The Carry1st Africa Cup 2025 Grand Finals – featuring eight top Call of Duty: Mobile teams from across Africa – has delivered high-octane matches and a chance for African esports to shine on the global stage. Fans and players alike are reveling in the experience, grateful for an event that “gives Africa a chance to get onto the global map,” as one of the guests put it. From influencers to crowd members to the gamers themselves, everyone had something to say about Day 1 of this landmark tournament.
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Fans Fuel an Electric Atmosphere in Lagos

The first day’s action has proven to be a thrill ride for spectators. The venue in Lagos was packed with enthusiastic fans, whose energy fed into every round of play. Many could hardly believe the twists and turns in the bracket. “The vibe here is amazing,” said Ryan Martinez, visibly thrilled by the intense competition. 

He noted how an underdog victory (Ecplise Gaming had just trumped Delta eSports 3-2) had the audience cheering loudly, calling the match outcome “a really great start” to the event. Local influencers and casters hyped up the crowd, emphasizing that this tournament isn’t just about gaming – it’s about putting African esports talent on the world stage. Fans echoed that sentiment, grateful to Carry1st for “giving the teams [this] opportunity”. 

The result? A festival-like environment where pride and excitement for African esports are at an all-time high. “It’s also giving Africa a chance to get onto the global map, which I think is amazing,” Martinez added, highlighting the significance of the moment.

Such an electric crowd response is no surprise; with a $15,000 prize pool and a slot at the CODM World Championship on the line, the stakes are tremendous. Carry1st’s efforts to build a community-centric event have paid off. From booming chants for the home team to gasps at every clutch play, the passion from fans has created an atmosphere comparable to a major sports final. “The crowd was going wild,” one on-site commentator remarked during the upset match, illustrating how each play on stage resonated through the hall. The consensus among attendees is clear: this event so far has been a milestone for African gaming, and they are loving every second of it.

Eclipse vs Delta: Rivalry, Respect, and Resilience

One of the day’s most nail-biting battles was between Eclipse Gaming (Nigeria) and Delta eSports (Kenya); a clash that had the hall buzzing. It went the distance in a best-of-5 series, culminating in a decisive final map. 

“We had to put in our best to win against Delta,” admitted Demo, a player for Eclipse, acknowledging how fiercely their Kenyan opponents fought. The series was so intense that it pushed Eclipse to limits they hadn’t experienced before. Pain, another member of Eclipse, confessed, “We didn’t expect to win… we didn’t expect it to go to the last map.” In fact, the final map was Search & Destroy: a mode in which Delta had historically dominated them. Yet, Eclipse managed to overcome that hurdle for the first time. Pain attributed this surprise victory to his squad’s determination: “My team’s relentless efforts solidified our victory,” he said, beaming with pride at how they overcame their longtime rivals.

On the other side of that result, Delta eSports showed remarkable positivity despite the close loss. Swae, one of Delta’s standout players, reflected on the experience with humility and optimism. “The experience was good…. entertaining. It was fun to play,” he said, emphasizing that even in defeat the match had been valuable. 

Swae openly acknowledged, “We made some mistakes that we should have corrected,” showing respect for Eclipse’s performance and a clear understanding of what his own team could improve. Importantly, he vowed that this wasn’t the end for Delta: “We learned from our mistakes… We’ll come back stronger from the losers’ bracket.” That fighting spirit drew applause from nearby fans, who appreciated the sportsmanship on display. Even in a loss, Delta eSports earned the crowd’s respect; they demonstrated the resilience and hunger that define the competitive spirit of this tournament.

Both teams also exchanged mutual respect after the match. Eclipse’s Demo applauded Delta’s sportsmanship and skill, while Delta’s players congratulated Eclipse on their hard-fought win. As the day ended, fans from Nigeria and Kenya alike could be heard discussing that epic showdown, already anticipating a potential rematch later in the tournament.

Bear Clan Upsets ParadoX in a Thriller

Day 1 also delivered a major upset that had everyone talking. Bear Clan, the Egyptian team known for methodical play, faced off against ParadoX, South Africa’s champions and a pre-tournament favorite. The result was a thrilling match in which Bear Clan emerged victorious, toppling ParadoX and sending shockwaves through the bracket. 

The crowd reaction was instantaneous – a mix of astonishment and excitement as the underdogs prevailed. Vepexx, a member of Bear Clan (also known by his in-game alias Vapex), gave full credit to the intensity of the battle. “ParadoX gave it their all and made it one hell of a match,” he said, acknowledging how strong the South African squad was. Indeed, the rounds were hard-fought, with momentum swinging back and forth. Ultimately, Bear Clan’s coordination won the day. 

“Our intense teamwork and coordination prevailed,” Vepexx remarked, emphasizing that every member of his team stepped up under pressure. He ended his comment with a cheerful “GG” (good game), epitomizing the respectful sportsmanship between the teams.

For ParadoX, the loss was surely a disappointment, but observers noted the team remained composed and respectful in defeat. As they left the stage, the ParadoX players nodded to the cheering fans and fist-bumped the Bear Clan squad – a gesture that did not go unnoticed. Fans and analysts have been quick to point out that this kind of result underscores how competitive the field is: no team, not even the most favored, can afford to underestimate any opponent. Bear Clan’s triumph means the tournament favorites will have to fight their way through the lower bracket, adding even more drama to the days ahead.

With Bear Clan advancing and ParadoX seeking redemption in the lower bracket, the stage is set for even more captivating encounters.

Looking Ahead: Unity and Confidence

By the end of Day 1, four teams had been knocked out of the competition, and the remaining squads had their paths to the championship either secured or staked on a perilous lower-bracket run. Nigerian favorites Eclipse Gaming and the dark horse Bear Clan from Egypt remain unbeaten, each riding a wave of confidence into the next round. Meanwhile, seasoned contenders like ParadoX must regroup and channel the day’s lessons into a comeback strategy. The prevailing sentiment among all participants is one of determination and unity. Win or lose, they’re sharing in a groundbreaking moment for African esports.

Crucially, the fans and community voices are adding fuel to this fire. 

As Day 2 looms (with the crowning imminent), anticipation is through the roof. Will we see another stunning upset or an epic story? Can the crowd favorites defend home turf, or will new heroes rise?

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