In a move that underscores the growing convergence of traditional sports and the burgeoning esports industry, former professional soccer star Nicklas Bendtner has acquired 100% of Danish esports organisation Team Singularity. Bendtner, who is widely known for his time with English Premier League club Arsenal and Wolfsburg, announced his retirement from football three years ago and has since shifted his focus to esports investments and management.
Not only has Bendtner purchased Team Singularity, but he has also established the Legendary Gaming Group, an investment and management company dedicated to esports. The group is committed to what it describes as “revolutionising esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.” His newfound venture has invested in New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and an as-yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand, highlighting his strategic approach to this sector.
“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. His passion for the industry is evident, having started playing CSGO during the COVID-19 pandemic and even owning a small CSGO team named Prosapia Esport. Bendtner's immersion in esports deepened in November 2022 when he participated in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, playing on Team Denmark.
Legendary Gaming Group and Strategic Alliances
The foundation of Legendary Gaming Group is strengthened by the presence of seasoned figures such as Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. This collaboration aims to solidify their standing within the esports community. “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,” said Stehouwer. “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 and Tricked Esport, both of which have competed in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC, bring considerable competitive experience to the table. Despite Tricked Esport having closed down last year, their legacy continues through this new venture. Team Singularity, established in the early days of UK LoL from as early as 2017 and being part of the old ESL UK Premiership, teased an announcement set for August 1st, 2024. This strategic move hints at exciting developments on the horizon, further signifying the group's ambitions in the esports world.
From the Football Pitch to the Esports Arena
Bendtner, often referred to by his moniker “Lord Bendtner,” brings an interesting blend of football fame and esports enthusiasm to his new role. The nickname, "Lord," stems from a Danish tabloid's purchase of a square foot of land in Scotland in 2015, thus bestowing the title upon him. His legacy in football is storied, including scoring the fastest goal by a substitute in Premier League history—just 1.8 seconds after entering play against Tottenham on December 22nd, 2007.
His pivot to esports not only reflects his personal interests but also aligns with broader trends in which former athletes leverage their fame and leadership skills in emerging sectors like esports. With Arsenal's former manager Arsene Wenger recently announced as an ambassador for a new $100,000 FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager esports tournament, the crossover between traditional sports and gaming seems to be growing stronger.
As Lord Bendtner steps into this new chapter, his role within Legendary Gaming Group is set to be an active one, though the exact title is yet to be determined. “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,” he explained. This transitional phase indicates that Legendary Gaming Group aims to attract varied talents to build a versatile and competitive organisation.
In summary, Nicklas Bendtner's acquisition of Team Singularity and the development of the Legendary Gaming Group represent significant steps in his post-football career. It showcases his dedication to fostering innovation and excellence within the esports industry. With a team backed by experienced professionals and driven by a clear vision, Bendtner is poised to make a substantial impact in this dynamic field.