Former professional soccer star Nicklas Bendtner has taken a significant step into the esports arena by acquiring Danish esports organisation Team Singularity. Bendtner, who is well-known for his time at top-tier clubs such as Arsenal and Wolfsburg, announced his retirement from football three years ago. However, it seems the competitive spirit that drove him in football has found a new outlet in the esports industry.
Bendtner's interest in esports isn't just a passing fancy. He has established the Legendary Gaming Group, an esports-focused investment and management company. This new venture aims to revolutionise esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.
“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, often affectionately referred to as 'Lord Bendtner', said of his new venture. His participation will be active, though his specific title within the company remains undecided, potentially influenced by other incoming sports profiles.
An impressive team surrounds Bendtner in this endeavor. Legendary Gaming Group includes notable figures such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. Stehouwer expressed his excitement about the future of Team Singularity under the legendary banner, stating, “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.”
Team Singularity has been an established name in the esports scene since the early days of UK League of Legends, dating back to as early as 2017. They were even part of the old ESL UK Premiership. The organization has also participated in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC. The transition to Legendary Gaming Group suggests an expansion of their horizons and a strengthening of their position within esports.
Intriguingly, this move follows the closure of Tricked Esport, another well-known name in the esports circles, last year. Tricked, also a competitor in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC, was a notable force before its operations ceased. The inclusion of its founder, Morten Jensen, in the Legendary Gaming Group highlights the consolidation of experience and expertise.
In addition to Team Singularity, Legendary Gaming Group has invested in New Breed Agency and Legendary Arena. The group is also planning to introduce a yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. These investments are aligned with Bendtner’s vision of bringing innovation and excitement to the esports sector.
Bendtner’s connection to esports isn't just administrative. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), even briefly owning a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport. His passion for the game culminated in his participation in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen in November 2022, where he played for Team Denmark.
Beyond his new business ventures, Bendtner’s colourful personal history continues to capture public attention. Known in Danish tabloids for his high-profile relationship with Caroline Luel-Brockdorff, who comes from Danish royalty, Bendtner’s life has never been far from the limelight. In a quirky twist, the Danish celebrity tabloid 'Se og Hør' bought him a square foot of land in Scotland back in March 2015, bestowing upon him the humorous title of “Lord”.
Despite his varied ventures, Bendtner's influence in football remains indelible. His record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history – an astonishing 1.8 seconds after entering the field against Tottenham on December 22, 2007 – stands as a testament to his quick impact on the pitch. His former manager at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, also keeps an active presence in esports, recently becoming an ambassador for a new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament.
As Team Singularity prepares for a significant announcement set for August 1st, 2024, the esports world watches with bated breath to see how Bendtner and his team will navigate this dynamic landscape. Whether it's on the pitch or in the digital arena, Bendtner seems poised to leave a lasting legacy.