Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner, known in some circles as "Lord Bendtner," has made a significant move off the pitch and into the digital arena. Bendtner has acquired 100% of the Danish esports organization Team Singularity, marking a high-profile venture into a burgeoning industry that's capturing the attention of many former athletes.
Bendtner, who enjoyed a storied career playing for clubs such as Arsenal and Wolfsburg, announced his retirement from football three years ago. Since then, he has been plotting his entry into esports, a sector that has been experiencing explosive growth worldwide. His journey into the virtual world began during the COVID pandemic when he started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), even owning a small team called Prosapia Esport.
A New Venture: Legendary Gaming Group
Further underpinning his interest in esports, Bendtner has established Legendary Gaming Group, an investment and management company with a focused vision on revolutionizing the esports landscape. Legendary Gaming Group has already invested in entities like New Breed Agency and Legendary Arena and is in the process of developing 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 said, expressing his enthusiasm for his new endeavor. His role within the company is set to be an active one, although the exact title and responsibilities are still being finalized as other sports profiles join the group.
Team Singularity’s Evolution
Team Singularity, which has roots dating back to the early days of UK esports, particularly in League of Legends, is now under the umbrella of Legendary Gaming Group. The team was once a part of the old ESL UK Premiership and has been a staple in UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC.
Atle Stehouwer, the founder of Team Singularity, has been instrumental in this transition. "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 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," said Stehouwer.
Experienced Leadership Joins the Fold
Joining Bendtner and Stehouwer at Legendary Gaming Group are Morten Jensen, the founder of Tricked Esport, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. Tricked Esport was another established name in the scene until it closed down last year, but its legacy continues through the expertise and vision Jensen brings to the table.
The inclusion of such experienced figures is a strategic move designed to solidify Legendary Gaming Group’s position in the esports industry. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective that aims to push the boundaries of what esports organizations can achieve.
Looking Ahead
As Legendary Gaming Group begins to make its mark, Team Singularity is already teasing an announcement set for August 1st, 2024. This indicates that significant developments and initiatives are on the horizon, promising to captivate fans and competitors alike.
Moreover, the involvement of a high-profile figure like Bendtner is expected to bring additional visibility and credibility to Team Singularity and, by extension, Legendary Gaming Group. Bendtner’s football legacy, coupled with his new passion for esports, positions him as a unique ambassador for the digital sport, capable of bridging the gap between traditional sports and esports enthusiasts.
In November 2022, Bendtner participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, playing on Team Denmark. This experience has further cemented his commitment to integrating himself into the esports community.
The former footballer's leap into the gaming world is not just a personal venture but a strategic business move that underscores the potential and growing legitimacy of esports. As Legendary Gaming Group gears up to deliver 'cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events,' the gaming community keenly observes how Bendtner and his team will shape the future of esports.