In a significant move that marries the worlds of professional football and esports, former soccer star Nicklas Bendtner has acquired full ownership of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Bendtner, who graced the fields of top clubs like Arsenal and Wolfsburg, announced his retirement from football three years ago and has since been immersed in the burgeoning field of competitive gaming.
Recently, Bendtner established the Legendary Gaming Group, an esports-focused investment and management company. This entity has quickly made its presence felt in the esports arena through investments in New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and a yet-to-be-revealed 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,” remarked Bendtner, echoing his commitment to his new venture. Bendtner, often referred to as 'Lord Bendtner' due to a quirky tabloid purchase of a square foot of Scottish land to humorously bestow him the title, is no stranger to esports, having started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) during the COVID-19 pandemic. His passion for gaming also saw him owning a small CSGO team, Prosapia Esport, and participating in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen last November.
A Strategic Partnership
The acquisition of Team Singularity is a strategic move for Bendtner, offering him a strong foothold in the esports landscape. Team Singularity has deep roots in the UK and Nordic esports scenes, having competed in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC and being active since as early as 2017. Their participation in the old ESL UK Premiership further consolidates their legacy in the region.
The Legendary Gaming Group is not only bolstered by Bendtner's involvement but also by the expertise of key figures such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. Tricked Esport, although closed down last year, had been a significant player in the industry, and its founder Jensen's inclusion in Legendary Gaming Group highlights the collective ambition of this new entity.
“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,” noted Stehouwer. “I’m thrilled and honored 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.”
Forward-Thinking Initiatives
Legendary Gaming Group has positioned itself as a forward-thinking entity, aiming to 'revolutionize esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.' This ambitious vision is already taking shape with investments in several key projects within the esports ecosystem.
The integration of experienced individuals and strategic investments underscores the group’s commitment to push the boundaries of what esports can achieve. As Bendtner continues to define his role within the company, which he indicates 'will be an active one,' there is palpable excitement about the potential for innovation and growth under his leadership.
In a teaser announcement, Team Singularity hinted at a significant reveal set for August 1st, 2024. This date marks a pivotal moment, potentially signaling another major development or an event that could further cement their status within the esports community.
Bridging Two Worlds
Bendtner's transition from professional football to esports is a fascinating journey that encapsulates the versatility and dynamic nature of modern sports athletes. His storied football career, highlighted by a record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history, is now paralleled by his growing influence within esports.
Interestingly, as Arsène Wenger takes on the role of an ambassador for a new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament, it is evident that traditional football figures are increasingly recognizing and embracing the potential of the esports industry.
The blend of Bendtner’s football legacy with his burgeoning esports endeavors provides a unique narrative that blurs the lines between two distinct yet increasingly interconnected worlds. With his acquired expertise and passion for gaming, Bendtner seems poised to drive Legendary Gaming Group and Team Singularity to new heights, making him a notable figure in the evolution of competitive gaming.