Dates: 30 to 31 August 2025
Venue: D Podium International Event Centre, Aromire, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
The Carry1st Africa Cup 2025 Grand Finals lands in Lagos this weekend, bringing together the continent’s top Call of Duty Mobile squads for a two day showdown that doubles as Africa’s official qualifier for the Call of Duty Mobile World Championship 2025. It is a milestone for a publisher that has steadily broadened its role in Africa’s digital economy, including earlier moves that expanded local payments for services like Audiomack through its Pay1st platform.
Why this tournament matters
For the first time, Africa’s champions will progress directly to the global stage. The winner in Lagos secures a spot at Activision’s Call of Duty Mobile World Championship 2025, joining the race for a share of the 850,000 dollar prize pool. Regionally, that pathway validates years of community-led leagues, LAN events, and team development. Locally, it gives fans tangible representation at the highest level, while spotlighting African esports operations and broadcast talent.
The teams to watch
Eight elite teams will contest the Grand Finals, including representatives from seven countries. Expect contrasting play styles and plenty of storylines.
- Nigeria, Sierra7, arriving as back to back national champions after a tight 4 to 3 qualifier.
- South Africa, ParadoX, known for disciplined, methodical mid-game control.
- Ghana, Aura 233, stylish and strategic with confident map rotations.
- Egypt, Bear Clan, previously Instinct, a perennial powerhouse with deep tournament experience.
- Kenya, Delta eSports, fearless and fast paced, with aggressive early pressure.
- Uganda, Nondescript Gaming, a growing force in East African esports.
- Senegal, Sage Gaming, dominant in West African brackets.
Carry1st lists eight finalists in total, with the above teams among those confirmed.
Beyond the matches, a festival atmosphere
Carry1st is setting up a full weekend experience rather than a pure arena grind.
- Music: Spotify, the Official Music Sponsor, will curate sets with live DJs, guest artists, and interactive fan moments.
- Fan zone: Mentos, the Official Chewing Gum Sponsor, is powering a welcoming activation space for meetups, quick games, and refresh breaks.
- A Guinness World Record attempt: Creator Mavis Lucky will try to set a new mark for most selfies taken in three minutes, inviting fans in Lagos and online to join the moment.
How to watch, and how to attend
- In Kenya: Follow the action on K24’s digital channels.
- In Ghana: Tune in to GH One TV.
- Across Africa and globally: Watch live on Carry1st’s YouTube channel.
- Tickets: Available now via the official event site.
The bigger picture for African gaming
As mobile titles have matured, shooters like Call of Duty Mobile have become the entry point for a massive new audience across the continent. Competitive scenes have flourished around community LANs, publisher-backed cups, and cross-border qualifiers, as we have reported in long-form features on the rise of mobile gaming.
The Lagos finals arrive barely a week after Nairobi’s Otamatsuri 2025 turned KICC into a 5G-powered gaming arena, complete with tournaments, cosplay, and an overnight LAN. That momentum, plus headline sponsorships at the anime and manga convention, shows how events are widening the on-ramp from casual fandom to competitive play. If Africa sends a strong representative to Worlds from Lagos, it will cap a month that already showcased how local festivals, telco networks, and publisher initiatives are knitting together a sustainable esports calendar.
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