In an unexpected yet intriguing move, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has transitioned into the world of esports by acquiring full ownership of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. The Danish footballer, who once played for notable clubs such as Arsenal and Wolfsburg, has seamlessly maneuvered from the soccer pitch to the digital arena, marking his arrival with the establishment of the Legendary Gaming Group.
Legendary Gaming Group is Bendtner’s latest venture and is set on making a significant impact within the esports industry. Bendtner, who retired from football three years ago, appears to be channeling his competitive spirit and business acumen into this new domain.
“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 stated, highlighting his enthusiasm for the project. The Legendary Gaming Group aims to revolutionize esports by offering cutting-edge gaming experiences, nurturing elite talent development, and hosting thrilling events.
The Vision Behind Legendary Gaming Group
The Legendary Gaming Group’s investment portfolio includes the New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and a yet-to-be-named esports and gaming brand. Joining Bendtner in this ambitious venture are veterans of the esports scene, including Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer and Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen. Notably, Tricked Esport, which competed in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC, closed down last year. Team Singularity, however, remains an enduring presence in the esports community, featuring prominently in the early days of UK League of Legends (LoL) since 2017 and as a participant in the old ESL UK Premiership.
Atle Stehouwer expressed his excitement about Team Singularity's new chapter under the Legendary Gaming Group's guidance. “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,” Stehouwer remarked.
Esports Meets Long-Standing Traditions in Football
Bendtner's evolution into the esports realm has been gradual yet deliberate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) and soon owned a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport. In November 2022, Bendtner showcased his skills in a showmatch at the BLAST Premier Fall Finals in the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, where he played for Team Denmark. His commitment to the sport is further underscored by his close association with influential figures in the esports community, ensuring that his involvement is both strategic and passionate.
Accompanying Bendtner in the leadership of Legendary Gaming Group are accomplished individuals like Stephen Shine and Jonas Rosbech, alongside the experienced Stehouwer and Jensen. The collective experience and insights of these individuals are expected to propel Legendary Gaming Group to new heights, merging traditional sports excellence with the dynamic energy of esports.
Anticipation Builds for Future Announcements
Team Singularity has hinted at a significant announcement set for August 1st, 2024, which has generated considerable anticipation within the esports community. This follows Stehouwer's recent statements expressing satisfaction with the new direction Team Singularity is taking under Bendtner's leadership.
Interestingly, Bendtner’s personal life has also intertwined with his professional ventures. Although once romantically linked to Caroline Luel-Brockdorff of Danish royalty, it was an unconventional purchase by Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' that added a unique title to his name. The tabloid bought him a square foot of land in Scotland in 2015, bestowing upon him the title of “Lord,” which now humorously complements his enterprises in esports.
Bendtner has always been known for making headlines, whether it's scoring the fastest goal as a substitute in Premier League history against Tottenham on December 22, 2007, or transitioning from a football icon to an esports entrepreneur. His latest role, though not yet fully defined, promises to be integral to the operations and success of Legendary Gaming Group. “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,” Bendtner explained.
With Legendary Gaming Group aiming to leave a lasting imprint on the esports landscape, Bendtner's journey from the football field to esports stardom exemplifies a modern athlete's ambition to diversify and innovate beyond their primary sports career.