Egypt’s Bear Clan etched their name into history by winning the Carry1st Africa Cup 2025, defeating South Africa’s Paradox in the Grand Final. Their victory not only secured them $7,500 in prize money, but also earned them the prestigious title of becoming Africa’s first-ever qualifier for the Call of Duty: Mobile World Championship.
The Road to the Grand Final
The second day of competition in Lagos featured high-intensity Call of Duty: Mobile battles, narrowing the field to just two teams. By the close of Day 2, Egypt’s Bear Clan and South Africa’s Paradox had risen to the top, setting the stage for a thrilling final showdown.
Local fans had been hopeful of a Nigerian champion, but both Sierra7 and Eclipse Gaming fell short despite memorable performances. From commanding sweeps to nail-biting elimination clashes, the day was packed with drama and excitement worthy of a continental final.
Day 2 Results in Brief:
- Eliminated: Sierra7 (Nigeria) – Lower Bracket Semifinal
- Eliminated: Eclipse Gaming (Nigeria) – Lower Bracket Final
- Advanced: Bear Clan (Egypt), Paradox (South Africa)
Bear Clan’s Rise to the Top
Bear Clan entered Day 2 with momentum after defeating Paradox in the opening round. Their upper bracket final against Eclipse Gaming proved one-sided, as the Egyptians swept the Nigerians 3–0. Their aggressive play, flawless rotations, and composure in clutch situations underscored why they had been unbeaten all tournament.
This emphatic performance sent Eclipse tumbling into the lower bracket, while Bear Clan secured the first seat in the Grand Final. From underdogs to favorites, Bear Clan’s story had captured the attention of fans and competitors alike.
Nigeria’s Sierra7 Bow Out
Two-time Nigerian champions Sierra7 began Day 2 in the lower bracket, where they faced Paradox. Despite a spirited effort — including a rare Search & Destroy win over Paradox — Sierra7 ultimately lost the series 3–1, ending their campaign.
In a post-match reflection, Sierra7’s Life lamented poor connectivity during qualifiers, which had hampered their preparations. Yet he remained optimistic, saying:
“The match wasn’t all that difficult; it was just a crazy decision that made it so different. We could have done better.”
Paradox’s Grit Through the Lower Bracket
Having eliminated Sierra7, Paradox faced Nigeria’s Eclipse Gaming in the Lower Bracket Final. With both teams vying for a Grand Final place, the stakes could not have been higher. But Paradox delivered a commanding 3–0 sweep, silencing the home crowd.
KoKo from Eclipse acknowledged the challenge of adapting to new devices and the difficulty of facing international opponents, noting:
“We had our strategies… but sometimes, even with strategies, you are not really able to win.”
Paradox captain Toxic praised Eclipse while highlighting his own team’s improvement:
“We let them control the game for a part of the time, but once we pushed out confidently, we closed it.”
The Grand Final: Bear Clan vs. Paradox
The final clash was a rematch between the undefeated Bear Clan and a resurgent Paradox. Both teams brought intensity, but Bear Clan’s tactical discipline and unwavering teamwork proved decisive. The Egyptians sealed the series 4–1, erupting in celebration as they claimed the title and waved their national flag proudly on stage.
A Milestone for African Esports
This victory carries historic significance beyond the Carry1st Africa Cup. Bear Clan will become the first African team to compete at the Call of Duty: Mobile World Championship, representing not only Egypt but the entire continent.
Their triumph reflects the rising standard of African mobile esports — a scene defined by passion, resilience, and untapped potential. As Bear Clan prepares for the global stage, they carry with them the hopes of a continent eager to prove that African gamers belong among the world’s best.
