In a significant move intertwining the worlds of traditional sports and esports, former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has acquired 100% of the Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Bendtner, known for his stints at English Premier League club Arsenal and Wolfsburg, retired from football three years ago and has since shifted his focus to the burgeoning esports industry.
Since hanging up his boots, Bendtner has embarked on a new venture, establishing the esports-focused investment and management company, Legendary Gaming Group. The company is quickly making its presence felt, investing in entities such as New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an as-yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand. According to the group, they are "revolutionising esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events."
Joining Bendtner at Legendary Gaming Group are several prominent figures in the esports community, including Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. This diverse team brings a wealth of experience and vision to the venture, aiming to reshape the landscape of esports.
Team Singularity's Legacy
Team Singularity has a storied history within the UK and Nordic League of Legends (LoL) circuits, having participated in the UK’s LoL scene since as early as 2017. The team was also a part of the old ESL UK Premiership, making it a well-recognized name in the esports community. Recently, the team has teased an announcement set for August 1st, 2024, marking a new chapter under Bendtner's guidance.
This acquisition follows a statement from Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, who expressed his excitement about the 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," Stehouwer said. "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's Esports Journey
Nicklas Bendtner's interest in esports is not a recent development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), eventually owning a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. This personal involvement in gaming laid the groundwork for his deeper engagement in the esports industry.
In November 2022, Bendtner showcased his gaming skills on a grand stage, participating in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen. Representing Team Denmark, he demonstrated that his competitive spirit extends beyond the football pitch into the virtual arena.
Reflecting on his new venture, 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. 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 New Era for Esports
Legendary Gaming Group's ambitions go beyond mere participation in esports; the group aims to revolutionize the industry. Their investments in New Breed Agency and Legendary Arena, alongside plans for an unnamed gaming brand, underline their commitment to creating cutting-edge gaming experiences and developing elite talent.
Meanwhile, another prominent figure from the traditional sports world, Arsene Wenger, has recently been announced as an ambassador for a new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament. This highlights a broader trend of traditional sports figures crossing over into the esports realm, enriching the industry with their experience and influence.
The Future of Team Singularity
With Bendtner at the helm and the support of experienced professionals like Atle Stehouwer and Morten Jensen, Team Singularity is poised for a bright future. The upcoming announcement in August 2024 is eagerly anticipated by fans and industry insiders alike, signaling potential new developments and directions for the team.
This acquisition and the formation of Legendary Gaming Group mark an exciting evolution in Bendtner's career and a significant step forward for Team Singularity. As the lines between traditional sports and esports continue to blur, the involvement of high-profile athletes like Bendtner could usher in a new era of growth and innovation in the esports industry.