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Written by Michelle Liloia
Week 2 of Love Island Games Season 2 has caused the villa to split, leading both the islanders and viewers to know who is there purely for the game and who is there for both the game and love. The episodes delivered an intense mix of emotional manipulation, physical grind, and smart gameplay. While couples tried to stay comfortable, the island’s power structure got shaken up, reshaped, and shattered, all because of America’s vote, a new team challenge, and the return of the duel format.
This week wasn’t just about relationships; it was about resilience.
Episode 11 served as a standard mid-season recap called “Aftersun.” Through unseen clips, clever strategies, and subtle shade, viewers were reminded that some connections have been shaky from the start.
We Got a Text! Love Island Games Returns Bigger, Hotter, and More Competitive Than Ever
We got new angles on existing drama from:
- Josh’s emotional rollercoaster with Andrea
- Nicola and Isaiah’s awkward, “just friends?” energy
- Johnny’s quietly dominant positioning in the villa
This recap did its job, set the table for the duels ahead while giving the audience a new lens through which to judge what’s coming.
Episode 12 shocked fans with its twist. America’s vote sent four Islanders into the “Ring My Bell” duel, two women and two men, and only one woman and one man would return.
This duel proved one thing loud and clear, popularity does not equal protection.
In the aftermath of the duel, tears were shed, alliances were reevaluated, and the villa’s “safe zones” disappeared overnight. The fallout wasn’t just a physical one, it changed the way players talked to each other, how couples moved, and who people are willing to back in the long run.
Episode 13 may very well go down as the best episode so far this season. It had me on my toes.
The Islanders were split into two teams, led by Johnny and Gabby vs. Nicola and Casey, and thrown into the “Sweet Spot” challenge which is a timed, relay style obstacle course designed to test strength, quickness, and trust. Each team had to choose one solo performer whose time would count as double. This was a twist that added significant risk to already fragile team dynamics.
Lucinda and Sydney stepped up to be the solo competitors. Lucinda’s performance helped carry Johnny’s team (which also included Tyrique, Andrea, Isaiah, and Toby) to victory, making them the new Power Squad.
This win flipped the villa’s dynamic all around.
Johnny and Gabby, who now held elimination power, did not hold back. They made the type of decisions that so visibly shows that they’re here to win. The losing team knew exactly what was coming for them and with this, friendships began breaking as the Power Squad picked out their targets.
Nicola and Casey, who seemed like a strong pair before, started to fall apart. Losing the challenge showed where things weren’t working, and with their friends getting sent home, their spot in the villa started to feel shaky, too.
With the game now fully in gear, most of the drama moved away from slow-burn romance and toward survival tactics. That being said, there’s some emotional and romantic moments keeping things interesting:
- Andrea and Josh are trying again.
- Nicola’s cracks are showing, especially as Isaiah drifts emotionally and leans into the friendship narrative.
- Sydney’s bombshell arrival continues to cause tension, especially with Isaiah since that is his ex-girlfriend.
- Tyrique remains a wildcard: flirty, ego-driven, and more focused on winning than staying loyal to anyone.
Episode 14 took a darker turn and showed extreme physical intensity.
With Johnny and Gabby holding power, they sent Garbi, Nicola, Josh, and Kendall into the Ring My Bell duel.
In the women’s duel, Garbi won the first round. During round two, a weighted ball hit Nicola in the head. She collapsed, medics rushed in, and the match was called off. Nicola was forced to withdraw due to injury, giving Garbi the win by default.
Nicola was not allowed back in the villa and did not get to say goodbye. It was both a devastating and abrupt exit, and even host Ariana Madix looked shaken up by it.
The men’s duel saw Josh Goldstein face off against Kendall Washington in a tight battle. Josh pulled out the win with a final second play. Kendall’s elimination hit hard, especially for Garbi, as the two had been getting closer and are in a strong couple.
With Nicola gone and Kendall eliminated, Casey and Garbi are now single, and the villa is feeling it. The physicality of the duel reminded everyone that injuries and real stakes are part of this game now.
Where Things Stand Now:
Remaining Islanders:
- Andrea Carmona
- Casey O’Gorman (single)
- Gabby Allen
- Garbi Denteh (single)
- Isaiah Campbell
- Josh Goldstein
- Johnny Middlebrooks
- Justine Ndiba
- Lucinda Strafford
- Sydney Paight
- Toby Aromolaran
- Tyrique Hyde
Recently Eliminated:
- Nicola Gauci Borda-Warr (injury/medical)
- Kendall Washington (duel loss)
What’s become clear in Week 2 is that this season of Love Island Games is emphasizing its identity as both a romance reality TV and social competition series like The Challenge or Survivor. It’s honestly working.
The format’s twists are forcing Islanders to pick sides, burn bridges, and stand on their decisions. The power couple techniques, America’s vote, and now team based challenges allows viewers to see who rises and who crumbles under this intense pressure.
Who will rise next? Who will crack under the pressure?
