In a surprising and ambitious move, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has acquired 100% ownership of the Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Bendtner, who once dazzled fans on the pitches of the English Premier League with Arsenal and also played for Wolfsburg, among others, is now aiming to leave his mark on the burgeoning esports industry.
Three years after announcing his retirement from football, Bendtner has pivoted to esports, setting up an investment and management company called Legendary Gaming Group. This organization aims to revolutionize the esports scene by providing cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events, according to their mission statement.
Bendtner's interest in esports was sparked during the COVID-19 pandemic when he began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). He even owned a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport and participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen in November 2022, representing Team Denmark.
A New Venture in Esports
The Legendary Gaming Group, personifying its name, has already made waves with investments in New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an upcoming unnamed esports and gaming brand. This ambitious company roster includes some seasoned esports professionals such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech.
Team Singularity, a familiar name in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC circuit, was part of the old ESL UK Premiership and dates back to the early days of the UK League of Legends scene from as early as 2017. It was crucial for Stehouwer to find a secure home for Team Singularity, which he managed under the Legendary Gaming Group.
Expressing his contentment with the new arrangement, Stehouwer said, “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. 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.”
The Lord Takes the Helm
Nicklas Bendtner's moniker, “Lord Bendtner,” is not just a playful nickname but a title he formally holds. In March 2015, Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' purchased a square foot of land in Scotland to bestow him the title of "Lord." He was also once romantically linked with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, who hails from Danish royalty.
An enthusiastic Bendtner commented on his new venture, saying, “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.”
Future Prospects and Innovations
Legendary Gaming Group has ambitious plans to revolutionize the esports industry, beyond just assembling top-tier talent. It promises to deliver thrilling events and cutting-edge experiences that could redefine how esports is perceived and enjoyed globally. Bendtner and his team are poised to make substantial contributions to an industry that has witnessed exponential growth in recent years.
Though specifics about their forthcoming ventures remain tightly under wraps, an intriguing announcement from Team Singularity is slated for August 1st, 2024. Given Bendtner's history of making headlines and his evident passion for esports, this date is circled in bold on the calendars of many esports enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.
The acquisition of Team Singularity by someone as high-profile as Bendtner has already generated significant buzz. Fans and analysts are eager to see how Bendtner’s experience and vision will translate into success in the esports realm. His endeavor could serve as a catalyst for other professional athletes considering similar transitions, further melding the worlds of traditional sports and esports.
Adding to the growing intersection of sports and esports, Arsene Wenger, Bendtner's former manager at Arsenal, was recently announced as an ambassador for a new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament. This highlights the ever-blurring lines between traditional sports and the digital realm, offering a glimpse into the exciting future of competitive gaming.
In his typical confident fashion, Bendtner stands poised at the forefront of this evolution, eager to contribute to the esports world he has grown to admire and respect. As the story of Legendary Gaming Group unfolds, the esports community will undoubtedly be watching with heightened anticipation and interest.