Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has made headlines by acquiring 100% of the Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Known for his career at English Premier League club Arsenal, as well as stints with Wolfsburg and other clubs, Bendtner announced his retirement from football three years ago. Now, he has embarked on a significant venture into the esports industry.
Legendary Gaming Group
In a strategic move, Bendtner has established an esports-focused investment and management company called Legendary Gaming Group. This new entity has already made its presence felt in the esports landscape through investments in New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and a yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. According to the group, they are ‘revolutionising esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events’.
Nicklas Bendtner, popularly known as "Lord Bendtner" after a Danish celebrity tabloid bought him a square foot of land in Scotland in March 2015 to bestow him with the title, is not venturing into this industry alone. Legendary Gaming Group's leadership team includes distinguished figures such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech.
A New Chapter for Team Singularity
Team Singularity, a well-known name in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC, has been an active competitor since as early as 2017. They were also participants in the old ESL UK Premiership. The organization is now looking forward to a new era under Bendtner's ownership. Founder Atle Stehouwer expressed his optimism, stating, “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.”
This acquisition follows the unfortunate closure of Tricked Esport last year. Despite this setback, the inclusion of Tricked's founder, Morten Jensen, in the new venture signals a strong commitment to building a robust and resilient esports organization. Team Singularity has teased an announcement set for August 1st, 2024, which has generated considerable anticipation within the esports community.
Bendtner’s Passion for Esports
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bendtner began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), indicating his burgeoning interest in the world of esports. His involvement grew to the point where he owned a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport. Furthermore, in November 2022, he showcased his skills in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, playing for Team Denmark.
Bendtner's commitment to the esports industry is evident in his statement: “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.” While the exact nature of his role within the company is still undecided, it will be an active one. Bendtner hinted that his title would depend on the roles taken by other incoming sports personalities.
A Broader Influence in Esports
Bendtner's entry into the esports industry is part of a broader trend of former professional athletes moving into this rapidly growing field. For instance, Arsene Wenger, another prominent figure from the world of football, was recently announced as an ambassador for a new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament. Such involvement underscores the increasing convergence between traditional sports and esports.
The emerging synergy between soccer and esports brings new possibilities for talent development, fan engagement, and exciting events that bridge the gap between the two domains. Bendtner’s acquisition of Team Singularity and his efforts through Legendary Gaming Group illustrate his aspiration to be at the forefront of this evolution.
The next few years will undoubtedly be exciting as Team Singularity, now under new ownership, aims to establish itself as a formidable contender in the esports arena. With experienced industry veterans and passionate newcomers leading the charge, the stage is set for Legendary Gaming Group to make a lasting impact.