Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has made headlines once again, but this time not for his on-field exploits. The ex-Arsenal striker has secured a 100% acquisition of Team Singularity, a well-known Danish esports organization with deep roots in the competitive gaming landscape.
Bendtner, who announced his retirement from football three years ago, has turned his attention to the burgeoning world of esports through his new venture, the Legendary Gaming Group. This esports-focused investment and management company aims to revolutionize the gaming experience, foster elite talent, and host thrilling events. Alongside Bendtner, the company's leadership includes notable names such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech.
“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,” said Bendtner. His enthusiasm for esports was ignited during the COVID-19 pandemic when he began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). This passion even led him to own a small CSGO team, Prosapia Esport, and participate in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen in November 2022, representing Team Denmark.
Team Singularity and Tricked Esport have a storied history in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC. Founded in the early days of competitive UK League of Legends, Team Singularity was a part of the old ESL UK Premiership as early as 2017. Despite Tricked Esport closing down last year, the legacy of these teams continues under the new management and vision of the Legendary Gaming Group.
Atle Stehouwer, reflecting on the transition, remarked, “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 acquisition marks a significant milestone for Bendtner, who is no stranger to high-profile ventures. His storied football career saw him don the jerseys of some of Europe’s top clubs including Arsenal and Wolfsburg. Bendtner also holds the Premier League record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute — a remarkable 1.8 seconds after coming on against Tottenham on December 22, 2007.
Known for his flamboyant personality both on and off the field, Bendtner even earned the title of “Lord” in a rather unconventional manner. In March 2015, Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' purchased a square foot of land in Scotland for him, bestowing the aristocratic title. This blend of charisma and competitiveness seems to be the driving force behind his ambitions in the esports industry.
Looking ahead, Team Singularity has teased a major announcement scheduled for August 1st, 2024, which is anticipated to shed more light on their strategic direction under Legendary Gaming Group. This move underscores the growing convergence between traditional sports figures and the rapidly expanding esports industry.
Joining Bendtner in this journey are veterans of the esports scene like Stehouwer and Jensen, whose combined expertise aims to elevate the competitive standards and market presence of Team Singularity. The group has further extended its investments to entities such as New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an unnamed esports and gaming brand, all of which are poised to contribute to their vision of delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences.
The influx of traditional sports investments into esports isn't isolated to Bendtner alone. In related news, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been announced as an ambassador for a new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament, reflecting the increasing cross-over interest between these domains.
In the ever-evolving landscape of esports, Bendtner's entry with Legendary Gaming Group signals a robust commitment and belief in the future of competitive gaming. As this new chapter unfolds, both fans and industry watchers alike will be keenly observing how ‘Lord Bendtner’ and his cohort will shape the next era of esports innovation and entertainment.