Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has made a significant shift from the football field to the rapidly growing world of esports. Bendtner, known for his tenure with clubs like Arsenal and Wolfsburg, has acquired 100% of the Danish esports organization Team Singularity. This move underlines Bendtner's commitment to the esports industry, which he has grown increasingly passionate about since retiring from football three years ago.
Bendtner’s New Venture
After hanging up his football boots, Bendtner founded the Legendary Gaming Group, a company focused on investment and management within the esports sector. The Legendary Gaming Group has already made substantial investments in entities like New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and a yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. Bendtner’s vision through this group is to revolutionize the esports landscape by offering cutting-edge gaming experiences, honing elite talent, and hosting thrilling events.
“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 expressed, highlighting his enthusiasm and plans for active involvement in the company's operations.
Experienced Allies
Bendtner is not entering the esports domain alone. Joining him at Legendary Gaming Group are notable figures such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer and Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen. Additionally, Stephen Shine and Jonas Rosbech, well-versed in the esports industry, complete the formidable lineup.
Stehouwer shared his excitement about this new chapter: “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.”
A History of Esports Involvement
Team Singularity, an established name in esports, has been part of the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC and played a role in the old ESL UK Premiership since its early days in 2017. Despite Tricked Esport's closure last year, Stehouwer's efforts have ensured that Team Singularity will continue to thrive under new leadership. Adding to the anticipation, Team Singularity has promised a significant announcement set for August 1st, 2024.
Bendtner’s personal journey into esports began during the COVID pandemic when he took an interest in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). He initially owned a small CSGO team, Prosapia Esport, and participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in November 2022, where he played as part of Team Denmark at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen.
A Unique Title
Bendtner's nickname, "Lord Bendtner," stems from 2015 when Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' bought him a square foot of land in Scotland, bestowing upon him the title of “Lord.” This interesting tidbit adds a touch of royalty to his charismatic persona, which he now brings to the realm of esports.
Record-Breaking Achievements
While Bendtner’s transition from football to business is complete, his football accomplishments remain notable. He holds the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history, netting a goal just 1.8 seconds after play resumed against Tottenham on December 22nd, 2007 during his time with Arsenal.
Looking Ahead
The intersection of traditional sports and esports continues to grow, with figures like Bendtner leading the charge into new territories. Legendary Gaming Group’s innovative approach and Bendtner's dedication to an active role within the company paint an exciting future for Team Singularity and the broader esports community.
As the esports industry awaits the anticipated announcement from Team Singularity next August, all eyes will be watching to see how Bendtner and his team at Legendary Gaming Group can shape the future landscape of competitive gaming.