Bryan Arenales, age 28, emerged as one half of the winning couple in Love Island USA Season 7, partnering with Amaya Espinal to claim the $100,000 prize and make history as the franchise’s first Latino winners. His journey to love and victory was brief but impactful, stirring both admiration and debate among fans. Here’s a closer look at his background, villa arc, and what comes next.
From Boston to the Villa: Bryan’s Early Life & Career
Bryan hails from Boston, Massachusetts, and is of Puerto Rican and Guatemalan heritage. He graduated from Salem State University, and before entering the villa, he built a multi-faceted work life: working as a financial accountant, real estate agent, and nightclub bartender simultaneously. He describes himself as someone who “does a little bit of everything” to keep things exciting—and to make sure anyone with him feels taken care of.
Bryan often refers to himself by the nickname “Brizz,” using the handle @brizzzworks on Instagram. In early 2025, he completed the Miami Marathon, marking his passion for fitness and endurance sports.
Entering the Villa: A Late Bombshell Arrival
Unlike the original Islanders who arrived on Day 1, Bryan joined during the Casa Amor twist—as a bombshell on Day 17. His introduction turned heads, offering new dynamics to the villa and ultimately reshaping the season’s romantic landscape.
Bryan’s initial coupling was with Andreina Santos, but that pairing was short-lived following further re-couplings. Soon after, he connected with Amaya Espinal, a fiery and emotionally grounded registered nurse from New York City, and their relationship quickly resonated with both cast and viewers.
Building the “Brymaya” Love Story
Fans quickly coined the nickname “Brymaya” for Bryan and Amaya, drawn together by shared heritage and emotional compatibility. Their dynamic stood in stark contrast to earlier love triangles and drama-heavy arcs.
The turning point came during a mailbox challenge, when Bryan defended Amaya’s expression of emotion. He stated that in his Latino family, calling someone “babe,” “mi vida,” or “mi amor” comes naturally—a gesture of affection, not strategy.
Their final date—looking at childhood photos, sharing personal moments, and declaring exclusivity—sealed their status as fan favorites. Bryan described Amaya as “mi diabla, mi ángel, mi loquita” (“my devil, my angel, my crazy girl”) and she called him her calm and balance. Together they reached the final two and were crowned winners on Day 32 (July 13, 2025).
Winning Love Island USA: A Milestone Moment
Winning Love Island USA was historic: Bryan and Amaya became the first-ever Latino couple to win, receiving the fan vote and splitting the $100,000 prize. Bryan drew the envelope with the prize money and generously split it with Amaya.
Their victory capped a tumultuous season with high viewer engagement—Peacock reported over 1.2 billion minutes watched and record-breaking mobile streaming stats. Though critics debated production decisions and contestant exits, many fans praised Bryan and Amaya for their genuine connection in a chaos-filled season.
Social Media & Public Reception
On Instagram, Bryan goes by @brizzzworks, where he shares his lifestyle, fashion, and fitness journey. As of mid-2025, he has thousands of followers and regularly posts updates from travel, marathons, and post-season events.
Media outlets have portrayed Bryan as a well-rounded personality—a polished accountant, real estate hustler, marathon runner, and emotional pillar to Amaya. His charisma and relatability helped challenge viewers’ assumptions about reality show contestants.
Controversy & Fan Speculation
Despite the win, some post-season scrutiny began circulating. Observers noted the couple had stopped interacting online around mid‑July 2025, and fans speculated on whether their relationship was built in the villa—or more strategic than romantic. Bryan responded publicly: “We know what we have,” calmly deflecting rumors of dishonesty or opportunism.
As of now, neither Bryan nor Amaya has confirmed a split, though changes in location—she returned to NYC and he remained in Boston—sparked ongoing discussions in reality-TV circles.
What Comes Next for Bryan Arenales?
Bryan is poised for continued growth beyond Love Island. Plans include:
- Expanding his modeling and personal branding via social media and influencer partnerships
- Participating in upcoming media appearances, including the Season 7 reunion airing August 25, 2025
- Potential philanthropic ventures—reports suggest the couple plans to donate part of their winnings to charity.
Snapshot: Bryan Arenales at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2025) | 28 |
| Hometown | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Ethnicity | Puerto Rican & Guatemalan descent |
| Occupations | Financial accountant, real estate agent, bartender |
| Notable Nickname | “Brizz” |
| Villa Entry | Day 17 (Casa Amor bombshell) |
| Partner in Finale | Amaya Espinal |
| Final Placement | Winner (shares $100K prize) |
| Social Media Handle | Instagram: @brizzzworks |
| Personal Highlights | Completed Miami Marathon; first Latino Love Island winners |
Final Thoughts
Bryan Arenales may have entered the villa halfway through Season 7, but his presence was anything but secondary. With authentic warmth, admiration for Amaya, and a multi-dimensional background, he became one of the season’s most talked-about figures.
Bryan and Amaya’s win symbolized a milestone moment for representation on reality television. While fan opinion is split by the inevitable post-show scrutiny, their chemistry and Bryan’s grounded personality left a lasting impression.