In a remarkable turn of events, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has made a significant foray into the world of esports, acquiring 100% of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Bendtner, who once played for English Premier League club Arsenal and Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, announced his retirement from football three years ago and has since redirected his focus towards the flourishing esports industry.
Bendtner's latest venture sees him establishing the esports-focused investment and management company, Legendary Gaming Group. The company has already made substantial investments in New Breed Agency and Legendary Arena, and is set to launch a yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. According to Legendary Gaming Group, the company is “revolutionising esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.”
The distinguished former striker, often known by his nickname "Lord Bendtner," will be leading the charge at Legendary Gaming Group alongside a robust team of industry veterans. Joining him are Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. The partnership marks a significant milestone for Bendtner, who has long been intrigued by the esports ecosystem.
“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. While his specific role within the company isn't fully decided, due in part to the roles that other sports profiles will play, his active involvement underscores his commitment to impacting the esports sphere.
Revamping Team Singularity
Team Singularity has a rich history, having been involved in the early days of the UK League of Legends scene as far back as 2017. The team was also a part of the old ESL UK Premiership. This new chapter under Legendary Gaming Group comes after Team Singularity originally began competing in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC and followed the recent closure of Tricked Esport in the previous year. Stehouwer emphasized the importance of this transition for 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,” he stated.
Esports Expansion
As Bendtner dives deeper into the esports world, his journey began quite uniquely. He picked up interest in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) during the COVID pandemic and even owned a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. Bendtner further showcased his passion for the game by participating in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen in November 2022, where he played on Team Denmark.
Singularity has teased an upcoming announcement set for August 1st, 2024, sparking curiosity and anticipation within the community. As the esports industry continues to evolve, Bendtner's entry signals a broader trend of former athletes and celebrities exploring opportunities within this dynamic and rapidly growing sector.
A Unique Journey
Bendtner’s unconventional career trajectory has often placed him in the spotlight. Highlighting this unique blend of experiences, Bendtner once held a relationship with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, who hails from Danish royalty. A notable incident in March 2015 saw Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' purchasing a square foot of land in Scotland to bestow upon him the title of “Lord.” Moreover, Bendtner holds the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history, netting a goal 1.8 seconds after the ball was put into play against Tottenham on December 22nd, 2007.
The Future of Esports
While the traditional sports landscape continues to intersect with digital gaming, other prominent figures have taken similar steps. Arsene Wenger, for instance, was recently announced as an ambassador for a $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament. This convergence of sports and esports showcases a transformative era where the boundaries between physical sport and virtual competition blur.
Nicklas Bendtner's entry into the esports arena via Legendary Gaming Group represents not just a personal metamorphosis but also a testament to the growing allure of esports as a viable, exciting, and professional avenue. With his dynamic team in place and ambitious plans underway, the world of esports awaits the impactful strides that Legendary Gaming Group is poised to make.