Nicklas Bendtner, a name renowned in the world of football, is embarking on an exciting new journey in the esports industry. The former professional soccer player has acquired 100% of Danish esports organization Team Singularity, a significant move that marks his deeper foray into the rapidly-growing esports sector.
After announcing his retirement from football three years ago, Bendtner shifted his focus to the gaming world. Known for his stints with Arsenal, Wolfsburg, and other prestigious clubs, Bendtner now aims to revolutionize esports through his investment and management company, Legendary Gaming Group. The group has already made notable investments in entities such as New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and a yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand.
A New Home for Team Singularity
Team Singularity's founder, Atle Stehouwer, expressed his enthusiasm about finding a new home for the team under Legendary Gaming Group. "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," Stehouwer stated.
Team Singularity has a rich history in the esports scene, having competed in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC and the old ESL UK Premiership since as early as 2017. Despite these changes, the team’s legacy and pursuit of excellence remain steadfast, with an anticipated announcement set for August 1, 2024, adding to the excitement in the community.
Esports: The New Arena
Bendtner’s journey into esports began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he started playing CSGO. He later became the owner of a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. His participation in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen in November 2022, playing for Team Denmark, showcased his serious commitment to the industry.
Legendary Gaming Group, under Bendtner's leadership, aims to 'revolutionize esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.' Joining him in this venture are notable figures like Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech.
Strategic Partnership and New Ventures
The collaboration brings together substantial expertise and strategic vision. Tricked Esport, another significant name in the esports world, had competed alongside Team Singularity in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC until its closure last year. This consolidation under Legendary Gaming Group's umbrella promises to foster growth and innovation in the esports domain.
Expressing his excitement about the new journey, Bendtner commented, “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. 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.”
A Play for the Future
This strategic move into esports is more than just a business venture for Bendtner—it's a passion project. His unique title of "Lord Bendtner," humorously bestowed upon him by the Danish tabloid 'Se og Hør' in 2015, adds a touch of royal flair to his new role in esports. The title stems from his past relationship with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, who hails from Danish royalty. Bendtner also holds the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history, a testament to his impressive reflexes that might serve him well in the fast-paced world of esports.
The transition from the football field to the virtual arena marks a significant career shift for Bendtner, who, alongside an adept team, is poised to make a substantial impact on the esports industry. Legendary Gaming Group's ambition to provide cutting-edge gaming experiences and develop elite talent signals a bright future ahead for Team Singularity and the broader esports community. With impending announcements and ongoing projects, the esports world eagerly awaits the next moves of 'Lord Bendtner' and his accomplished team.