In a bold move that underscores the growing convergence between traditional sports and esports, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has acquired 100% of the Danish esports organization Team Singularity. This acquisition is part of Bendtner's larger venture into the burgeoning esports industry through his recently established investment and management firm, Legendary Gaming Group.
Bendtner, known for his stints with top European soccer clubs including Arsenal and Wolfsburg, has been exploring new avenues since his retirement from football three years ago. Through Legendary Gaming Group, Bendtner aims to make a significant impact in the esports world, proclaiming that the company is “revolutionising esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.”
Navigating the Esports Arena
Team Singularity, a notable presence in the early days of the UK League of Legends (LoL) scene, was part of the old ESL UK Premiership and has recently competed in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC. The team, founded by Atle Stehouwer, will now operate under the Legendary Gaming Group banner. Stehouwer expressed excitement about this new chapter: “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.”
Bendtner is joined in this venture by several notable figures in the esports community, including Team Singularity's founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. Interestingly, Tricked Esport, another key player in the NLC alongside Singularity, was closed down last year.
A Passion for Gaming
Bendtner's foray into esports isn't just a business endeavor; it's also driven by personal passion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) and even owned a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport. This enthusiasm carried over to his participation in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in November 2022, where he played for Team Denmark at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen.
Reflecting on his new role and the team he has assembled, Bendtner shared, “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.” He added that his role within Legendary Gaming Group would be active, though the specific title is yet to be determined based on the roles of other incoming sports profiles.
Looking to the Future
Another intriguing aspect of this development is the investment strategy of Legendary Gaming Group. In addition to acquiring Team Singularity, the group has invested in New Breed Agency and Legendary Arena, with plans to introduce a yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. This diversified approach suggests a comprehensive plan to influence various facets of the esports industry, from talent development to event management.
Adding to the anticipation, Team Singularity has teased a significant announcement set for August 1st, 2024. This yet-to-be-revealed development could potentially reshape the structure or strategy of the team, further solidifying its place under Legendary Gaming Group.
From Soccer to Esports
Bendtner's journey from the soccer pitch to the esports arena represents a significant shift but also showcases the potential cross-pollination between traditional sports and the digital realm. Known for his quick goal-scoring prowess—he still holds the record for the fastest goal by a substitute in Premier League history—Bendtner now aims to bring that same level of excellence and innovation to esports.
This transition also had a personal twist: once romantically linked with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff of Danish royalty, Bendtner earned the tongue-in-cheek title of "Lord" when Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' bought him a square foot of land in Scotland in March 2015. Now, "Lord Bendtner" is ready to reign in a new domain.
In a related note, legendary soccer manager Arsene Wenger has also ventured into the esports realm, recently announced as an ambassador for a $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament. This movement underlines a broader trend of traditional sports figures engaging with the growing esports industry.
As the lines between traditional sports and esports continue to blur, Nicklas Bendtner’s venture into this dynamic, rapidly evolving field is a testament to the broadening horizons and exciting opportunities the esports industry has to offer. With Legendary Gaming Group at the helm, the partnership promises innovative experiences and a fresh approach to the competitive gaming scene.