Carsten Bergersen, known to millions as "Bergie," rose from managing a Dairy Queen in a town of 6,000 to becoming a beloved reality TV star. On May 3, 2026, he announced his engagement to Taylor Nicole Smith, his partner from Love Island USA Season 5, marking a new chapter in his life. Bergie, 26, now balances his doctoral studies in physical therapy with a career as a digital content creator and fitness trainer.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 31, 1999, in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Bergersen was raised primarily by his father and grandparents after losing his mother at age four. He attended Park High School, where he played varsity football as a cornerback and wide receiver. He then moved to Madison, South Dakota, to study at Dakota State University, where he briefly played defensive back for the Trojans. Bergie graduated in May 2023 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science. In a June 2024 interview with GoPride, he explained his shift from pre-med to exercise science: "I originally thought I would have a double major in biology and become a medical doctor like my grandpa. I realized that doctors don't get to spend much time with their patients... I hope to work in a clinic in the next three years." After his rise to fame, he moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) at the University of Mary.
From Dairy Queen Manager to Reality TV Star
Before his television breakthrough, Bergie worked as a Dairy Queen general night manager in Madison, South Dakota. His decision to join Love Island USA was driven by a desire for adventure. Speaking with Parade in 2024, he said: "So the reason I went to Love Island was I get to go to Fiji. Why am I going to say no to that? I'm someone that grew up in a small town never ventured really far out. So any opportunity to leave that area is something I want to explore." He has since partnered with fitness and lifestyle brands like Wove Made and built a significant online following, with over 201,000 Instagram followers and 63,000 TikTok followers as of June 2026.
Love Island USA Journey
Bergie entered the Love Island USA villa on Day 1 of Season 5 as an original Islander but initially struggled to form a lasting connection. He was briefly dumped on his first night before a production twist brought him back alongside two bombshell arrivals. His arc shifted when he coupled up with Taylor Nicole Smith, and their relationship became one of the season's strongest. The pair finished in third place in the August 2023 finale. Reflecting on the experience, Bergie said in his engagement announcement: "I won't lie there are many days (most days) I don't think about Love Island, but it changed my life by giving me Taylor. I can't imagine a life without Taylor."
Engagement to Taylor Smith
On May 3, 2026, Bergie proposed to Taylor in Fredericksburg, Texas, a location with sentimental value. In an Instagram post, he wrote: "For the past 6 months I have been planning my proposal for the love of my life, Taylor Nicole Smith. When it came to planning I knew I wanted to pop the question at a place that held sentimental value to both Taylor and I. For our 6 month anniversary Taylor and I celebrated in Fredericksburg Texas, since then Fredericksburg has held a place in our hearts." The couple has been together for nearly three years.
Appearance on The Traitors
After Love Island, Bergie competed as a Faithful on Season 2 of Peacock's The Traitors. Known for his earnest gameplay, he aligned with the Peter Pals alliance and was central to a key moment when Traitor Dan Gheesling targeted him, unaware Bergie had a hidden shield. The failed move exposed Dan, but Bergie was eventually "murdered" by the remaining Traitors in Episode 7, finishing in 12th place.
Current Life and Future Plans
Bergie continues his doctoral studies in physical therapy at the University of Mary while creating content and working as a fitness trainer. On May 20, 2026, he appeared on the APTA Orthopaedics podcast to discuss balancing his public career with academic demands. He has also been featured in Legit.ng's biography series, highlighting his journey from a small-town manager to a reality TV star.
