Africa’s esports calendar just got a jolt of energy. This past weekend, the Carry1st Africa Cup Spin-Off Challenge wrapped up with its highly anticipated finals, and it didn’t disappoint. What began as a community-driven warm-up to the Carry1st Africa Cup Grand Finals turned into a showcase of just how deep the talent pool runs across the continent.
The Spin-Off was never meant to replace the main Africa Cup happening on August 30–31, but it proved to be more than just a side quest. With 400 players signing up through WhatsApp and Discord, and the top 100 battling it out on TikTok and YouTube streams, the finals delivered a mix of high-level gameplay, creator-driven entertainment, and national pride.
A Continental Clash Narrowed Down
The Carry1st Africa Cup Spin-Off Challenge, co-hosted by The Gaming Hub, capped off an action-packed week with finals that lived up to the hype. What started with 400 players across Africa was narrowed down to just 100, and over the weekend, those players delivered the kind of matches that prove why African esports is on the rise.
The road to the finals was tough. Four lobbies of 100 players each produced only 25 qualifiers per room, setting up a top 100 field that represented six+ African nations. Nigeria showed up in force, but countries like Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast also brought serious firepower.
With viewership peaking at 2.8k live on TikTok and another 200+ on YouTube, fans tuned in to watch Ace_react host the action, alongside commentary from Reaper and Sxntos, who gave the matches extra life.
It was a format that demanded sharp focus: single mistakes could end runs early, and three-quarters of the field didn’t make it past qualifiers.
Creator Lobby: Fans’ Favorite Matchups
One of the highlights of the finals was the content creator lobby, where some of Africa’s most visible CODM personalities paired up in duos. Matchups included:
- Sexyviper & WickedYT
- Malay & Movementcodm
- Crazy TT & Difference
- Abmax & Iamwoke
- Avatar & Chapo
- Fighthurt & Tolumartins
- Asmallgirl & Daniel_codm
- IconTK & Taymie Codm
- The Muffin Man & Whisky 250
- Cipher & KXMI
- …and many more, making up a full list of 50 creator pairs.
These creator pairings gave the audience more than results and competition; but also entertainment, bragging rights, familiar faces, personality-driven rivalries, and moments that reminded everyone how community and entertainment blend seamlessly in African esports.
Egypt and Nigeria Stand Tall
When the dust settled, two countries stood above the rest: Egypt and Nigeria. Here’s how the lobbies shaped up:
- Lobby 1 Winners: FatherAli (Egypt) & Nagdy (Egypt)
- Lobby 2 Winners: Akara (Nigeria) & Isco (Nigeria)
- Lobby 3 Winners: FatherAli (Egypt) & Nagdy (Egypt) again
FatherAli & Nagdy won two separate lobbies, cementing themselves as the breakout duo of the Spin-Off Challenge. Akara & Isco took another lobby, ensuring Nigeria kept its reputation as one of Africa’s strongest CODM hubs.
Streaming, Casting, and Engagement
The finals were hosted and streamed live by Ace_react on TikTok, where the broadcast pulled in 2.8k live viewers and racked up an incredible 340,000+ likes during the stream. Additional coverage came via SxntosYT’s YouTube channel, pulling in 200+ viewers.
The commentary team — Reaper and Sxntos — added to the excitement, breaking down the plays, hyping up key moments, and making the event engaging even for casual fans.
Speaking of casuals, the organizers didn’t want the audience to just watch; the action was all-around. Toward the end of the finals, a special Viewers' Lobby was opened up, and in less than five minutes, more than 100 fans had signed up. It was an electrifying way to close the Spin-Off, blurring the line between audience and competitor and keeping the energy high right to the final whistle.
The Bigger Picture
Behind the scenes, support from Gacom helped push the Spin-Off Challenge further. As part of Mobtech Synergy Ltd, Gacom has a track record of backing African gaming competitions with over $10,000 in prizes in recent years. Their involvement here wasn’t just financial; it reinforced the vision of building a sustainable esports ecosystem where competitive players, creators, and fans all get their shine.
Beyond the results, the Spin-Off Challenge proved something more important: that Africa’s gaming ecosystem is alive, connected, and ready for global recognition.
As Opemipo Fasanya, founder of The Gaming Hub, put it:
“The Spin-Off Challenge shows what happens when we create more entry points for gamers across Africa. With this, we had a chance to build community and give players visibility. The Carry1st Africa Cup itself is one of the biggest esports events this side of the world, and having the Spin-Off Challenge by the side has been a dream come true. Glad to be at the forefront of it all!”
Looking Ahead to the Carry1st Africa Cup 2025 Grand Finals
The Spin-Off may be done, but it was never the endgame. It was a preview. All eyes now shift to the Carry1st Africa Cup Grand Finals happening August 30–31, where Africa’s top CODM teams will clash for continental bragging rights. Tickets are free and you can get them on the Carry1st Shop. Remember, they’re limited, so be sure to get yours quickly! On the flip side, streams will be live for anyone who can’t make it in person.
Final Word
The Spin-Off Challenge was branded as a warm-up, but it turned into a full-blown statement. With 400 players cut down to 100, with creators drawing fans into the fold, and with Egypt and Nigeria delivering the standout performances, the finals captured the very best of African esports.
And if this was only the Spin-Off? The Grand Finals are set to be something special.
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