Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner, known for his stint at English Premier League club Arsenal and other notable teams like Wolfsburg, has ventured into the world of esports by acquiring 100% of Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Bendtner, who retired from football three years ago, is now immersing himself in the dynamic sphere of competitive gaming.
Bendtner's foray into esports isn't just a casual interest; he has established an investment and management company named Legendary Gaming Group. This new entity promises to ‘revolutionize esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.’ Legendary Gaming Group has already made significant strides, investing in New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and preparing to introduce a yet-unnamed esports and gaming brand.
Building a Legacy
Nicklas Bendtner’s name is already enshrined in soccer history— he holds the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history, a feat achieved in just 1.8 seconds against Tottenham on December 22, 2007. Known to many as "Lord Bendtner"—a title humorously bestowed upon him when Danish tabloid 'Se og Hør' bought him a square foot of land in Scotland in March 2015—he is now determined to leave an equally indelible mark in the world of esports.
“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 expressed, reflecting his deep commitment and enthusiasm for this new chapter. His role in the company will be active, though he admits that the exact title is yet to be determined, pending the integration of other sports profiles joining the venture.
Strategic Partners
Joining Bendtner at Legendary Gaming Group are several seasoned names in the esports domain, including Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer and Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen. Stephen Shine and Jonas Rosbech also bring their expertise to the table. Stehouwer, who has been seeking a "proper home" for Team Singularity, expressed his excitement about the new alliance: “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.”
From the Pitch to the Screen
Bendtner’s personal journey into esports began during the COVID pandemic when he started playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). Leveraging his passion, he owned a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. His involvement in this competitive sphere peaked in November 2022 during a show match at the Blast Premier Fall Finals at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, where he played for Team Denmark. This burgeoning interest has evidently served as a catalyst for his current, more structured investment in the gaming world.
Historical Roots
Team Singularity has a storied history in the competitive gaming arena, tracing back to the early days of UK League of Legends (LoL), around 2017. They were a part of the old ESL UK Premiership and have since been a competitive force within the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC. Tricked Esport, another notable name now interconnected with Legendary Gaming Group, unfortunately closed down last year but leaves behind a legacy that its founders now hope to expand through this new venture.
In an exciting teaser, Team Singularity has hinted at a significant announcement set for August 1st, 2024. This follows the positive notes from Stehouwer about finding an enduring home for the team under the wings of Legendary Gaming Group.
The Future of Legendary Gaming Group
Legendary Gaming Group aims to redefine the landscape of esports and gaming, capitalizing on the diverse expertise of its founding members and their shared vision. Bendtner’s shift from the soccer pitch to the virtual screen showcases the fluidity and interconnectedness of sports and gaming in the contemporary digital age. As esports continues to gain traction globally, the involvement of seasoned sports professionals like Bendtner underscores its growing legitimacy and potential.
As the esports industry evolves, Legendary Gaming Group is set to be a trailblazer, combining competitive zeal with innovative experiences. The world watches with bated breath as Bendtner and his team embark on this exhilarating journey, anticipating groundbreaking developments and elite talent cultivation in their quest to revolutionize esports.