Nicklas Bendtner, a name synonymous with passion and prowess both on and off the football pitch, has embarked on a new chapter in his career by acquiring the full ownership of Danish esports organisation Team Singularity. The former professional soccer player, known for his stints at Arsenal, Wolfsburg, among others, has shown that his ambition and drive extend far beyond the confines of traditional sports.
Just three years after hanging up his football boots, Bendtner's venture into the world of esports is being realized through the establishment of the Legendary Gaming Group. This investment and management company is set to revolutionize the esports landscape, according to Bendtner and his team. The venture has already seen investments made into New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an as-yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand.
“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 expressed. His enthusiasm and commitment to the burgeoning esports field highlight a promising future for both him and the Legendary Gaming Group.
Building Legendary Gaming Group
Joining Bendtner at Legendary Gaming Group are key figures including Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. This experienced collective aims to infuse fresh energy into the esports domain, promising ‘cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events’.
Atle Stehouwer, reflecting on the transition, shared his excitement: “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 Storied History in Esports
Team Singularity has carved out a significant presence in the esports arena since its inception. Competing in the early days of UK League of Legends (LoL), the team was a regular at the old ESL UK Premiership and has also participated in the UK/Nordics LoL NLC. Despite the closure of Tricked Esport last year, the legacy of these teams endures, especially under the new stewardship of the Legendary Gaming Group.
The announcement of Bendtner’s full acquisition of Team Singularity and the formation of Legendary Gaming Group comes amid plans for a major revelation set for August 1st, 2024. This teaser has already set the community abuzz with speculation and anticipation.
From the Pitch to the Arena
Bendtner’s interest in esports isn't a recent development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the former striker started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), eventually venturing into esports ownership with a small team known as Prosapia Esport. His participation in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in November 2022, representing Team Denmark, solidified his reputation within the esports community.
Moreover, Bendtner’s unique moniker, ‘Lord Bendtner’, has interesting origins. While once a partner of Caroline Luel-Brockdorff from Danish royalty, it was a Danish tabloid that humorously purchased a square foot of land in Scotland for him in March 2015, thereby granting him the title of “Lord”.
Future Prospects
With Bendtner now at the helm, the trajectory of Team Singularity seems geared for new heights. His transition from football to esports, marked by his proactive involvement in gaming ventures, is indicative of the evolving nature of sports entertainment and competition.
Notably, the Legendary Gaming Group, with Bendtner’s active participation, is set to redefine the standards of esports engagement. “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 noted.
As the esports industry continues to grow exponentially, figures like Nicklas Bendtner bring a wealth of experience and a touch of star power, ensuring that the lines between traditional sports and esports are increasingly blurred. The innovative spirit and vision behind the Legendary Gaming Group herald a new dawn for esports enthusiasts and professional gamers alike.