Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner is making headlines once again, but this time not on the pitch. The ex-Arsenal and Wolfsburg forward has acquired full ownership of Danish esports organization Team Singularity, marking a significant shift from traditional sports to the world of competitive gaming.
Bendtner, who announced his retirement from professional football three years ago, is now venturing into the burgeoning esports industry with enthusiasm and determination. His recent establishment of the Legendary Gaming Group—a new esports-focused investment and management company—highlights his commitment to his new field of interest.
A New Era for Team Singularity
The acquisition of Team Singularity by Bendtner is a noteworthy move in the esports landscape. Team Singularity has been a prominent name in the UK and Nordics League of Legends NLC, dating back to the early days of UK LoL competitions in 2017. The team's history includes participation in the old ESL UK Premiership, solidifying its legacy in the regional esports scene.
Atle Stehouwer, the founder of Team Singularity, expressed his satisfaction with the new chapter for the organization. “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 explained. "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.”
Legendary Gaming Group: A Bold Vision
Legendary Gaming Group aims to revolutionize esports through "cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events." Bendtner's passion for this new venture is evident. “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. "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.”
The group comprises several notable figures in the esports industry, including Team Singularity founder Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. Their combined expertise is expected to drive Legendary Gaming Group toward its ambitious goals.
From Soccer to Esports
Bendtner’s journey from professional soccer to esports is a tale of adaptation and new pursuits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), eventually owning a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. His involvement in esports deepened when he participated in a show match at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen in November 2022, representing Team Denmark.
Bendtner's diverse background and new ventures are a testament to his versatility and willingness to explore new domains. His nickname "Lord Bendtner" originated from a 2015 Danish celebrity tabloid story, where he was humorously awarded a square foot of land in Scotland, granting him the title of “Lord.”
Throughout his football career, Bendtner made numerous headlines, notably holding the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history—just 1.8 seconds after the ball was kicked into play against Tottenham on December 22, 2007. His charismatic presence both on and off the field has now found a new avenue in the digital world of esports.
A Promising Future
Team Singularity's future under Legendary Gaming Group is highly anticipated. With a planned announcement set for August 1st, 2024, fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see what changes and innovations Bendtner and his team will bring to the table.
This transition from the realm of physical sports to competitive gaming highlights a broader trend where traditional athletes and sports figures are increasingly investing in and contributing to the growth of esports. Bendtner's move not only enhances his post-football career but also brings added attention and legitimacy to the esports industry.
As Legendary Gaming Group forges ahead with its mission to transform esports, Bendtner’s role as an active participant and investor will undoubtedly play a significant part in shaping the future of the organization and the wider esports community. His latest venture promises a thrilling new chapter for esports enthusiasts and marks an exciting evolution in Bendtner's dynamic career.