In a remarkable pivot from his illustrious football career, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has ventured into the dynamic world of esports, acquiring 100% of the Danish organization Team Singularity. The move has been complemented by Bendtner's establishment of an investment and management company known as the Legendary Gaming Group, positioned to make waves in the ever-evolving esports industry.
Bendtner, best known for his time at English Premier League club Arsenal and German side Wolfsburg, hung up his football boots three years ago. His post-retirement journey saw him delve into the gaming sector, an area he is evidently passionate about. "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 shared enthusiastically.
The Legendary Gaming Group, under Bendtner's guidance, aims to revolutionize esports with innovative gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events. Alongside Bendtner, the company boasts notable figures such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech.
Team Singularity's Legacy
Team Singularity has been a staple in the UK/Nordic esports scene, particularly known for its participation in the League of Legends NLC and the historic ESL UK Premiership. Founded in the early days of UK League of Legends, Singularity has played a pivotal role in nurturing talent and competing at high levels since 2017.
The acquisition of Team Singularity appears to be a strategic move, especially after Tricked Esport, another staple in the region, closed down last year. Stehouwer expressed his optimism about the future, stating, "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 Vision for the Future
The Legendary Gaming Group has already made significant investments, including in New Breed Agency and Legendary Arena. Another yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand is also under its umbrella, signaling the group's broadening footprint in the industry. The group's vision is to leverage cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies to enhance the esports experience for players and fans alike.
Bendtner's own foray into the gaming world isn't a recent development. During the COVID pandemic, he started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) and even owned a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport. His love for the game saw him participate in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen in November 2022, playing on Team Denmark—a testament to his passion for competitive gaming.
Historic Achievements and Celebrity Status
Bendtner, often referred to as "Lord Bendtner," holds a unique place in both football and celebrity culture. His record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history, just 1.8 seconds after being subbed on against Tottenham on December 22nd, 2007, remains unbroken. His colorful personal life has also kept him in the public eye, including a previous relationship with Danish royalty member Caroline Luel-Brockdorff. In 2015, Danish tabloid 'Se og Hør' even bought him a square foot of land in Scotland, bestowing him the title of "Lord."
The esports community is eagerly anticipating further announcements from Team Singularity and Legendary Gaming Group, with a significant announcement teased for August 1st, 2024.
Elsewhere in the world of sports and esports, Arsene Wenger was recently appointed as an ambassador for the new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament, emphasizing the growing intersection between traditional sports and competitive gaming.
As Bendtner and his team at Legendary Gaming Group look to reshape the landscape of esports, fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely. His transition from football to esports marks a significant chapter in his career, underlining the potential for athletes to diversify their careers beyond their sporting primes.