Thevilla is vibing, the drama is bubbling, and new connections are alreadybeing tested– but if you’re watching closely,Love Island USASeason 7 has aclear front-runnerwho isn’t relying on drama orlove bombingto secure his spot.Ace Greeneis givingmain character energyandleading the packby being himself. While some islanders are focused on being seen, Ace isplaying to winin a style that seems natural and not strategic.
Ace Is Building a Connection That Is Enjoyable to Watch
From the moment he stepped into the villa, Ace hasoperated with intention, especially when it comes toChelley Bissainthe. The pair have ahistorythat pre-datesLove Island,but because they returned to theirrespective citiesshortly after that first meeting, they weren’t able to trulyexplore that connection– until now. From Day 1, Chelley chose to pair up with Ace on their first day in the villa, butYulissa Escobarstole him shortly afterwards, landing Chelley in a couple with Austin. Despite being separated, the two continue to pull each other for chats and have kissed both privately and during challenges, making forgenuine chemistrythat has been fun for audiences to enjoy.
It’s hard to believe Ace is only 22 years old, because hisemotional intelligenceis another big part of whyhe stands out. His connection with Chelley has beenbuilding gradually, and it’s notdriven by lustor strategy—it’s rooted inthoughtful conversationand emotional availability. Ace was there to check on Chelley following rough moments, like after Austin tried to recouple with bombshell Cierra. They’ve also connected forfun moments, like recapping the reveals in the “State Your Case” game. They’ve even hadintrospective conversationsabout being introverted. There’s real substance between them. They’re not putting on a show for the cameras; they’refiguring each other outin real time, and itfeels authentic.They laugh together, they listen to each other, and there’smutual respectin their dynamic that a lot of other couples in the villa could learn from.
’Love Island USA’s Serena Page Reveals the Intense Behind the Scenes Drama That Kept Kordell Beckham From the Spin-Off
‘Love Island: Beyond the Villa’ is set to premiere this summer.
Ace Understands ‘Love Island’ Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Still, Ace isn’t accelerating his connection with Chelley, or behaving like it’s afinal destination. He’s been staying open togetting to knowother women in the villa, including new bombshellAmaya Espinal.He’s been honest in his conversations withTaylor Williamsabout being drawn toHuda Mustafa,(although he’s kept a respectful distance because of the way she andJeremiah Brownhave quickly locked in). The way Acenavigates those momentsiswhat sets him apart. He doesn’t jump at the first sign ofnew energy, nor does he shut down conversations out of obligation. Ace isn’t locking himself into anything prematurely, but he’s also not playing with anyone’s time or emotions, and that is why he’sthriving.
Ace is also buildingnatural alliancesin the villa, starting with Taylor and Chelley. These aren’t shady side deals orsurvival pacts— they’regenuine friendshipsandstrategic alignmentsthat give him more social currency as thestakes rise. He’s also spreadinggoodwillwith kind gestures like making breakfast for Belle-A, Chelley, and Olandria. Littleacts of servicego a long way onLove Island, and Ace is using those moments tobuild communitywithout being manipulative. It’s clear his efforts are working because he was probably the mostpopular pickin the Episode 4 baseball challenge.
Let’s not forget Ace’ssharp observation skills. Early on, he clocked Jeremiah as someone who might bemore stylethan substance. From the beginning, Ace has encouraged the otherislanderstoget to knoweveryone, but Jeremiahlocked inwith Huda anyway, and Ace hasn’t stopped questioning his motives. After the “State Your Case” game, Ace had asidebarwith Taylor aboutJeremiah’s historyof love bombing.
Thebest partof Ace’s criticisms of Jeremiah have been that he isn’t afraid toshare themwith Jeremiah directly. It’s easy on reality shows for cast members totalk behindeach other’s backs, but Ace is makingLove Island USAfun to watchbecause he’s not afraid to get a littlemessy,especially when he’s making a real point. Ace has beenchallengingJeremiah about his behavior with Huda and questioning how he’ll behave when another girl who ishis typeenters the villa. He’s preparingLove Island USAfans to get the popcorn ready for the moment when Jeremiah finds himself in anuncomfortable positionall because he didn’t listen to the very wise advice that he spend some time getting to know everyone in the villa.
IfLove Island USASeason 7ends with Ace in thefinal four– or better yet,taking the win– it won’t be atwist.It’ll be a well-earned,strategic victoryfor the islander whoplayed the smartest,smoothest gamewithout playing anyoneat all.
Love Island USA
