Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner, known for his time with clubs like Arsenal and Wolfsburg, has completed the acquisition of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Bendtner, who retired from football three years ago, has turned his focus to the burgeoning world of esports, setting up an investment and management company named Legendary Gaming Group.
New Ventures in Esports
Legendary Gaming Group has already made significant strides in the esports realm. The company has invested in New Breed Agency, the Legendary Arena, and a yet-to-be-named esports and gaming brand. Describing its mission, Legendary Gaming Group claims it is “revolutionizing esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.”
Bendtner is joined by several notable figures in the esports community at Legendary Gaming Group, including Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. The collaboration brings together a wealth of experience and ambition, aiming to make a substantial impact in the industry.
“For the past two years, after being passive in Team Singularity’s operations, I’ve been in talks with numerous potential partners about various opportunities in the market and potentially starting something new,” Stehouwer said. “I’m thrilled and honoured to have found a proper home for Team Singularity under the Legendary Gaming Group wings and to have been able to bring a strong ownership group together to form the foundation of Legendary Gaming Group.”
A Storied Past and a Promising Future
Team Singularity has a rich history in the esports scene, particularly in the UK and Nordics League of Legends Championships (NLC). Having competed in the early days of the UK LoL scene, starting in 2017, and being part of the old ESL UK Premiership, Team Singularity is well-established. Although Tricked Esport, another team in the mix, closed down last year, the legacy and impact of these organizations remain significant.
The scheduled announcement on August 1st, 2024, has generated considerable anticipation. It follows Stehouwer's recent statement about finding a new home for Team Singularity, indicating that the team's future under Legendary Gaming Group looks promising.
From Football to Esports
Bendtner's journey from the football pitch to the virtual arena began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). His interest in esports led him to own a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport. His passion for the game was evident when he participated in a show match at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in November 2022, representing Team Denmark at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen.
Reflecting on his new role, Bendtner said, “I am really pleased with the team we have assembled at Legendary and look forward to being part of something bigger in an industry I am fascinated by. My own role in the company will be an active one, but what the exact title will be is not 100% decided yet, as it also depends on what roles the other sports profiles coming in will have.”
A Blend of Royalty and Record-Breaking Feats
Bendtner's life off the field has been as intriguing as his football career. He was once romantically involved with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, who comes from Danish royalty. Furthermore, in a whimsical turn of events, the Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' bought Bendtner a square foot of land in Scotland in March 2015, bestowing upon him the title of “Lord”.
His football career also saw its fair share of highlights, including the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history, clocking in at just 1.8 seconds after the ball was kicked into play during a match against Tottenham on December 22, 2007.
Esports' Growing Influence
Bendtner's move into esports is part of a broader trend of sports personalities crossing over into the gaming world. Most notably, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was recently announced as an ambassador for a $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament.
As the lines between traditional sports and esports continue to blur, Bendtner's involvement brings a new level of attention and legitimacy to the industry. With the backing of experienced esports figures and a clear vision for growth, Legendary Gaming Group and Team Singularity are poised to make waves in the competitive gaming landscape.