-nonsense coupling. They’ve been described as “the least controversial” pair left standing.

Importantly, they also just escaped elimination – nabbing the final spot in the Top 4 by barely edging out Ace & Chelley in the last public vote. That narrow save indicates they aren’t the frontrunners in raw popularity. However, being underdogs could work in their favor if the other finalists split the vote and if viewers decide to reward the one couple that stayed drama-free and genuinely kind to each other throughout. In Love Island history, though, the quieter couples typically struggle to gather enough votes to win it all. Iris & Pepe’s main challenge is visibility: by the final week, many casual viewers simply haven’t formed as strong an attachment to them, since the edit focused more on bigger personalities.

Even host Ariana Madix admitted she was surprised to see them in the finale given how late their pairing formed. That said, those who love Iris and Pepe really love them – Reddit discussions praise their emotional compatibility and wholesome vibe, with some calling them the “calm and stable” choice among the chaos. Pepe’s sense of humor (shooting hoops with the boys, being a “dog dad” storyteller) and Iris’s sweet supportive nature have given us some adorable moments, even if they weren’t headline-grabbers.

Ultimately, Iris & Pepe represent the classic “nice couple” long shot: they’ll need a sizable contingent of voters who prioritize sincerity and lack of drama over excitement. If America’s in a mellow mood, this unproblematic duo “may sneak in as surprise winners”, as one outlet put it. It’s a long shot – odds-makers peg their chances at under 10% (about 7% implied odds prior to the finale) – but stranger things have happened on Love Island. Regardless, making it to the finals is a victory in itself for Iris and Pepe, who can leave the villa hand-in-hand knowing they found a genuine connection without all the chaos.

Final Predictions: Ranking the Couples Most Likely to Win

After examining each couple’s journey and the fan buzz around them, it’s time to predict how they’ll place in the finale. By all accounts, this season’s winners will likely be either Amaya & Bryan or Olandria & Nic, with the other two couples trailing behind. Here’s our ranking of the finalists’ chances, from least to most likely to win the $100K – and why:

1. Amaya & Bryan – Potential Winners: It’s hard to bet against the fan favorites. Amaya’s massive popularity and authentic persona have carried this couple to frontrunner status. They consistently lead in polls and social metrics, and even fellow Islanders predict they’ll clinch it. The emotional bond they’ve displayed, combined with Amaya’s 2-million-strong fandom, could very well “sweep the fan vote” in their favor. The only wild card is whether any remaining skepticism about Bryan’s late-game intentions dampens their support. Given the overwhelming momentum behind “Amaya Papaya,” we foresee this beloved duo edging out the competition – Amaya & Bryan are our pick to win, proving that being the public’s sweetheart is still the surest path to the Love Island crown.

2. Olandria & Nic – Close Runners-Up: In what could be one of the tightest finales yet, Nic & Olandria have a real shot at an upset victory – but we predict a second-place finish by a slim margin. Their chemistry feels genuine and earned; viewers watched their friendship ignite into love, a narrative many find extremely compelling. Importantly, their fan support has surged late in the season, even surpassing Amaya/Bryan on some betting boards. If any couple can dethrone the favorites, it’s this one. However, coming together later in the show means they had slightly less time to accumulate casual fan votes, and a few skeptics still question if their romance bloomed just in time for the finale. Parade Magazine’s finale predictions in fact ranked Olandria & Nic as the most likely winners (with Amaya & Bryan just behind), reflecting how neck-and-neck these two couples are in public estimation. It may well come down to a photo finish, but if Nic & Olandria take second place, it will be with heads held high – they’ve gone from underdogs to serious contenders, and they’ve won a lot of hearts in the process.

3. Iris & Pepe – Third Place: We’re slotting Iris & Pepe in third, though third vs. fourth could easily flip. The case for them: they’re drama-free, likable, and might scoop up votes from viewers who want to reward a solid, no-trouble couple. Their gentle romance has a certain appeal, and some fans indeed value “quiet consistency” over roller-coaster relationships. However, Iris & Pepe suffer from a relative lack of visibility – they simply haven’t commanded the same passionate fanbase as the top two pairs. While they do have supporters who admire their calm, those numbers likely pale next to Amaya’s or Olandria’s camps. Barring a surprise voting twist, a respectable third-place finish seems fitting for these lovebirds. They can take pride in being the season’s least controversial finalists and proving that nice guys (and gals) don’t always finish last – even if they don’t quite finish first.

4. Huda & Chris – Fourth Place: By our prediction, Huda & Chris are likely to finish fourth. Despite their personal growth and resilient pairing post-Casa Amor, this couple’s contentious moments have likely cost them too much public favor. The heart rate challenge backlash and their on-and-off villa tiffs generated more detractors than champions, and online sentiment has not been kind to Huda in particular. They do have a loyal fan niche, but it’s probably not enough to overcome the skepticism and criticism that have shadowed them. In many viewers’ eyes, other couples simply embody the Love Island winning formula (genuine love and broad likability) more closely than Huda & Chris do. Of course, surprises can happen – if their fans mobilize in a big way or if casual voters empathize with their struggles, an upset is conceivable. Yet given the field, a fourth-place result appears most likely, marking the end of a dramatic journey for a very polarizing couple.

In the end, Love Island USA Season 7’s finale is poised to be a showdown between the villa’s biggest personality (Amaya, with Bryan in tow) and its best slow-burn romance (Nic & Olandria). The deciding factor will be what viewers value more: the electric connection and personal journey that Amaya & Bryan represent, or the authentic friendship-turned-love story exemplified by Olandria & Nic. As one former Islander wisely said, “The winners should be a couple that’s grown together, that worked for it.

Based on that, any of them could take it.” Each of these final couples has a claim to growth and love, but only one can take home the $100K (and bragging rights as America’s favorite love story of the summer). Our money is on Amaya & Bryan to clinch the win – but whichever couple triumphs, it will cap a season full of wild twists, heartfelt breakthroughs, and the kind of happily-ever-after (or at least for-now) that keeps Love Island fans coming back for more.