The villa is vibing, the drama is bubbling, and new connections are already being tested — but if you’re watching closely, Love Island USASeason 7 has a clear front-runner who isn’t relying on drama or love bombing to secure his spot. Ace Greene is giving main character energy and leading the pack by being himself. While some islanders are focused on being seen, Ace is playing to win in 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 has operated with intention, especially when it comes to Chelley Bissainthe. The pair have a history that pre-dates Love Island, but because they returned to their respective cities shortly after that first meeting, they weren’t able to truly explore that connection — until now. From Day 1, Chelley chose to pair up with Ace on their first day in the villa, but Yulissa 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 for genuine chemistry that has been fun for audiences to enjoy.
It’s hard to believe Ace is only 22 years old, because his emotional intelligence is another big part of why he stands out. His connection with Chelley has been building gradually, and it’s not driven by lust or strategy—it’s rooted in thoughtful conversation and 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 for fun moments, like recapping the reveals in the “State Your Case” game. They’ve even had introspective conversations about being introverted. There’s real substance between them. They’re not putting on a show for the cameras; they’re figuring each other out in real time, and it feels authentic. They laugh together, they listen to each other, and there’s mutual respect in their dynamic that a lot of other couples in the villa could learn from.
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‘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 a final destination. He’s been staying open to getting to know other women in the villa, including new bombshell Amaya Espinal. He’s been honest in his conversations with Taylor Williams about being drawn to Huda Mustafa, (although he’s kept a respectful distance because of the way she and Jeremiah Brown have quickly locked in). The way Ace navigates those moments is what sets him apart. He doesn’t jump at the first sign of new 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’s thriving.
Ace is also building natural alliances in the villa, starting with Taylor and Chelley. These aren’t shady side deals or survival pacts — they’re genuine friendships and strategic alignments that give him more social currency as the stakes rise. He’s also spreading goodwill with kind gestures like making breakfast for Belle-A, Chelley, and Olandria. Little acts of service go a long way on Love Island, and Ace is using those moments to build community without being manipulative. It’s clear his efforts are working because he was probably the most popular pick in the Episode 4 baseball challenge.
Ace Doesn’t Miss a Thing — He’s Three Steps Ahead Of Jeremiah
Let’s not forget Ace’s sharp observation skills. Early on, he clocked Jeremiah as someone who might be more style than substance. From the beginning, Ace has encouraged the other islanders to get to know everyone, but Jeremiah locked in with Huda anyway, and Ace hasn’t stopped questioning his motives. After the “State Your Case” game, Ace had a sidebar with Taylor about Jeremiah’s history of love bombing.
The best part of Ace’s criticisms of Jeremiah have been that he isn’t afraid to share them with Jeremiah directly. It’s easy on reality shows for cast members to talk behind each other’s backs, but Ace is making Love Island USAfun to watch because he’s not afraid to get a little messy, especially when he’s making a real point. Ace has been challenging Jeremiah about his behavior with Huda and questioning how he’ll behave when another girl who is his type enters the villa. He’s preparing Love Island USA fans to get the popcorn ready for the moment when Jeremiah finds himself in an uncomfortable positionall because he didn’t listen to the very wise advice that he spend some time getting to know everyone in the villa.
If Love Island USASeason 7 ends with Ace in the final four — or better yet, taking the win — it won’t be a twist. It’ll be a well-earned, strategic victory for the islander who played the smartest, smoothest game without playing anyone at all.
