Nicklas Bendtner Ventures into Esports, Acquires 100% of Team Singularity
Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has made waves in the esports industry with his acquisition of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. The retired footballer, known for his time with clubs like Arsenal and Wolfsburg, has set his sights on the burgeoning esports sector with ambitious plans. His foray into esports is marked by the establishment of Legendary Gaming Group, an investment and management company dedicated to esports and gaming.
During his illustrious football career, Bendtner amassed a legacy that included playing for top-tier clubs and breaking records. Notably, he holds the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history, achieving this feat in just 1.8 seconds after entering the pitch against Tottenham on December 22, 2007. Now, three years after announcing his retirement from professional football, Bendtner is channeling his passion and competitive spirit into the digital arena.
“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,” Bendtner remarked. His enthusiasm for his new venture is palpable, as he seeks to revolutionize the esports landscape. The Legendary Gaming Group has already invested in several notable projects, including New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and a yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand.
Joining Bendtner in this venture is a formidable team of experienced esports professionals. Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Their collective expertise positions Legendary Gaming Group as a potential powerhouse in the esports industry.
Stehouwer, who has been instrumental in the growth of Team Singularity, expressed his excitement about the new partnership. “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.”
Team Singularity has been a prominent name in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC and has roots dating back to the early days of UK LoL, participating in tournaments such as the old ESL UK Premiership. Despite facing challenges, including the closure of Tricked Esport last year, the organization has persisted and now looks towards a brighter future under Bendtner’s leadership.
Interestingly, Bendtner’s interest in esports began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). He even owned a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport and showcased his gaming prowess in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen in November 2022, where he played on Team Denmark. This personal connection to gaming adds a layer of authenticity to his esports endeavors.
Beyond his football and esports ventures, Bendtner’s life has been marked by intriguing anecdotes, such as his relationship with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, a member of Danish royalty, and a peculiar moment in March 2015 when Danish celebrity tabloid ‘Se og Hør’ bought him a square foot of land in Scotland, bestowing upon him the tongue-in-cheek title of “Lord.”
Looking ahead, Team Singularity has teased an announcement set for August 1st, 2024, sparking curiosity and anticipation among esports enthusiasts. This follows Stehouwer’s statement about finding a supportive home for the team under Legendary Gaming Group’s auspices, hinting at significant developments on the horizon.
As Bendtner and his team navigate their new roles in the esports industry, the excitement and potential for innovation are undeniable. “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,” Bendtner explained, underscoring the collaborative and dynamic nature of the venture.
In a related development, the legendary football manager Arsene Wenger has been announced as an ambassador for a new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament, highlighting the growing intersection between traditional sports and esports. Bendtner’s transition from football to esports mirrors this broader trend, as athletes and sports professionals increasingly recognize the potential and excitement of the digital sports arena.
Nicklas Bendtner’s journey from the football pitch to the esports stage is a testament to his versatility and visionary approach. As Legendary Gaming Group sets out to revolutionize the industry, the future of esports looks promising with Bendtner at the helm.