2 weeks Ago
From the qualifiers to the regionals, the Carry1st Africa Cup has been a wild experience for players and fans across the continent. This November all roads lead to Nairobi, Kenya as the top teams from Africa’s most competitive regions clash at the Carry1st Africa Cup Call of Duty Mobile Grand Finals. This final stage, set to be a two-day, high-stakes event on November 23-24, promises epic battles, star players, and a chance for these teams to make esports history.
But what goes into pulling off a tournament of this scale? Aladelo Oluwaseun, better known as Senez—a Community Manager at Carry1st—shares exclusive insights on the planning, challenges, and highlights of bringing this prestigious tournament to life. We jump into everything from event logistics to standout performances and unforgettable moments. Here’s what he had to say.
Can’t make it to Nairobi? No worries! The Carry1st Africa Cup will be live-streamed on multiple platforms, including YouTube and TikTok . Viewers can catch all the action on November 23rd and 24th, with streams beginning at 2 PM East African Time. Stream links will also be available on the Carry1st website, so fans can easily tune in to support their favourite teams from anywhere.
The first day will focus on the group stages, with six matches between two groups of three teams each. Only the top two teams from each group will book their spot in the semi-finals, followed by the much-anticipated showdown on the second day. One of the exciting aspects of the Carry1st Africa Cup grand finals will be the expert commentary.
While the full lineup is yet to be confirmed, Kenyan caster Eugene Abu Dhabi is among the familiar voices that fans can expect. The production will include live analysis segments, a dedicated caster panel, and play-by-play breakdowns to keep viewers engaged throughout the matches. With five regional champions confirmed, each team brings something unique to the finals.
Here’s what Senez shared about the contenders: Sierra 7 ( Nigeria ): Known for their never-say-die attitude, this team made a comeback from the lower brackets to win the Nigerian qualifiers. Aura233 ( Ghana ): A well-organized team backed by sponsors, Aura233 has been dominant in their qualifiers and is ready to compete on an international level. Noxious Gaming ( South Africa ): After a controversial disqualification of another team, NXG’s determination and skill earned them a spot in the finals.
Sun Esports/ UpAgainstHell FT (Morocco): With star player Darroks on their roster, they’re poised to give the other teams a run for their money. Delta Esports and CZY (Kenya): Representing the host country, both teams have shown impressive grit, especially Delta Esports, who won the Kenyan qualifiers. Each team has overcome challenges to reach the finals, and with pride and regional bragging rights on the line, fans can expect nothing but an enthralling display of skill and strategy.
As for the stakes, it’s not just about the title—teams are competing for a share of a $15,000 prize pool, with each finalist already securing some winnings from their regional rounds. Senez emphasised the broader significance of the tournament, explaining, “This is a chance to show the world what African talent can do on a global stage, and we’re excited to see how they perform.” Beyond the cash, it's about making a mark and elevating African esports.
To keep fans engaged, the Carry1st Africa Cup will also include interactive elements for both live and virtual audiences. Fans can expect exclusive behind-the-scenes content, opportunities for shout-outs, and interactive chat segments during the stream. For the live attendees, on-site surprises such as potential meet-and-greets and appearances by special guests are in the works, making it an event that esports enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
Senez talked about the challenges of organising a pan-African event of this scale. Originally set to finish in August, the timeline was extended to November for more polished qualifiers and stronger event partnerships. “It’s been a long journey but thanks to partners like ACGL who managed the admin side of the tournament we were able to get it done”, he said, praising the teamwork that went into making it a smooth experience.
One standout highlight? The regional finals, particularly Nigeria's, kept fans on the edge of their seats. Senez explained, “The Nigerian finals, with Rage Gaming and Sierra 7 going head-to-head, was the most intense. Sierra 7 emerged victorious after an epic comeback, which made for a memorable five-hour event.
" The match was even more special due to a local watch party where fans cheered alongside partners like Ballantine’s and Red Bull. With the Carry1st Africa Cup grand finals promising high-stakes action and unforgettable moments, Senez has one message for fans: "Don’t miss this!" The teams have trained, battled, and conquered every regional hurdle to reach this final stage. Each match will be an opportunity to witness the best of African CODM esports in action and some potential surprises that Carry1st has planned for the occasion.
For fans and first-time viewers alike, this grand final is a milestone event that captures the spirit of competitive gaming across Africa. Be sure to tune in, cheer for your favourite team, and experience esports history in the making. Oluwadamilola Koya is a Nigerian writer with an insatiable love for books, comics, movies, video games, and music.
.
