Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has taken a significant step into the world of esports by acquiring 100% ownership of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Known for his stints with prominent clubs like Arsenal and Wolfsburg, Bendtner announced his retirement from football three years ago and has since ventured into the burgeoning esports industry.
In a move that signifies his deep interest and commitment to this new realm, Bendtner has established an esports-focused investment and management company named Legendary Gaming Group. The group aims to revolutionize the esports landscape with innovative gaming experiences, elite talent development, and exciting events.
Investment and Collaboration
Legendary Gaming Group has already made noteworthy investments, including New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an unnamed esports and gaming brand. Bendtner’s company is quickly becoming a substantial player in the esports field, driven by a team of experienced professionals. Joining Bendtner at Legendary Gaming Group are Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech.
Atle Stehouwer, reflecting on the acquisition, expressed his excitement about the new direction for Team Singularity. “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 New Era for Team Singularity
Team Singularity has a storied history in the UK and Nordic League of Legends circuit, having been active in the scene as early as 2017 and competing in the old ESL UK Premiership. The team's longevity and history make it a significant entity in the esports community, and with Bendtner’s backing, it is poised for a new chapter.
While Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer has been instrumental in leading the team, the integration into Legendary Gaming Group promises an infusion of resources and expertise that could propel the organization to greater heights. Notably, Tricked Esport, another well-known entity in the region, closed down last year but its essence continues through the involvement of its founder, Morten Jensen, now part of Legendary Gaming Group.
Bendtner's Esports Fascination
Nicklas Bendtner’s interest in esports is not superficial. He started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) during the COVID-19 pandemic and even owned a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. His passion for esports was further highlighted when he participated in a show-match at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen in November 2022, playing for Team Denmark.
“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 said. His involvement with Legendary Gaming Group is active, though his exact title is yet to be determined as it will depend on the roles of other incoming sports profiles.
Future Prospects and Anticipation
Team Singularity has hinted at an announcement slated for August 1st, 2024, generating anticipation and speculation within the esports community about the future ventures and projects under the Legendary Gaming Group umbrella.
With Bendtner’s drive and the combined expertise of his partners, the esports world is eager to see how Legendary Gaming Group will make its mark. The group’s claim of revolutionizing esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences and thrilling events sets a high bar for their future endeavors.
Bendtner’s entry into esports exemplifies the increasing intersection of traditional sports figures and the digital sports arena. His journey from the football pitch to esports ownership adds an intriguing narrative to his career and highlights the growing allure and potential of esports as a formidable industry.
As Legendary Gaming Group begins to unfold its plans and investments, the esports landscape stands on the cusp of potential transformations, with Nicklas Bendtner at the helm of this exciting evolution.