Nicklas Bendtner Acquires Team Singularity, Launches Legendary Gaming Group
Former professional soccer player Nicklas Bendtner has taken a significant step into the world of esports by acquiring 100% of the Danish esports organization Team Singularity. Bendtner, who once donned the jerseys of top-tier football clubs such as Arsenal and Wolfsburg, announced his retirement from football three years ago. Now, he is channeling his competitive spirit into the rapidly growing esports industry.
The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Team Singularity, which has been a key player in the UK/Nordics League of Legends NLC since the early days of UK LoL, dating back to 2017. The team was also part of the old ESL UK Premiership. Amid the rise of esports, Bendtner's involvement brings both star power and a fresh investment perspective to the scene.
As part of his foray into esports, Bendtner has established the Legendary Gaming Group, an esports-focused investment and management company. The group has already made notable investments in New Breed Agency, Legendary Arena, and a yet-to-be-named esports and gaming brand. The ambition behind these ventures is clear: to revolutionize esports with cutting-edge gaming experiences, elite talent development, and thrilling events.
Reflecting on his new venture, Bendtner stated, “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.”
The Legendary Gaming Group is bolstered by an impressive roster of industry veterans, including Team Singularity founder Atle Stehouwer, Tricked Esport founder Morten Jensen, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech. Together, they aim to leverage their collective expertise to achieve their bold vision.
For Stehouwer, Bendtner's investment and the newly formed Legendary Gaming Group represent the culmination of extensive efforts to secure a stable and promising future for Team Singularity. “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 honored 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,” said Stehouwer.
Team Singularity has teased an announcement set for August 1st, 2024, sparking speculation about the organization's next major move under Bendtner's leadership.
Interestingly, Bendtner's transition from football to esports has roots during the COVID-19 pandemic. He began playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) and eventually owned a small CSGO team called Prosapia Esport. His passion for gaming even saw him participate in a showmatch at the Blast Premier Fall Finals in Copenhagen in November 2022, where he played for Team Denmark at the Royal Arena.
Bendtner's colorful background includes a relationship with Danish aristocrat Caroline Luel-Brockdorff and a unique title of “Lord” bestowed by the Danish tabloid ‘Se og Hør’, which purchased him a square foot of land in Scotland in March 2015.
The former footballer’s sporting achievements are notable as well, including holding the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Premier League history (1.8 seconds after the ball was kicked into play) against Tottenham on December 22nd, 2007.
As Bendtner embarks on this new venture, the esports community eagerly anticipates the innovations and contributions Legendary Gaming Group will bring to the industry. Bendtner’s passion, combined with the expertise of his partners, sets a promising stage for a transformative impact on competitive gaming.
“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,” Bendtner added, indicating an evolving landscape for his involvement in esports.
This significant move is a testament to the increasing convergence of traditional sports figures and the dynamic, fast-paced world of esports. With Bendtner and his team at the helm, the future looks bright for Team Singularity and the burgeoning esports sector.