Sprout are proving to be the storyline of ESL One Cologne 2020 so far, with the unfancied German org storming through their group to book a place in the playoffs.
Sprout were priced at 125.0 to win ESL One Cologne Europe before the tournament began but they have so far defied the odds with sensational performances in group A.
The German-Polish mix got their campaign off to a flying start with a 2-0 win over BIG, before seeing off OG in the second round to book their place in the playoff quarterfinals.
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'Better than people think'
In his post-game interview Sprout's IGL Timo "Spiidi" Richter said: "We don't care if people flame us, hate us or don't like us.
"We know we are capable of things. Maybe we don't show it too often, but we're definitely better than people think."
Sprout will resume their ESL One Cologne 2020 campaign on August 27 when the quarterfinals get under way.
Complexity are the other team to emerge from group A so far, while Astralis and G2 have progressed through group B.
An increase in upsets online
Like many esports tournaments this year, ESL One Cologne 2020 is being played online due to the restrictions in place during the Coronavirus pandemic. While the esports calendar has been able to continue, there has been a noticeable trend that online matches seemingly have more potential for shock results.
Luckbox's Director of Sportsbook Metodi Zaburtov said: "Our data shows that we see an increased number of upsets when moving from LAN to online.
"It's especially for favorites in ranges 1.2-1.3 and 1.4-1.5, where the trends are clear - there are respectively 6.81% and 11.02% more upsets since the start of Covid-19 pandemic."
More shocks on the way?
Will the trend of upsets continue? The ESL One Cologne 2020 schedule continues on August 25 when the Asia and Oceania regions join the party, along with the resumption of EU and NA divisions.
Upcoming ESL One Cologne matches
Chiefs vs Renegades
Beyond vs Tyloo.CS
NIP vs Na'VI
Fnatic vs Heroic
100 Thieves vs FURIA
Picture: Copyright ESL / Stephanie Lieske
