Nicklas Bendtner, known for his storied career as a professional soccer player, has transitioned from the pitch to the esports arena with a significant acquisition. Bendtner, who once donned the jerseys of English Premier League club Arsenal and Bundesliga’s Wolfsburg, has now taken full ownership of Danish esports organization, Team Singularity. This move underscores his increasing involvement in the dynamic world of competitive gaming.
Having announced his retirement from football three years ago, Bendtner has since immersed himself in the esports industry. His passion for gaming, particularly after starting to play Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) during the COVID-19 pandemic, has culminated in the establishment of his investment and management venture, Legendary Gaming Group.
“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, often referred to as "Lord Bendtner" due to a humorous Danish tabloid bestowing the title upon him, expressed. His involvement in Legendary Gaming Group marks a new chapter in his career, one that merges his competitive spirit with a burgeoning industry.
Legendary Gaming Group: A New Force in Esports
Legendary Gaming Group is not just a personal venture for Bendtner but a collective effort involving several prominent figures in the esports space. The group has already made strategic investments in New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an as-yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. The aim is to revolutionize esports with innovative gaming experiences, elite talent development, and exciting events.
Joining Bendtner at Legendary Gaming Group are Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. The collaborative effort of these experienced individuals provides the group with a strong foundation to achieve its ambitious goals in the esports sector.
“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,” Stehouwer remarked. “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's Storied History
Team Singularity has been a fixture in the UK/Nordics esports scene, particularly in the League of Legends NLC (Northern League of Legends Championship). The organization has a rich history dating back to the early days of UK League of Legends competitions, including participation in the old ESL UK Premiership. Although Stehouwer had been seeking new avenues for the team, finding alignment with Legendary Gaming Group marks a pivotal moment in the team’s trajectory.
On the other hand, Tricked Esport, another entity involved in the partnership, ceased operations last year. Despite this, the collaborative ethos between former competitors like Tricked and ongoing entities like Team Singularity indicates a robust, unified approach to driving esports forward under the Legendary banner.
Bendtner's Journey from Soccer to Esports
Nicklas Bendtner's venture into esports might seem unconventional to some, but his passion for gaming has deep roots. Bendtner began his foray into the world of CSGO during the COVID-19 lockdown, and soon after, he owned a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. His enthusiasm for the game was further exhibited in November 2022, when he participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, playing for Team Denmark.
Esports isn’t entirely alien to Bendtner, given his connections and past involvement. His transition is emblematic of a growing trend where former athletes and sports professionals are crossing over to the digital domain, bringing with them their competitive edge and fanbase.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, Team Singularity has already teased a significant announcement set for August 1st, 2024, which promises to unveil new developments under the Legendary Gaming Group's leadership. This future-facing approach is integral to Bendtner and his team’s strategy to establish a formidable presence in the esports landscape.
Bendtner’s storied sports career, encompassing notable highlights such as the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history, brings a unique perspective to his new role. His involvement in Legendary Gaming Group signifies a melding of traditional sports acumen with the innovative and rapidly evolving world of esports.
As Bendtner aptly puts it, "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.” This sentiment reflects the collaborative spirit and the dynamic nature of his latest venture in the esports arena.
With the convergence of seasoned esports professionals and Bendtner’s sports legacy, the future looks promising for Legendary Gaming Group and its mission to redefine the esports experience.