Amaya Elizabeth Espinal—nicknamed “Amaya Papaya”—captured hearts during Love Island USA Season 7 (June–July 2025). As a 25‑year‑old registered cardiac nurse and content creator from New York City, she made history by winning the show alongside Bryan Arenales, becoming the first Latino couple to claim the title and the $100,000 prize
Age, Background & Education
- Full Name: Amaya Elizabeth Espinal
- Born: November 9, 1999 (Age 25 in mid‑2025)
- Hometown: New York City, New York
- Ethnicity: Dominican and German descent
- Education: Graduated as a licensed cardiac registered nurse in December 2021 after attending LIU Brooklyn and Midwood High School in NYC.
Pre‑Show Career & Social Media Presence
Besides nursing in a hospital’s cardiac unit, Amaya developed a growing following as a content creator and model, featuring in campaigns such as Danessa Myricks Beauty and sharing lifestyle and fashion posts via Instagram and TikTok (@amayaelizabeth_). By June 2025, she had around 50,000 Instagram followers and was trending online as fans embraced her authentic persona.
Love Island USA Season 7 Journey
Bombshell Entry & Early Drama
Amaya entered the villa on Day 5 as a bombshell alongside Hannah Fields, immediately shaking up the dynamics with a dramatic “baseball challenge” kiss involving Jeremiah Brown, which created tension with Huda Mustafa. She later paired with Ace Greene, but their relationship became complicated after he established boundaries, prompting further emotional tension.
Challenges & Growth
Amaya weathered early setbacks in couplings with Austin Shepard and Zak Srakaew, and admitted to nearly quitting the show before meeting Bryan Arenales during Casa Amor, where he defended her honor during a critical “Stand on Business” challenge. Since, she embraced her identity as a “sensitive gangsta” with famous one-liners like:
“God forbid I’m a sensitive gangsta… I’m just not your cup of tea to be drinkin’, so don’t f—ing drink it.”.
Winning the Show with Bryan Arenales
Forming a Connection with Bryan
Amaya and Bryan formed a bond built on shared emotional maturity, cultural understanding, and steady support. Bryan, who joined later during Casa Amor, publicly defended her expressive nature and Latino heritage of affection. Their pairing resonated deeply with viewers and solidified their place in the villa’s final two.
Victory & Legacy
On Day 32 (July 13, 2025), Amaya and Bryan were declared the winners in a fan vote, making them the first Latino couple to win Love Island USA, sharing the $100,000 prize and promising to donate part of it to charity.
Social Media Impact & Public Reception
Amaya amassed widespread fan admiration for her emotional honesty, humor, and relatable authenticity, earning titles like “most genuine” by viewers in a late-season vote. In addition, a soda brand teased a special “Amaya Papaya”-inspired flavor as a tribute to her persona and impact on the show.
Fun Facts & Memorable Moments
- Known online as “Amaya Papaya”, a nickname fans affectionately adopted
- Famous for impromptu singing moments in the villa and creative one-liners
- Helped shift the narrative of emotional expression on reality TV by embracing vulnerability
- Embraced her identity as a strong, empowered Latina navigating both caregiving and brand-building roles
Controversy & Fan Speculation
Shortly after the finale, some fans noticed Amaya and Bryan stopped interacting publicly on Instagram—sparking split rumors fueled by geographic distance (Amaya back in NYC, Bryan in Boston). Critics suggested Bryan might have benefited more from Amaya’s momentum. However, neither has officially confirmed a split, and both continue to affirm the authenticity of their bond via joint interviews and media appearances.
What’s Next for Amaya Espinal?
- Reunion Special: Amaya and Bryan will appear on the Love Island USA Season 7 Reunion airing August 25, 2025.
- Brand Collaborations: Her popularity and growing platform make her a strong candidate for fashion and beauty campaigns.
- Reality TV Potential: She and Bryan have hinted at trying other shows like The Challenge or The Traitors—though they’re currently focused on personal growth and family time post-show.
Quick Overview: Amaya Espinal at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amaya Elizabeth Espinal |
| Age (2025) | 25 |
| Birthday | November 9, 1999 |
| Hometown | New York City, New York |
| Profession | Cardiac Registered Nurse & Content Creator |
| Love Island Role | Bombshell (Day 5 entry), Winner alongside Bryan Arenales |
| Nickname | “Amaya Papaya” |
| Notable Traits | Emotional maturity, humor, cultural pride, iconic one-liners |
| Legacy | First Latino winner with Bryan; strong fan favorite |
Final Thoughts
Amaya Espinal brought authenticity, self-expression, and emotional intelligence to Love Island USA Season 7 in a way that challenged reality TV norms. Her journey—from nearly quitting the show to being crowned winner—illustrates resilience and the power of staying true to oneself. As part of the couple dubbed Brymaya, she helped make history on the show and continues to resonate with fans who value sincerity over spectacle.
