Bryce Dettloff walked into the “Love Island USA” villa on Day 1 as one of the older Islanders in the cast, joking about “getting old” and being called “unc” by his younger castmates. He walked out on Day 32 with the season’s biggest prize and a girlfriend, Trinity Tatum, who left just as big an impression on America as he did.
Life Before the Villa
Bryce Alakai Dettloff was born in Hawaii and spent much of his childhood in Las Vegas, Nevada, before eventually relocating to Los Angeles to chase opportunities in modeling and entertainment. He was raised largely by his grandmother, whom he’s repeatedly credited as one of the most important people in his life — so important that finding a partner he could eventually introduce to “Grams” became one of his stated goals going into the villa.
Before “Love Island,” Bryce had already built a career with several moving parts. He worked professionally as a model, landing campaigns with brands including Calvin Klein, DKNY, and Stuart Weitzman, with resurfaced photos showing he’d been modeling as far back as his Tumblr days in the mid-2010s. As a DJ and producer working under the name Bryce Alakai, he released his first single in 2022, drawing inspiration from artists like Fred again.. and Duskus, and became a resident DJ at Insomniac’s Mesa venue, performing alongside acts like John Summit and Don Toliver. He’s also done some acting, with screen credits including the film “Alabama Rose,” “The Third Eye: Major Arcana,” and a small background role on HBO’s “The Other Two.” In between all of it, he’s taken on blue-collar work in construction, electrical, and handyman jobs — which the show’s official bio leaned on, introducing him simply as a handyman.
Heading into the villa, Bryce was candid about what he was looking for in a partner. “I’ve always liked a strong woman that can really put me in my place, someone that is not scared to just say what they wanna say,” he said, adding that being raised by women shaped what he values most in a relationship.
Finding Trinity
Bryce coupled up with Trinity Tatum on Day 1, and the pairing held for the entire season — a rare feat on a show built around shakeups and Casa Amor temptation. As their connection deepened, the two leaned all the way in, with fans quickly nicknaming them “Brinity.”
By the finale, the emotion was obvious on both sides. “I’m so grateful to be with you,” Bryce told Trinity. “I do love you so much. Every day feels so special with you, and I can’t wait for life outside of this. I’m just so happy to be with you.” Trinity, in turn, said she was glad he’d always been patient with her and that she felt fortunate he’d chosen her as his partner both inside the villa and out.
Crowned Season 8 Winners
Bryce Dettloff and Trinity Tatum were crowned the winners of “Love Island USA” Season 8 on July 12, taking home the majority of America’s vote along with the $100,000 prize. Aniya Harvey and Carl Schmidt finished as runners-up, Melanie Moreno and Sincere Rhea placed third, and Kayda Bosse and Zach Georgiou rounded out the final four in fourth.
Bryce could barely believe it in the moment. “I feel like I’m in a dream right now,” he said after being announced the winner. “I’m walking up here. I’m like, ‘Is this f—— real? Like, what the hell is going on?'” Trinity got emotional too, crying through her own reaction and saying simply that she was glad she’d gotten to meet him.
Life After the Villa
Bryce and Trinity have said they’re still going strong since leaving Fiji, continuing to share their relationship publicly. Bryce’s pre-show career has also gotten a natural boost from his newfound reality TV profile, with renewed attention on his music and modeling work following the season.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Bryce Alakai Dettloff |
| Age | 29 |
| Born | Hawaii |
| Raised in | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Based in | Los Angeles, California |
| Occupation | Model, DJ/music producer, occasional actor |
| Known for | “Love Island USA” Season 8 winner |
| Entered villa | Day 1 |
| Coupled with | Trinity Tatum |
| Result | 1st place / Winner (Day 32) |
| Prize | $100,000 (split with Trinity) |
FAQ
Did Bryce Dettloff win “Love Island USA”? Yes. He and partner Trinity Tatum were crowned Season 8 winners on July 12 and took home the $100,000 prize.
What does Bryce Dettloff do for work? He’s a professional model and a DJ/music producer who performs under the name Bryce Alakai, and he’s also done some acting.
Are Bryce and Trinity still together? Yes, the couple — nicknamed “Brinity” by fans — have continued their relationship since leaving the villa.
Is Bryce Dettloff from Hawaii? He was born in Hawaii but spent most of his childhood in Las Vegas before eventually settling in Los Angeles.
A Late Bloomer Who Found His Person
Bryce Dettloff spent his 20s building a career across modeling, music, and odd jobs on the side — and joked his way into the “Love Island” villa half-expecting to feel like the old guy in the room. Instead, a Day 1 connection with Trinity Tatum carried him through the entire season untouched by the usual chaos, and turned him into one half of Season 8’s winning couple.
