Nicolas Vansteenberghe
| Nicolas Vansteenberghe | |
|---|---|
| Born | Nicolas Marcel Vansteenberghe March 20, 2001 Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Other names | Nic Vans, Nic, Big Belgian, DJ Nic Vans, Freakonico |
| 🏫 Education | Florida Atlantic University (BSN) |
| 💼 Occupation | DJ, Model, Television Personality |
| 📆 Years active | 2025–present |
| Agent | CAA Speakers |
| Known for | Love Island USA (Season 7) |
| Height | 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| ❤️ Partner(s) | Olandria Carthen (2025 – present) |
Nicolas Marcel Vansteenberghe (born March 20, 2001), is an American DJ, model, and television personality. He appeared on the seventh season of Love Island USA in 2025, finishing in second place.
Early Life and Education
Nicolas Vansteenberghe, known mononymously as Nic and by the nickname "Big Belgian", was born on March 20, 2001, in Miami, Florida. Vansteenberghe is the eldest of two siblings. He graduated from Bartram Trail High School in Florida, where he competed on the school’s swim team.[1] Vansteenberghe later attended Florida Atlantic University, where he joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.[2][3] Following his graduation, he obtained his Registered Nurse (RN) license through the Florida State Board of Nursing.[4]
Before his entertainment career, Vansteenberghe competed as a swimmer for Loggerhead Aquatics, qualifying for the Florida High School State Championships.[5] He is an accomplished athlete, having completed the full-distance Ironman triathlon, the Ironman Arizona, in November 2024, and the TCS New York City Marathon in 2025 as part of “Team Strava.”[6][7][8][9]
Career
Reality Television and Public Image
Vansteenberghe came to national attention on May 29, 2025, when he was announced as a contestant on the seventh season of Love Island USA. He finished as a runner-up alongside fellow contestant Olandria Carthen. While on the show, Vansteenberghe’s “Mamacita” quote went viral, sparking thousands of online memes and reactions and later winning the Betch of the Year award for viral sound of the year. His relationship with Carthen was also a major element of his fame, being named a cultural phenomenon by CNN and "a beloved part of reality couple history".[10][11][12]
Post-Show Career and Modeling
Vansteenberghe had an established modeling career before his television debut, having worked for brands such as Prada and Guess,[13][14] and being represented by agencies including DT Model Management and NEXT Miami, and appeared in editorials and digital publications, including The Perfect Man Magazine.[15][16] After his appearance on Love Island USA, Vansteenberghe signed with CAA Speakers, the speaker’s bureau division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA).[17] In October 2025, he was invited to participate in a mainstage panel sponsored by Snapchat at Advertising Week New York.[18][19] His post-show fashion work was profiled in PAPER Magazine in September 2025, including a photo diary of his preparations for the Off-White Spring 2026 runway show at New York Fashion Week.[20]
Vansteenberghe secured individual brand partnerships, including a curated swimwear line with Kulani Kinis and an appearance on a Celsius brand trip.[21][22] In September 2025, he was the face of a Sweetgreen campaign that included a limited-edition “Grown Good” hat, with proceeds benefitting the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) and raising over $15,000.[23][24] As “Nicolandria,” he and Carthen launched joint ventures with DoorDash, Agua de Kefir, Sweetgreen to release the “Raunchy Baddie Bowl” and NYX Professional Makeup for a “Nicolandria” Lip Kit, which sold out in minutes.[25][26][27][28]
Music Career
Vansteenberghe is active as a DJ and producer under the stage name DJ Nic Vans, also using the moniker Freakonico. He quickly integrated into the electronic dance music (EDM) scene following his appearance on Love Island USA. His debut track, “Mamacita,” a collaboration with Riot Ten, was released in September 2025, stemming from his viral moment on the reality show.[29][30] He made his first public DJ appearance on August 31, 2025, at the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix,[31] and later performed sets at major events like the Escape Halloween Festival and the Agua De Kefir Homecoming Halloween party, where he opened for Diplo.[32][33][34][35] He also appeared on stage with EDM artists Subtronics and Riot Ten in August 2025.[36][37]
Public Image and Honors
Vansteenberghe’s initial post-show visibility was significantly driven by the “Greekfest: American College Party Tour” in fall of 2025, where his appearances in college towns often included surprise visits by Carthen (nicknamed “Olafest”), solidifying his transformation from reality TV figure into a “cultural moment”.[38][39][40] On October 20, 2025, Vansteenberghe was honored as a member of Cosmopolitan’s Z-Stars Class of 2025, a group recognized by the magazine for “breaking barriers” and “reshaping culture”.[41]
Discography
| Year | Title | Album | Ref. |
| 2025 | “Mamacita” with Riot Ten | Non-Album Single | [42] |
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
| 2025 | Love Island USA | Himself/Contestant | Runner-up (Season 7) | [43] |
| 2025 | Love Island USA: Season 7 Reunion | Himself/Contestant | Appeared as one of the returning islanders in the two-hour reunion special, hosted by Ariana Madix and Andy Cohen and released on Peacock on August 25, 2025. | [44][45] |
Awards
Listicles
| Year | Publisher | Listicle | Ref. |
| 2025 | Cosmopolitan | Z-Stars Class of 2025 | [46] |
References
- ↑ Keith, Braden (2025-06-24). "Former Florida HS State Championship Qualifier Nicolas Vansteenberghe Appears on Love Island". SwimSwam. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ Charles, Sephora. "From FAU to the TV screen: Alumnus Nicolas Vansteenberghe runner-up on 'Love Island USA' Season 7". UNIVERSITY PRESS. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ Ferrer, Doris Alvarez Cea and Ashley. "Meet Nic Vansteenberghe: Jacksonville native making waves in Love Island USA". The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "https://www.nursys.com/LQC/LQCViewReport.aspx". www.nursys.com. Archived from the original on 2025-02-18. Retrieved 2025-12-02. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help); External link in|title=(help) - ↑ Keith, Braden (2025-06-24). "Former Florida HS State Championship Qualifier Nicolas Vansteenberghe Appears on Love Island". SwimSwam. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "Nicolas Vansteenberghe Race Results". Coach Cox. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ Etling, Leah (2025-11-04). "New York Road Runners Breaks Record AGAIN as 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Becomes World's Largest Marathon Ever with 59,000+ Finishers". Running USA.
- ↑ Paul, Ranjita (2025-11-02). "Love Island's Nic Reveals Special Someone He's Hoping to See at the NYC Marathon Finish Line". primetimer.com. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "'Love Island's' Nic Reveals Special Someone He's Hoping to See at the NYC Marathon Finish Line". TODAY.com. 2025-11-01. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "Love Island USA's Nic Shares Truth About "Mamacita" Conversation With Huda". E! Online. 2025-07-17. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "Our Betch of the Year 2025 Winners Are Here". Betches. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ France, Lisa Respers (2025-08-16). "'Nicolandria' aren't just a cultural phenomenon, they're a beloved part of reality couple history". CNN. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ Charles, Sephora. "From FAU to the TV screen: Alumnus Nicolas Vansteenberghe runner-up on 'Love Island USA' Season 7". UNIVERSITY PRESS. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "Nic Says His Romance With Olandria "Fell So Perfectly Into Place" [Exclusive]". Elite Daily. 2025-10-28. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ ""Love Island" Stars Are Coupling up on Brand Deals, but Beware of Mixing Business with Pleasure | Blank Rome LLP". www.blankrome.com. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "THE PERFECT MAN — The Perfect Man Magazine". THE PERFECT MAN. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "Nic Vansteenberghe | Speaking Fee, Booking Agent, & Contact Info | CAA Speakers". Nic Vansteenberghe | Speaking Fee, Booking Agent, & Contact Info | CAA Speakers. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ Atkins, Dan (2025-10-08). "Snapchat Turns Chat Into a Brand Channel at Advertising Week NY 2025". Influencer Marketing Hub. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "Nic Vansteenberghe". newyork2025.advertisingweek.com. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "Getting Off-White Ready With Nic Vansteenberghe - PAPER Magazine". www.papermag.com. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "Reddit - The heart of the internet". www.reddit.com. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ ""Love Island" Stars Are Coupling up on Brand Deals, but Beware of Mixing Business with Pleasure | Blank Rome LLP". www.blankrome.com. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ Higgins, Rachael (2025-09-09). "Love Island's Nic Vansteenberghe Fronts Sweetgreen's Campaign". Because of Marketing®. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "Beloved 'Love Island USA' Couple Nicolandria Star in Summery Swimwear Campaign". Sports Illustrated Lifestyle. 2025-08-07. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "Nicolandria's "Ranchy Baddie Bowl" From Sweetgreen Is My Dream Salad. Cute". Elite Daily. 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "I Tried The 'Love Island' Sweetgreen Bowl & It's The Most Chaotic Collab Ever". Delish. 2025-10-08. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "Nicolandria's "Ranchy Baddie Bowl" From Sweetgreen Is My Dream Salad. Cute". Elite Daily. 2025-10-10. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ Talim, Ansh (2025-09-05). "Riot Ten and Nic Vansteenberghe Drop "Mamacita" After Viral Love Island Moment: Listen". EDM. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ↑ Talim, Ansh (2025-09-05). "Riot Ten and Nic Vansteenberghe Drop "Mamacita" After Viral Love Island Moment: Listen". EDM. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ Smith, Blake. "INDYCAR: Stars To Shine In Music City Grand Prix Pre-Race". Owensboro Radio. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ Nikki’s Drama Drops (2025-10-19). Jeremiah Live Agua de Kefir Halloween Homecoming Party 10/18/25 #Jeremiah #AguadeKefir #Nic #Ola. Retrieved 2025-12-02 – via YouTube.
- ↑ "2025 Lineup". Escape Halloween 2025. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ Keith, Braden (2025-06-24). "Former Florida HS State Championship Qualifier Nicolas Vansteenberghe Appears on Love Island". SwimSwam. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ "'Love Island's' Nic Reveals Special Someone He's Hoping to See at the NYC Marathon Finish Line". TODAY.com. 2025-11-01. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ Benitez, Alejandra (2025-08-05). "Love Island finalist Nic shows out at Subtronics show in Florida". Exron. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ Hecker, Kai (2025-11-17). "How Love Island's Nic Won Over the EDM Scene". Stage Hoppers. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ Borman, Nicole (2025-10-22). "Love Island USA Season 7 runner-up visits Gainesville during Greekfest tour". WUFT | News and public media for north central Florida. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ snoadmin; Hattaway, Mia (2025-10-12). "Missed Nic Van in Baton Rouge? Here's a recap from his tour stop". Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "'Love Island' star brings the villa to a Gainesville bar for a night". The Independent Florida Alligator. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
- ↑ "Meet Cosmopolitan's 2025 Z-Stars". Cosmopolitan. 2025-10-20. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
- ↑ Talim, Ansh (2025-09-05). "Riot Ten and Nic Vansteenberghe Drop "Mamacita" After Viral Love Island Moment: Listen". EDM. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ↑ Tinoco, Armando (2025-07-14). "'Love Island USA' Season 7 Crowns Winners On Peacock". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ↑ "So, Are Nicolandria Actually Together? Their Relationship Update From the Reunion". NBC. 2025-08-26. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ↑ "Based on the Trailer, 'Love Island USA' Season 7 Reunion Will Answer Our Lingering Questions—And Be Very Melodramatic". Marie Claire. 2025-07-14. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
- ↑ "Meet Cosmopolitan's 2025 Z-Stars". Cosmopolitan. 2025-10-20. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
External Links
- Nicolas Vansteenberghe on Instagram
- Nicolas Vansteenberghe at IMDb
- Nicolas Vansteenberghe at YouTube
- Nicolas Vansteenberghe at CAA Speakers
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