Outside of Europe, people may be forgiven for not being aware of Sissi State Punks (SSP) just quite yet. But the up-and-coming German team is determined to make its name known and seems well on its way to do so.
Having been assembled for the GSA League 2021 specifically, SSP's success has been quite remarkable.
The full-German squad first took the lead of the group stage in the third week of play and even though G2 Esports wrested it from them for four weeks, SSP kept pace throughout. The seventh week then saw SSP level on points with G2, but the challengers have been leading since the 10th week of play.
Currently, they are both four points clear of current European League (EUL) leaders G2 Esports, as well as GoSkilla, their main rivals for the Challenger League spot on offer in the GSA League.
In the season so far, they have also beaten the three EUL teams, Rogue, G2 Esports, and Team Secret in the GSA League at least once. Not only that, aside from an opening 3-7 loss to G2, SSP has not conceded more than five rounds to any of its three EUL rivals.
While none of its players feature in the Top 5 in terms of Rating, both Zenoxo and Gisela have a +24 K-D split, while Zenoxo has a +6 on Entry, and BZ is tied for the most clutches with five to his name.
SSP's ability to stay cool in the face of tough odds and mount comebacks has also been vital and has given the team much confidence ahead of the double-elimination playoffs.
To know more about the SSP season, SiegeGG spoke to team manager Patrick "LocoLoki" Krippner.
SSP is a team that was constructed with players from various different teams and had two months of preparation. Safe to say, it’s really been working out, hasn’t it?
How did this team come together and what were the key identifiers and criteria for them?
Your team just has two losses this season, one to G2 Esports and another in a significant upset against GoSkilla. What happened in both those games and how have you learnt from them?
Conversely, your fine form has seen you lead with 25 points from nine wins, including wins against Rogue (twice), Team Secret, and G2 Esports the second time. How are you able to take on and win these EUL teams so effectively?
Now four points clear of GoSkilla in second place, your rivals for the Challenger League spot, how confident are you in making that Challenger League spot yours?
Both Zenoxo and Gisela have strong +24 K-D splits, while Zenoxo has a +6 on Entry, and BZ is tied for the most clutches at 5. How important have their performances been and does your team structure its style of play around them, or to specifically help them?
Your team has essentially played every single map in the past three months, save for Villa. Any reason for avoiding Villa, specifically? And has your team been worried that others would be able to counter-strat yours on all the other six maps?
Is there anything you or your players would like to say to your fans?
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Catch Sissi State Punks next during the 12th play day of the 2021 GSA League, when they take on PENTA on the 22nd of July at 10:45 PM CEST (UTC+2).