The Carry1st Africa Cup Grand Finals is upon us, which takes place in Lagos on Saturday and Sunday, 30-31 August. The finals is said to be mobile esports biggest, with the continent’s best Call of Duty: Mobile players gearing up to win in the $15,000 prize pool - and a shot at Call of Duty: Mobile World Champs. 

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Team Paradox, hailing from South Africa, have earned their place as one of Africa’s top Call of Duty: Mobile teams after clinching the national title at the South Africa regionals. 

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South Africa has arrived in Lagos determined to reclaim the throne. Last year, Noxious NxGen won the Carry1st Africa Cup, proving that South African teams can dominate on the continental stage. Now, Paradox takes up the mantle, representing their country at the 2025 Grand Finals with pride and purpose.

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Their victory in the South African qualifiers means they will represent their country on the continental stage at the Carry1st Africa Cup 2025 finals in Lagos. We spoke with 18-year-old Daniello Agrizzi from Paradox about what the opportunity means to the Johannesburg local and his team, and more. 

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A Huge Honor Representing South Africa

When asked about representing South Africa in the Carry1st Africa Cup, Daniello’s pride was evident. “It’s a really, really big opportunity,” he said, emphasizing how much it means to have a nation’s support behind them. Paradox has a lot of people at home rooting for them, and the team is very excited to carry the South African flag at the finals.
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Far from being intimidated by the big stage, Daniello mentioned that despite being the reigning national champions, “I don’t think we feel much pressure.” Instead, the squad is channeling that home support into motivation; they’re eager to make their country proud on Africa’s biggest stage.
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Biggest Rival: Bear Clan (Egypt)

Every great team has a rival in their sights, and for Paradox, that team is Bear Clan from Egypt. Without hesitation, Daniello identified Bear Gaming (also known as Bear Clan) as the opponent to watch. “Biggest rivals? It has to be Bear… we’re coming for them for sure,” he announced confidently. Bear Clan, formerly known as Instinct, is a powerhouse in North African CODM circles, known for their methodical and ruthless playstyle. It’s no surprise Paradox is eager for this matchup – facing such a formidable team fuels their competitive fire. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown if these two teams meet, as Paradox clearly has Bear Clan marked as the team to beat.
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Fast-Paced, “Go For It” Playstyle

Paradox’s gameplay philosophy is straightforward yet effective: keep up the pace and stay aggressive. When asked about the team’s go-to strategy or playstyle, Daniello was careful not to reveal too much but hinted at their high-tempo approach. “I think it’s just pace – just go for it, really,” he explained.

In practice, this means Paradox thrives on momentum, executing plays with confidence and not shying away from bold moves. Their gameplay is highly coordinated. In fact, observers have noted that every Paradox match feels “like a playbook”, highlighting the team’s strong strategy and communication. With this combination of speed and coordination, fans should expect Paradox to set a fast tempo and force opponents to keep up. This high-octane style is a hallmark of their success so far.
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Life Off the Screen: Studies and Celebrations

What does the team do for fun when they’re not grinding in-game? According to Daniello, the players have a mix of personalities. Some teammates would probably celebrate by going out partying during their downtime. Daniello himself, however, admits he’d more likely be found hitting the books. “I know I’ll still be studying – I’m in school, obviously,” he said with a laugh.

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In other words, if they weren’t gaming, part of the squad would be out having a good time, while others (like the studious Daniello) would focus on personal responsibilities. It’s a healthy balance between play and work. This blend of dedication and camaraderie off the screen likely contributes to their strong team chemistry: they know how to have fun, but also when to buckle down and work hard toward their goals.
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The Bottomline

Team Paradox exudes both confidence and humility as they head into the Carry1st Africa Cup 2025 finals. They cherish the honor of representing South Africa and are determined to justify the faith of their fans back home. With an eye on top rivals like Bear Clan and a commitment to an all-out, fast-paced playstyle, Paradox promises to deliver excitement on stage.
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Beyond the battlefield, they remain grounded. They celebrate victories together yet never lose sight of academics and personal growth. As the finals approach, all eyes will be on Paradox to see if they can turn this big opportunity into championship glory, and make their country proud.
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Watch all the action on Carry1st’s YouTube channel, to stay up to date on who will claim the throne.